World Series of Fighting 5
By Cole Meyer, RCM MMA Correspondent
Atlantic City, NJ (September 15th, 2013)– The World Series of Fighting 5th show delivered a good cross section of mma’s skills and styles. There were knockouts submissions and just good Back and forth battles. Plus we got to see the first family of mma the Gracie’s start anew chapter and continue and grow in another. The wsof brings in familiar faces and names so we tune in then they have been doing a great job of match making to display the talent of their younger fighters.
The first fight saw the hot prospects Waylon Lowe Fighting Gerogi Karkhanan. This marked Waylon’s first fight at featherweight and he looked big and powerful for his new weight class. The fight started with both men feeling each other out. Lowe was using his jab to try and get on the inside to land powerful hooks to the head and body. Gerogi seemed comfortable to stay on the outside throwing round kicks high and low to keep him guessing. Waylon shot in and Gerogi stopped the takedown grabbing a arm in guillotine in the process. When he got high enough on Waylon’s head and neck Gerogi jumped to guard and coaxed a tap out at 3:37 of the first round.
Fight number 2 saw the pro debut of Nieman Gracie as he took on Darren Costa. Darren came out aggressive forcing a clinch then he pressed Gracie up against the cage. While Darren had Gracie up against the cage he landed some really hard short left hooks to the body. Gracie worked his way off the cage then got his arms locked around Darren’s body and used a outside trip. This is the first takedown they teach you in the Gracie combatives course. When Nieman was on top he looked to be in his zone. He was slowly working his way to the mount, but Darren tried to bridge and roll. This was something Nieman was looking for Darren extended his arm while bridging and Gracie transitioned smoothly into a arm bar getting Darren to tap out at 3:57 in round 1.
The next fight was supposed to be Elvis Mutapic vs. Jesse Taylor. The athletic commission canceled the fight. One of the commission’s members claimed to see Elvis taking some prescription drugs. Elvis said it was one of his trainers that was dressed the same as Elvis was taking his heart medication. Since they were going off the word of the board member they canceled the fight and are expected to start a investigation.
Derrick Mehmen took on Rolles Gracie in a heavyweight fight. I would say everyone watching saw a striker (Derrick) vs. grappler (Gracie). Rolles looked to be the better striker as he moved in and out of range landing good straight punches. The second round was looking much like the first except Gracie was landing harder punches. Derrick finally got his distance down. Then Lunged and timed a overhand right to catch Rolles on the end of the chin. The punch caused Gracie to stumble backwards before falling face first. This gave Derrick Mehmen the biggest win of his career by way of Knockout at 2:40 in round 2.
The co main event featured David Branch vs. Danillo Villefort. First off I would like to say both of these fighters are world class and I have a great respect for both of these men. Now after watching this fight I would like to say David would be a great addition when I am home sick watching TV on a cold day. He is definitely one of the world’s best blankets. Tonight was another one of branches great impressions. He tied up Villefort and put him up against the cage. Then the last 2 rounds were just like the first round except replace the cage with the canvas. David took a unanimous decision and punched his ticket to fight for the WSoF inaugural 185 title.
Now the main event Andrei Arlovski vs. Mike Kyle These two men might not be in the top 10. Yet everyone knows them and both men are known for throwing down and making their fights the ones to watch. This fight was no different and showed the chess match of striking. Both Andrei and Kyle had knockdowns and tested each other’s chin enough times to make everyone forget their thoughts about Arlovski not having a chin. In fact every time Andrei got tagged he came back really calm and would find a rhythm to landing his right hand. This helped him pick up the win. Mike Kyle landed the more powerful shots, but Andrei landed power shots in higher volume. This was the reason the judges gave him the 29-28 unanimous decision.
This is a recap of World Series of fighting’s 5th show . The Card was fun to watch from top to bottom. I was happy to see Andrei and Mike both fighters I grew up watching fight put on a great fight. The mma world really owes a thank you to Ray Sefo for giving a chance to see and show the fighters we all love. Also he is doing a great job and matching up young fighters for entertaining shows. I know he has made a product I plan on keeping my dvr busy with.
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