QUEEN MMA Media Combat Sports – Editorial VALENTIN vs DUTILL – A FAN FAVORITE (Will there be a part 2?)
VALENTIN VS DUTILL – A TITLE FIGHT THE FANS WILL REMEMBER AND WANT TO SEE AGAIN One thing I have learned over the many years of covering combat sports, fighters fight but when you get two fighters that put on a spectacular fight the fans do not forget it. It is what the sport is all about.
CAGE WARS 66 – VALENTIN vs DUTILL
On July 19, 2024 in front of a full crowd and under the bright lights of Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, New York CAGE WARS 66 delivered what many fans are describing as the promotion’s most exciting women’s MMA bout to date. I had fight fans pull me aside after the title bout and explain to me how it was the best female fight they have seen among all the regional MMA promotions in a very long time. The fight I am referring to was for the Cage Wars strawweight title. The defending strawweight champion Alaina Dutill put her title on the line against one of the northeast’s finest, Erica Valentin at Cage Wars 66. The defending champion and the hungry top contender collided in epic fashion evoking pure electric from the packed crowd. Many regional fight fans described it as the ‘fight of the night’ and perhaps the best women’s matchup Cage Wars have ever had. Over the last six days I have received numerous emails and facebook messages from fight fans asking me if there is going to be a rematch. It is not unusual for me to get a fair amount of email pertaining to fights and combat sports topics however this time it is surprisingly far more than normal. And honestly I agree with the fans, a part two would be an absolute outstanding fight.
IT WAS A BACK AND FORTH BATTLE – DUTILL RAINING DOWN BLOWS FROM ABOVE
VALENTIN RETURNS THE FAVOR RAINING DOWN SHOTS OF HER OWN
Valentin vs Dutill energized the crowd from start to finish. “Every second of every round was intense,” a fan told me afterwards. “I did not want to blink. I thought it was going to be all over in the first with that unbelievable arm-bar attempt from Alaina in the last seconds of the round,” Explained another animated fan after the fight.
As I have said in the past I am a big supporter of both the former champion Alaina Dutill and the new champion Erica Valentin. I have a soft spot for both fighters. Yet it is fair to say with much respect to the new Cage Wars champion Valentin, had there been five or ten more seconds remaining in the first round Dutill very well may have finished the fight with an incredible armbar from the bottom. With that said the new champ clearly showed the giant dog in her and pulled out a well deserved win. There is no doubt the Alaina Dutill vs Erica Valentin bout has gained a lot of attention.
“Erica Valentin and Alaina Dutill showed everyone what a fight is. WOW!” exclaimed six fight Cage Wars veteran Richard Cloudhammer. “I absolutely want to see a rematch!”
“I think they both ‘won’ in a way” explained Cage Wars super heavyweight champion Elshaddai Vanhoesen. “I thought it was a well matched fight and a clash of styles. I’d love to see a rematch”
“I absolutely believe there should be a second fight.” Replied Mike Falvo (longtime Cage Wars Ring Announcer) when asked about the fight. “It was an absolutely amazing fight. One of the best fights I have seen in awhile.”
It would seem a lot of fight fans are craving a rematch. And from where I stand it seems not because they are arguing the outcome but simply because they loved the fight so much they want to see a part two.
“If Cage Wars ever offered me a rematch, I would be more than willing to take it,” Stated the former champion Alaina Dutill a few days after the fight.
The Erica Valentin vs Alaina Dutill matchup was not just a fantastic fight and what seems to be fast becoming a fan favorite it also creates an interesting dynamic or matrix if you will. Valentin had come up short in an attempt to win the Cage Wars strawweight championship from Tatiana Cirilo-Santos back in July of 2023 at Cage Wars 59. Dutill defeated Tatiana Cirilo-Santos in November of 2023 at Cage Wars 62 to gain the prestigious strawweight title. And now Valentin has defeated Dutill at Cage Wars 66 to claim the title. I will take a moment to commend and show respect for both Tatiana Cirilo-Santos and Alaina Dutill for doing what champions do ‘Defend the belt”.
And in response to the many fight fans that have or are planning to send me an email or facebook message asking me if there will be a rematch. All I can say is it would seem many of you the regional fight fans want it. It would seem the former champion Dutill wants it. The question remains does Erica Valentin want it? And will Cage Wars put it on the menu? With or without a part two the bottom line is both the new champion Erica Valentin and Alaina Dutill put on a rock star of a fight at Cage Wars 66.
ERICA VALENTIN EARNS THE VICTORY VIA DECISION – AND THE NEW!
Queen MMA Media Combat Sports Editorial / T. Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist) Photo Credit – Queen MMA Media
RED HOT STRAWWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT SET FOR THE NORTHEAST ALAINA DUTILL vs ERICA VALENTIN CAGE WARS 66 / JULY 19, 2024
QUEEN MMA Media
CAGE WARS 66 SET TO UNLEASH WOMEN’S TITLE FIGHT OF THE YEAR
(June 9, 2024) CAGE WARS 66 brings scorching red hot women’s MMA action July 19th to the northeast. Cage Wars is preparing to deliver one of the biggest northeast female amateur MMA matchups of the year. Alaina “The Queen” Dutill is set to defend her Cage Wars strawweight championship title against Erica Valentin.
I have covered both of these women from their start. I have had the opportunity to watch both of them develop throughout their amateur careers. These lady warriors have demonstrated they can overcome hardship and adversity inside the cage. They have proven they can come back from defeat and win championships. Alaina Dutill and Erica Valentin are two of the finest MMA amateurs in the northeast fight game.
Alaina “The Queen” Dutill returns to Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, New York to defend her 115 pound Cage Wars Championship Title against Erica Valentin, one of New England’s toughest challengers. Alaina Dutill won the Cage Wars Strawweight Title back in November of 2023 at Cage Wars 62 with a dominating unanimous decision victory over Tatiana Cirilo-Santos. Dutill has a continuously growing arsenal of weapons. In her last appearance under the Cage Wars bright lights the champion Dutill showed the fans she knows how to formulate a game plan and execute it to perfection. She is a smart fighter who understands how to use range and movement. Dutill is a Cage Wars veteran who brings five big wins along with the Cage Wars title belt into the bout. Dutill fights out of Pennsylvania and trains under CFS Academy. The champ has a strong background in kickboxing and karate.
Erica Valentin brings determination and an expanding toolkit of skills. Valentin carries five victories into the bout, has a stout muay thai and grappling background, and is riding a two fight winning streak. She has evolved into a well known New England MMA athlete with considerable talent. Valentin is no stranger to championship title belts having gained the Reality Fighting Amateur flyweight title back in January of this year as well as the Dead Serious MMA 122 pound Amateur catchweight title in December of 2022. In past bouts Valentin has shown the fight fans she has the dog inside her and is ready to push it to the next level. On July 19th she will have her sights on the northeast’s prestigious Cage Wars Strawweight championship title. Valentin is a Cage Wars veteran of four bouts with two of them being strawweight title matchups. This will be her third time gunning for the Cage Wars strawweight title.
July 19, 2024 Cage Wars champion Alaina “The Queen” Dutill will put her Cage Wars title belt on the line against an extremely formidable challenger in Erica Valentin.
Both of these fighters are capable of delivering big action. They are standout amateurs who are always ready willing and able to make war inside the cage. Dutill and Valentin have evolved into quality MMA amateurs. The standup action in this fight should be electric and it will be extremely interesting to see how the ground war plays out. Both of these ladies have skilled hands and can produce an effective standup game. The defending champion can generate quick accurate striking. Erica Valentin has the ability to deliver heavy hands. Both of these northeast fighters are fiery competitors which makes this title fight that much more engaging. Alaina Dutill and Erica Valentin have what it takes to walk away the winner. Both are considered by many within the MMA community to be ranked pound for pound on the high end among the northeast women. The challenger Valentin is ranked 8th pound for pound among females in the State of New York as well as being ranked in the top ten pound for pound in New England. Like I said earlier, I have followed and covered both of these ladies throughout their entire journey in combat sports. I have seen them encounter highs and lows. I have seen how hard they work and train. I am aware of how much they have sacrificed to become some of the top females in northeast MMA. I have enjoyed watching both of them gain success inside the cage. I have stood in silent support in both corners throughout their careers. This is a fight where I wish there could be two winners however we all know that is not the goal in combat sports. Bravo to both of these lady warriors and may the best fighter be victorious. Dutill versus Valentin looks to be an amazing matchup with the winner of the bout not only claiming the Cage Wars Strawweight Title but sending a strong message to regional fight fans as to who stands at the top of the Strawweight mountain in the northeast. Northeast fight fans will regret it if they miss this Championship Bout.
QUEEN MMA Media By: Combat Sports Journalist – Tommy Vickers
GIORGI KVIRCHISHVILI MAKES STRONG PRO DEBUT AT CFFC 131 NORTH EAST MMA Media
“MY GOAL IS THE UFC. I THINK THAT’S WHERE I’M GOING AND I’M READY FOR ANYTHING ALONG THE WAY.” – Giorgi Kvirchishvili
When GIORGI KVIRCHISHVILI enters the MMA cage it is difficult not to notice his towering physique that resembles that of a Eurasian Brown Bear. Once the bout begins it is easy to notice he has the brutal potency to match. Giorgi Kvirchishvili brings serious determination, colossal strength, and heavy punching power into every fight. The thirty-three year old heavyweight generated an impressive undefeated (4 – 0) record as an amateur. Kvirchishvili destroyed all four of his amateur opponents, two via knockout and two by way of submission. His amateur highlights include capturing the vacant Flex Fights Heavyweight Title and the vacant Cage Wars heavyweight title. As an amateur he climbed the rankings quickly becoming the top heavyweight in the northeast.
Kvirchishvili is considered by many inside the sport to be a true heavyweight prospect with real promise. He has the ability to unload big strikes and dominate with powerful grappling.
On April 12, 2024 Giorgi Kvirchishvili made his professional debut as the opening bout on the Cage Fury Fighting Championships 131 stacked card at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Kvirchishvili overwhelmed a debuting Mike Curiel with thunderous shots to deliver a crushing first round knockout victory.
GIORGI KVIRCHISHVILI stops Mike Curiel in the first round to gain pro debut win at CFFC 131
Climbing to the summit of the pro heavyweight division is an enormous challenge. Most are not up for the brutal task. Kvirchishvili is ready to rise to the occasion. “This sport is an important part of my life. I use every opportunity to progress. I work hard, I have very good team, and I have no right to disappoint. I love when I leave the cage victorious,” explained Kvirchishvili.
Giorgi is open to any offer. His goal is the UFC and based on his successful amateur career and explosive pro debut performance most fight fans believe this goal could someday become a reality. It doesn’t matter to Kvirchishvili who the opponent is or will be. He is always ready to engage anyone who wants it. Fight fans keep your eyes on this up and coming pro heavyweight. He has the right stuff to make a major impact. Don’t be surprised to see him holding the CFFC heavyweight title belt someday soon. As long as Kvirchishvili continues to grow, evolve, and destroy opponents he will be on course to becoming an excellent future fit for the UFC heavyweight roster. Perhaps the UFC should begin making room now.
NORTH EAST MMA Media By: Thomas Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist) Photo Credit – CFFC
On May 11, 2024 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC 61) will make its New England debut. The growing sport of bare knuckle boxing is set to ignite the Mohegan Sun arena in Uncasville, Connecticut with a full card of professional bare knuckle violence. Topping the fight card as the featured main event will be an explosive women’s matchup for the QUEEN of VIOLENCE Championship Title Belt between boxing legend Heather “The Heat” Hardy and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship superstar Christine “Misfit” Ferea.
QUEEN MMA Media
CHRISTINE FEREA READY TO PROVE TO THE WORLD SHE IS NUMBER ONE IN WOMEN’S COMBAT SPORTS
“Can’t wait. Training hard to put on a spectacular show!” – Christine “Misfit” Ferea
CHRISTINE “Misfit” FEREA Christine Ferea fights out of Las Vegas, Nevada and began an amateur mixed martial arts career in April of 2012. She generated a stout (3 – 1) record as an amateur. She made her professional MMA debut under the prestigious all women’s promotional banner of Invicta FC back in January of 2017. Ferea delivered a violent ground and pound first round finish against Rachael Ostovich to gain a dominating MMA debut victory. She went on to produce a (1 – 2) pro record inside the MMA cage against heavy competition that included Muay Thai – Kickboxing juggernaut Tiffany “Timebomb” Van Soest before making her cross over to bare knuckle. It was in the sport of bare knuckle boxing Ferea began to shine. She is a true fighter who trains hard and comes to win. She is a fighter who always brings an aggressive offense and Bare Knuckle Boxing swiftly became her flavor of choice.
Christine made her transition to bare knuckle boxing in October of 2018 when she debuted against a tough Jennifer Tate at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 3. Ferea exploded onto the bare knuckle world with a big first round TKO stoppage against Jennifer Tate. It was at that moment many eyebrows were raised and the fans of the growing sport of bare knuckle realized she had what it takes. Six months later Ferea was scheduled to face Britain Hart for the BKFC 126 LBS Championship Title at BKFC 5 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Ferea defeated Hart in the 2nd round due to a doctor stoppage to become the BKFC 126 pound female champion. Just four months after gaining the BKFC 126 lbs women’s title Ferea was scheduled to defend it against a fierce Helen Peralta at BKFC 7. The Ferea versus Peralta championship fight became one of the most exciting and popular bare knuckle matchups BKFC had ever generated. It was a fight that brought the fans to their feet. It was a fight bare knuckle fans would not forget. To this day the bout is considered by many bare knuckle fans to be one of BKFC’s all time best. It was a hard fought battle but in the end Ferea came up short via unanimous decision. Setbacks do not seem to discourage Ferea, nor do they seem to slow her down. A rematch was set for March of 2020 against the newly crowned champion Peralta. It was a rematch the bare knuckle fans wanted badly. It was a rematch that had to happen. Yet despite fan disappointment the bout never came to fruition due to the panic of the coronavirus pandemic, Helen Peralta vacating the title and not securing a contract agreement with BKFC.
In September of 2020 at BKFC 12 in Daytona Beach, Florida Ferea bounced back with authority stopping a seasoned combat sports warrior in Calie Cutler by way of a brutal TKO in the second round. In October of 2021 Ferea finished accomplished boxer Calista Silgado at BKFC Fight Night in Billings, Montana via third round TKO. In February of 2022 at BKFC Knuckle Mania 2 Ferea collided with Britain Hart for the vacant 126 pound championship title. It would be the second time Ferea and Hart would meet inside the squared circle. Ferea fought her way to a solid unanimous decision victory and was crowned the BKFC 126 pound women’s champion. Six months later in August of 2022 the new champion made her first title defense at BKFC 28. The opponent was an undefeated popular up and coming Taylor Starling. It was there under the bright lights of the Rio Rancho Event Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico Christine Ferea solidified her persona as the most dominating female combatant in the sport of bare knuckle. Ferea humbled and crushed the challenger Starling via TKO and verbal submission less then 40 seconds into the first round. Few if any could dispute Ferea’s increasing dominance.
FEREA STOPS CUTLER IN 2nd ROUND
FEREA DEFEATS HART VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION
In April of 2023 Ferea was scheduled to defend her championship title against Rowdy Bec Rawlings. A matchup many fans had been hoping to see. Rawlings had already established herself as one of the more formidable women bare knucklers. Bec Rawlings was an MMA UFC veteran and a highly recognized name in the combat sports community. She had captured the BKFC 122 pound championship belt in February of 2019 before relinquishing the title to make the shift back to pro MMA. In April of 2023 Rawlings made her return back to BKFC and was set to challenge Christine Ferea for the 125 pound BKFC championship. Rawlings was (3 – 1) as a bare knuckle boxer heading into the bout. She had proven her worth as a notable contender for the title. The Ferea – Rawlings bout was set to take place at BKFC 41. It was a competitive bout early however Ferea turned up the fire and eventually closed the show via doctor stoppage in round two. The victory over Rawlings sent a loud message to any who considered doubting Ferea’s reign as BKFC champion. Bec Rawlings would make another challenge for the title in December of 2023 at BKFC 56. Ferea refused to be dethroned in the rematch, delivering a convincing unanimous decision win over Rawlings to retain the title.
CHRISTINE “Misfit” FEREA AND ROWDY BEC RAWLINGS GO NOSE TO NOSE BEFORE BKFC 56
On May 11, 2024 BKFC champion Christine “Misfit” Ferea will collide with Heather “The Heat” Hardy for what BKFC has labeled the ‘Queen of Violence’ title. A belt drafted by BKFC for what many have concluded to be the result of Hardy not being able to agree to a 125 pound BKFC title fight. The “Queen of Violence” title bout will be set at 130 lbs. None the less the May 11th headline fight is almost guaranteed to electrify the crowd. Many believe if Ferea can defeat Hardy there very well may be a possible Cris Cyborg fight on the horizon. Rumor or no rumor a Ferea – Cyborg bare knuckle bout would surely gain the attention of the entire combat sports world. The question may remain – is Cyborg up for the challenge? Or will she simply avoid the showdown? Christine “Misfit” Ferea has evolved over the years to become an extremely dominating competitor. Her combat sports career continues to become more and more impressive with every bout and her development into perhaps the best female to ever throw bare knuckles is as real as steel. With an (8 – 1) record in bare knuckle boxing Christine Ferea has reigned over the women’s BKFC roster like a true queen and on May 11th under the spotlight of BKFC 61 she will take the stage as the main event. It will be her time to prove beyond all doubt she is the most feared, most respected, and most dominating woman in the world of bare knuckle and perhaps all of female combat sports. We have already witnessed that most all female warriors do not want any of Ferea’s smoke. Very few if any seem willing to step up and contest Ferea’s greatness.
DECORATED BOXER HEATHER “The Heat” HARDY READY TO MAKE BARE KNUCKLE DEBUT AT BKFC 61 HEATHER “The Heat” HARDY
Heather Hardy is well known in the boxing world. She fights and trains out of Brooklyn, NY and began boxing as a professional back in 2010. She produced an outstanding (24 – 3) record inside the pro boxing ring and held the WBO featherweight title from 2018-2019. Hardy quickly became known for her incredible tenacity and her iron determination. She is as tough as they come. In June of 2017 Hardy shifted her combat sports ventures from boxing over to mixed martial arts. She delivered a big win with a third round TKO against Alice Yauger at Bellator 180 in her MMA debut before a massive crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York. Hardy generated a respectable (2 – 2) record inside the MMA cage between 2017 and 2019. During those years she also continued with her boxing career inside the ring. Heather “The Heat” Hardy has an impressive combat sports resume. Her boxing accolades are numerous and include; winning the UBF International Super Bantamweight title, wining the WBC International Super Bantamweight title, winning the NABF featherweight title, and winning the WBO featherweight title. To many within the sports world Heather “The Heat” Hardy is considered epic among female boxers.
HEATHER “The Heat” HARDY DELIVERS A SNAPPING LEFT JAB
“The HEAT” MAKING HER WALK TO THE CAGE – BELLATOR MMA
Fight fans are curious if Hardy will be able to handle the combat sports monster known as bare knuckle. Some wonder if she will be able to endure the bloody cut producing fray of the sport. Others question if she will be able to withstand the fury of BKFC’s G.O.A.T., Christine Ferea. A win for Ferea will cement her as perhaps one of the top female combat sports athletes to ever grace the standup fight game. A win for Hardy would rock the BKFC community and remind the fight fans that she is truly a legend. Will Ferea destroy another opponent on May 11th or will Hardy pull off an enormous upset?
QUEEN MMA Media Combat Sports journalist-reporter Tommy Vickers caught up with Christine “Misfit” Ferea to ask a few questions leading into the upcoming May 11, 2024 BKFC 61 main event.
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) –“How do you rate Heather Hardy as a challenger inside the squared circle, when compared to your past BKFC opponents? Such as Bec Rawlings, Brit Hart, and others?”
CHRISTINE FEREA – “I believe they all bring their unique challenges to a fight. I can’t compare them this is a whole different game. My past opponent Hart is a world champion after I beat her in another weight class. Bec Rawlings is on a rough patch right now in her career. This sport is so new. Calista Silgado was one my past opponents I finished and Hardy took to a decision. Sooo, apples to oranges at this point. Everyone is tough here. Anyone can get clipped here. I admire her accolades and love the level of competition she brings and I’m ready for a war. I know she will be tough to put down!”
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) –“Hardy is no doubt a heavily experienced boxer however it is my understanding that Hardy has never competed in bare knuckle. Do you think she will be ready for introduction to the sport or do you feel it may be a little more than she is prepared for? “
CHRISTINE FEREA – “I believe Heather is smart, she’s an Aquarius (Wink). She has things up her sleeve and is doing her research! I expect her to be ready and informed. I believe she’s a true fighter, and to go back to question one, not all I have fought were all in. I believe she’s fighting for a purpose and when someone fights for something they are very dangerous! She’s a warrior she will be ready!”
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) – “Hardy is a well known and well accomplished boxer. Her skills are legit. Do you feel she will be able to match your hand speed and BKFC experience?”
CHRISTINE FEREA – “Nobody on this planet is ready for what I bring on any level in any way.”
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) –“As you are aware I have followed your BKFC career from its start. I will say you continue to impress fight fans with every fight. You continue to get better and better. You have proven yourself to be the most dominating women’s bare knuckle boxer in BKFC. Let us say you beat Hardy on May 11th at Mohegan Sun, what is next for the champ? A Jade Masson Wong perhaps? Is there a Cris Cyborg on the horizon?”
CHRISTINE FEREA – “I will be ready for whoever they put in front of me. I have called out Chris Cyborg she declined. I have told Jade Wong to fight for about a year she has declined. I’m waiting for these girls to step up and prove themselves to the best in the world. Or they can go back to only fans. Fights are here to be made so hopefully the girls just want to do their job. I’m a fighter and I want tough opponents with a following and accomplishments that work hard in this sport.”
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) – “How do you see this fight ending?”
CHRISTINE FEREA – “Right hand left hook – zzzzzzzzzzzz third round”
On May 11, 2024 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC 61) will make its New England debut. The growing sport of bare knuckle boxing is set to ignite the Mohegan Sun arena in Uncasville, Connecticut with a full card of professional bare knuckle violence. Topping the fight card as the featured main event will be an explosive women’s matchup for the QUEEN of VIOLENCE Championship Title Belt between boxing legend Heather “The Heat” Hardy and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship superstar Christine “Misfit” Ferea.
QUEEN MMA Media
CHRISTINE FEREA READY TO PROVE TO THE WORLD SHE IS NUMBER ONE IN WOMEN’S COMBAT SPORTS
“Can’t wait. Training hard to put on a spectacular show!” – Christine “Misfit” Ferea
CHRISTINE “Misfit” FEREA Christine Ferea fights out of Las Vegas, Nevada and began an amateur mixed martial arts career in April of 2012. She generated a stout (3 – 1) record as an amateur. She made her professional MMA debut under the prestigious all women’s promotional banner of Invicta FC back in January of 2017. Ferea delivered a violent ground and pound first round finish against Rachael Ostovich to gain a dominating MMA debut victory. She went on to produce a (1 – 2) pro record inside the MMA cage against heavy competition that included Muay Thai – Kickboxing juggernaut Tiffany “Timebomb” Van Soest before making her cross over to bare knuckle. It was in the sport of bare knuckle boxing Ferea began to shine. She is a true fighter who trains hard and comes to win. She is a fighter who always brings an aggressive offense and Bare Knuckle Boxing swiftly became her flavor of choice.
Christine made her transition to bare knuckle boxing in October of 2018 when she debuted against a tough Jennifer Tate at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 3. Ferea exploded onto the bare knuckle world with a big first round TKO stoppage against Jennifer Tate. It was at that moment many eyebrows were raised and the fans of the growing sport of bare knuckle realized she had what it takes. Six months later Ferea was scheduled to face Britain Hart for the BKFC 126 LBS Championship Title at BKFC 5 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Ferea defeated Hart in the 2nd round due to a doctor stoppage to become the BKFC 126 pound female champion. Just four months after gaining the BKFC 126 lbs women’s title Ferea was scheduled to defend it against a fierce Helen Peralta at BKFC 7. The Ferea versus Peralta championship fight became one of the most exciting and popular bare knuckle matchups BKFC had ever generated. It was a fight that brought the fans to their feet. It was a fight bare knuckle fans would not forget. To this day the bout is considered by many bare knuckle fans to be one of BKFC’s all time best. It was a hard fought battle but in the end Ferea came up short via unanimous decision. Setbacks do not seem to discourage Ferea, nor do they seem to slow her down. A rematch was set for March of 2020 against the newly crowned champion Peralta. It was a rematch the bare knuckle fans wanted badly. It was a rematch that had to happen. Yet despite fan disappointment the bout never came to fruition due to the panic of the coronavirus pandemic, Helen Peralta vacating the title and not securing a contract agreement with BKFC.
In September of 2020 at BKFC 12 in Daytona Beach, Florida Ferea bounced back with authority stopping a seasoned combat sports warrior in Calie Cutler by way of a brutal TKO in the second round. In October of 2021 Ferea finished accomplished boxer Calista Silgado at BKFC Fight Night in Billings, Montana via third round TKO. In February of 2022 at BKFC Knuckle Mania 2 Ferea collided with Britain Hart for the vacant 126 pound championship title. It would be the second time Ferea and Hart would meet inside the squared circle. Ferea fought her way to a solid unanimous decision victory and was crowned the BKFC 126 pound women’s champion. Six months later in August of 2022 the new champion made her first title defense at BKFC 28. The opponent was an undefeated popular up and coming Taylor Starling. It was there under the bright lights of the Rio Rancho Event Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico Christine Ferea solidified her persona as the most dominating female combatant in the sport of bare knuckle. Ferea humbled and crushed the challenger Starling via TKO and verbal submission less then 40 seconds into the first round. Few if any could dispute Ferea’s increasing dominance.
FEREA STOPS CUTLER IN 2nd ROUND
FEREA DEFEATS HART VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION
In April of 2023 Ferea was scheduled to defend her championship title against Rowdy Bec Rawlings. A matchup many fans had been hoping to see. Rawlings had already established herself as one of the more formidable women bare knucklers. Bec Rawlings was an MMA UFC veteran and a highly recognized name in the combat sports community. She had captured the BKFC 122 pound championship belt in February of 2019 before relinquishing the title to make the shift back to pro MMA. In April of 2023 Rawlings made her return back to BKFC and was set to challenge Christine Ferea for the 125 pound BKFC championship. Rawlings was (3 – 1) as a bare knuckle boxer heading into the bout. She had proven her worth as a notable contender for the title. The Ferea – Rawlings bout was set to take place at BKFC 41. It was a competitive bout early however Ferea turned up the fire and eventually closed the show via doctor stoppage in round two. The victory over Rawlings sent a loud message to any who considered doubting Ferea’s reign as BKFC champion. Bec Rawlings would make another challenge for the title in December of 2023 at BKFC 56. Ferea refused to be dethroned in the rematch, delivering a convincing unanimous decision win over Rawlings to retain the title.
CHRISTINE “Misfit” FEREA AND ROWDY BEC RAWLINGS GO NOSE TO NOSE BEFORE BKFC 56
On May 11, 2024 BKFC champion Christine “Misfit” Ferea will collide with Heather “The Heat” Hardy for what BKFC has labeled the ‘Queen of Violence’ title. A belt drafted by BKFC for what many have concluded to be the result of Hardy not being able to agree to a 125 pound BKFC title fight. The “Queen of Violence” title bout will be set at 130 lbs. None the less the May 11th headline fight is almost guaranteed to electrify the crowd. Many believe if Ferea can defeat Hardy there very well may be a possible Cris Cyborg fight on the horizon. Rumor or no rumor a Ferea – Cyborg bare knuckle bout would surely gain the attention of the entire combat sports world. The question may remain – is Cyborg up for the challenge? Or will she simply avoid the showdown? Christine “Misfit” Ferea has evolved over the years to become an extremely dominating competitor. Her combat sports career continues to become more and more impressive with every bout and her development into perhaps the best female to ever throw bare knuckles is as real as steel. With an (8 – 1) record in bare knuckle boxing Christine Ferea has reigned over the women’s BKFC roster like a true queen and on May 11th under the spotlight of BKFC 61 she will take the stage as the main event. It will be her time to prove beyond all doubt she is the most feared, most respected, and most dominating woman in the world of bare knuckle and perhaps all of female combat sports. We have already witnessed that most all female warriors do not want any of Ferea’s smoke. Very few if any seem willing to step up and contest Ferea’s greatness.
DECORATED BOXER HEATHER “The Heat” HARDY READY TO MAKE BARE KNUCKLE DEBUT AT BKFC 61 HEATHER “The Heat” HARDY
Heather Hardy is well known in the boxing world. She fights and trains out of Brooklyn, NY and began boxing as a professional back in 2010. She produced an outstanding (24 – 3) record inside the pro boxing ring and held the WBO featherweight title from 2018-2019. Hardy quickly became known for her incredible tenacity and her iron determination. She is as tough as they come. In June of 2017 Hardy shifted her combat sports ventures from boxing over to mixed martial arts. She delivered a big win with a third round TKO against Alice Yauger at Bellator 180 in her MMA debut before a massive crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York. Hardy generated a respectable (2 – 2) record inside the MMA cage between 2017 and 2019. During those years she also continued with her boxing career inside the ring. Heather “The Heat” Hardy has an impressive combat sports resume. Her boxing accolades are numerous and include; winning the UBF International Super Bantamweight title, wining the WBC International Super Bantamweight title, winning the NABF featherweight title, and winning the WBO featherweight title. To many within the sports world Heather “The Heat” Hardy is considered epic among female boxers.
HEATHER “The Heat” HARDY DELIVERS A SNAPPING LEFT JAB
“The HEAT” MAKING HER WALK TO THE CAGE – BELLATOR MMA
Fight fans are curious if Hardy will be able to handle the combat sports monster known as bare knuckle. Some wonder if she will be able to endure the bloody cut producing fray of the sport. Others question if she will be able to withstand the fury of BKFC’s G.O.A.T., Christine Ferea. A win for Ferea will cement her as perhaps one of the top female combat sports athletes to ever grace the standup fight game. A win for Hardy would rock the BKFC community and remind the fight fans that she is truly a legend. Will Ferea destroy another opponent on May 11th or will Hardy pull off an enormous upset?
QUEEN MMA Media Combat Sports journalist-reporter Tommy Vickers caught up with Christine “Misfit” Ferea to ask a few questions leading into the upcoming May 11, 2024 BKFC 61 main event.
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) –“How do you rate Heather Hardy as a challenger inside the squared circle, when compared to your past BKFC opponents? Such as Bec Rawlings, Brit Hart, and others?”
CHRISTINE FEREA – “I believe they all bring their unique challenges to a fight. I can’t compare them this is a whole different game. My past opponent Hart is a world champion after I beat her in another weight class. Bec Rawlings is on a rough patch right now in her career. This sport is so new. Calista Silgado was one my past opponents I finished and Hardy took to a decision. Sooo, apples to oranges at this point. Everyone is tough here. Anyone can get clipped here. I admire her accolades and love the level of competition she brings and I’m ready for a war. I know she will be tough to put down!”
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) –“Hardy is no doubt a heavily experienced boxer however it is my understanding that Hardy has never competed in bare knuckle. Do you think she will be ready for introduction to the sport or do you feel it may be a little more than she is prepared for? “
CHRISTINE FEREA – “I believe Heather is smart, she’s an Aquarius (Wink). She has things up her sleeve and is doing her research! I expect her to be ready and informed. I believe she’s a true fighter, and to go back to question one, not all I have fought were all in. I believe she’s fighting for a purpose and when someone fights for something they are very dangerous! She’s a warrior she will be ready!”
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) – “Hardy is a well known and well accomplished boxer. Her skills are legit. Do you feel she will be able to match your hand speed and BKFC experience?”
CHRISTINE FEREA – “Nobody on this planet is ready for what I bring on any level in any way.”
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) –“As you are aware I have followed your BKFC career from its start. I will say you continue to impress fight fans with every fight. You continue to get better and better. You have proven yourself to be the most dominating women’s bare knuckle boxer in BKFC. Let us say you beat Hardy on May 11th at Mohegan Sun, what is next for the champ? A Jade Masson Wong perhaps? Is there a Cris Cyborg on the horizon?”
CHRISTINE FEREA – “I will be ready for whoever they put in front of me. I have called out Chris Cyborg she declined. I have told Jade Wong to fight for about a year she has declined. I’m waiting for these girls to step up and prove themselves to the best in the world. Or they can go back to only fans. Fights are here to be made so hopefully the girls just want to do their job. I’m a fighter and I want tough opponents with a following and accomplishments that work hard in this sport.”
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) – “How do you see this fight ending?”
CHRISTINE FEREA – “Right hand left hook – zzzzzzzzzzzz third round”
ELSHADDAI VANHOESEN vs MALIK SMITH READY TO COLLIDE FOR VACANT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE NORTH EAST MMA Media
CAGE WARS 65 PRIMED TO UNLOAD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE EXCITEMENT WITH VANHOESEN VS SMITH CAGE WARS 65 is set to deliver a hard hitting heavyweight title bout April 5, 2024 at Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, New York. This heavyweight title bout is just one a many explosive matchups on tap.
ELSHADDAI VANHOESEN fights out of New York and brings a (4 – 2) record into the fight. He is a fan favorite and veteran of the Cage Wars promotion. The upcoming title bout will be his fifth time entering the Cage Wars cage. Vanhoesen has finished three of his four wins by way of KO/TKO, all coming in the first round. Vanhoesen always delivers action accompanied with high excitement. He is looking to turn around a two fight losing skid. This title fight will provide Vanhoesen the opportunity to show the fight fans he is ready to start stacking up the heavyweight W’s. Vanhoesen knows how to win a championship title having captured the Cage Wars super heavyweight title back in January of 2023 at Cage Wars 55, defeating an undefeated champion in Cory Quintana.
MALIK SMITH fights out of Long Island, New York and brings a (6 – 5) amateur MMA record into the title fight. He is coming off a third round submission finish over Travis Streeter back in November of 2023 at Cage Wars 62. Four of Smith’s wins have been via finish. He has a strong kickboxing background. This will be his fourth time entering the Cage Wars center stage. In November of 2021 he won the Cage Wars vacant Super Heavyweight Championship Title against a tough James Chaplin. In April of 2022 he lost the Cage Wars title in his first defense against Cory Quintana via unanimous decision. On April 5th Smith will be on the hunt to regain the championship belt.
It will be interesting to see how this heavyweight war plays out considering Smith lost his title to Quintana and nine months later Vanhoesen won the title from Quintana. Cage Wars 65 will give Smith the opportunity to regain the title. It will give him the chance to climb back up that mountain. A win over Vanhoesen would lift Smith considerably in the amateur heavyweight northeast rankings.
NORTH EAST MMA Media’s Tommy Vickers got the opportunity to have a quick chat with Elshaddia Vanhoesen leading up to the Cage Wars heavyweight title bout set for April 5, 2024 at Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, New York.
TOMMY V. – “How has your preparation for the fight been coming along for you?”
ELSHADDIA VANHOESEN – “My preparation has been good. I’ve been getting a lot of work in sparring with different partners. I helped Al Marro prepare for his fight a little at Heavy Hitters Club in Connecticut. I’ve also been frequenting Tristar in Montreal. Of course my daily training at Clever Combat in Latham.”
TOMMY V. – “Do you have a good idea of what Smith will bring to the table on fight night? Do you feel he will bring any surprises?”
ELSHADDIA VANHOESEN – “Smith is an experienced fighter that has been through every scenario in the cage. He’s been trending upwards and improving every fight. I think he will show diverse striking and look to use his length to keep distance between us. I’m not sure what surprises he could show but if I did it wouldn’t be a surprise now would it. LOL”
TOMMY V. – “What can the Cage Wars fans expect to see from you during the title bout?”
ELSHADDIA VANHOESEN – “Cage Wars can expect to see a new improved big pisser exciting as always. WINNING isn’t enough for me I want to do it in exciting fashion. I want to give everyone a night to remember.”
TOMMY V. – “And lastly, how do you see the Smith fight playing out?”
ELSHADDIA VANHOESEN – “I see Malik getting overwhelmed by pressure I looking to show my finishing ability with grappling so look for my first submission finish in the cage.”
NORTH EAST MMA Media – Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
DAVID GALLI vs MARCO BERREONDO CAGE WARS 65 CO-MAIN EVENT BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT
NEW YORK WARRIORS HUNGRY FOR CAGE WARS BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE CAGE WARS 65 is set to go down April 5, 2024 at the Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, New York. The featured co-main event will host two of New York’s finest amateur bantamweights primed to battle it out for the vacant Bantamweight Championship Title – David Galli and Marco Berreondo. This co-main title fight will be just one of many explosive bouts scheduled on what looks to be a monster sized card.
DAVID GALLI is out of New York and trains under the guidance of Brian Beaury Jiu Jitsu. He carries a (3 – 1) record as an amateur. Galli has proven his submission prowess with all three of his wins coming via submission. Galli is coming off a strong first round submission win over Juan Willett at Cage Wars 61 back in September of last year. On April 5th Galli will be making his fourth appearance inside the Cage Wars cage with this being his second attempt at the Cage Wars Bantamweight Championship Title. Galli made his first run at the title back in March of 2023 but came up short against Vincent Constantino. The fight ended by way of doctor stoppage due to a disappointing ankle injury. Cage Wars 65 will bring him a second chance at the bantamweight belt.
MARCO BERREONDO brings a (6 – 3) record into the title fight. He hails from New York and trains under Warriors Nation MMA. Marco is riding the momentum of an impressive four fight winning streak. He has a solid wrestling, BJJ, and kickboxing background. Berreondo has produced four of his six victories via finish. This will be his second time competing under the promotional bright lights of Cage Wars. In March of last year Berreondo captured the Parabellum New York vacant amateur bantamweight title with a first round submission over Vincent Pagnotta. In September of 2023 Berreondo won the NEF bantamweight title with a third round rear naked choke finish against a (6 – 1) Teddy Politis. He is coming off a five round unanimous decision win in February of this year, a successful defense of his NEF bantamweight title against an undefeated Nate Dorr. With two regional title belts to his name Marco Berreondo will be looking for number three, the prestigious Cage Wars bantamweight championship title.
TWO NEW YORK WARRIORS – ONE CAGE WARS CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE
Both GALLI and BERREONDO have their eyes on the CAGE WARS vacant bantamweight title. Both are hungry and both are extremely capable. Can Galli put an end to Berreondo’s red hot winning streak and claim the Cage Wars bantamweight title? Or will Berreondo use his experience and evolving fight game to gain his third amateur northeast bantamweight championship belt? This co-main event is ready to deliver serious smoke to the fight fans and could easily be a ‘Fight of the Night’ in the making.
NORTH EAST MMA Media Combat Sports Journalist – Tommy Vickers
PHAIDRA KNIGHT VS KYRA LEE – MAIN EVENT – CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE BOUT – CAGE WARS 65
CAGE WARS continues to serve up some of the best women’s MMA action in the region. On April 5, 2024 CAGE WARS 65 will showcase PHAIDRA KNIGHT versus KYRA LEE as the main event for a super stacked fight card at Rivers Casino & Resort. These two exciting female MMA combatants are ready to battle it out for the Cage Wars bantamweight championship title.
PHAIDRA KNIGHT READY TO DEFEND CAGE WARS BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE Knight is an explosive athlete with an undefeated (5 – 0) record. She fights out of New York and brings strength, aggression, and the ability to finish a fight quickly.
She is coming off a hard fought majority decision win against Rosie DeMatteo back in April of 2023. Knight is a remarkable athlete. Not only has she produced an undefeated WMMA amateur career she is a world Rugby Hall of Fame inductee. Knight has serious determination and knows how to win. This will be her second time competing under the bright lights of the Cage Wars promotional banner. Knight always delivers big energy for the fans with four of the New Yorker’s five victories having come via finish. On April 5, 2024 Phaidra Knight will put her CAGE WARS title on the line against a young and hungry Kyra Lee. A win for the champion would up her record to (6 – 0) and demonstrate another example of her dominance in women’s amateur MMA.
KYRA LEE READY TO CHALLENGE CAGE WARS CHAMPION KYRA LEE was born in Canada and fights out of Vermont. In her last bout (September 23, 2023) she delivered a unanimous decision win over Amanda Jo Basturk to capture the MAK Promotion amateur featherweight championship title. Lee hosts a solid (3 – 1) MMA record and brings Muay Thai experience inside the cage.
KYRA LEE with the MAK Promotional Amateur featherweight title around her waist looking to add the CAGE WARS Amateur bantamweight title April 5, 2024.
Lee is scheduled to headline the card as a formidable challenger gunning for the CAGE WARS title in the main event. She is coming into the fight a sizable underdog. This would only magnify the electricity if she walked away with the CAGE WARS bantamweight title belt. A victory against Phaidra Knight, one of the northeast’s top ranked women’s bantamweights would raise Lee’s amateur MMA stock tremendously.
QUEEN MMA Media – Combat Sports Journalist – Tommy Vickers
JENNY SAVAGE AND TAYLOR STARLING READY TO COLLIDE IN CO-MAIN EVENT AT BKFC PROSPECT SERIES
(January 6, 2024) Taylor Starling versus Jenny Savage is gearing up to be a highly explosive bare knuckle fight. This has been a fight the fans have been eager to see come to life. These two warriors make for a true even matchup. On January 27, 2024 in Albuquerque, New Mexico Taylor “Killa Bee” Starling will clash with Jenny “The Tennessee Gangster” Savage in a 115 pound strawweight co-main event bare knuckle boxing fight. The action will be under the bright lights of the Revel Arena. This co-main event looks to be the best fight on the card. It has the potential to deliver serious fireworks. Savage and Starling make for a quality co-main event but for BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP to put them on a ‘Prospect Series’ fight card seems off target. Could this be BKFC’s way of down grading the two strawweights? I would hope not. Most bare knuckle fight fans would agree Starling and Savage are not prospects. Both of these lady warriors are veterans in the BKFC organization having mustered five bare knuckle bouts each. These two hotties can throw the heat.
JENNY SAVAGE – TAYLOR STARLING: The Rivalry
Starling and Savage collided inside the MMA hexagon back in October of 2019 at Road to M-1USA 3. It was a strawweight bout in which Jenny Savage came into the fight with a professional MMA record of (2-3). Taylor Starling entered the fight making her MMA pro debut. It was a tough back and forth battle with both ladies putting on a great show. Taylor fought through what appeared to be a nasty broken nose but in the third round came up short in what M-1 USA commentator Sean Wheelock described as turning her back and physically surrendering due to strikes. There is a strong rivalry between the ‘Killa Bee’ and the ‘Tennessee Gangster’.
TAYLOR STARLING Taylor “Killa Bee” Starling brings a professional bare knuckle boxing record of (3-2) into the BKFC bout, with wins over Charisa Sigala, Cassie Robb, and Hannah Guy. She will need to focus on using her range advantage and implementing smart footwork. Taylor is four inches taller and may have a slight edge in hand speed over Savage. She will need to use the outside effectively and gain respect early in the fight. The “Killa Bee” is coming off a unanimous decision BKFC loss to Jade Masson-Wong back in May of 2023. Before that Starling challenged Christine Ferea for her 125 pound BKFC title but lost via first round finish. It was a fight that generated considerable disappointment among many bare knuckle fans, do to what many fans seen as “Taylor turning her back and quitting”. There is no doubt Starling will be looking to get back on the winning path, silence the critics, and end her two fight losing streak in the BKFC squared circle. The Savage fight could turn out to be a pivotal moment in Taylor Starling’s BKFC career. The fight could be seen as a critical challenge in Starling’s bare knuckle career. If Taylor can deliver a dominating victory it could very easily push her back into the spotlight. If she suffers a dominating loss it would surly push her towards the sidelines.
JENNY SAVAGE Jenny “The Tennessee Gangster” Savage brings a professional bare knuckle boxing record of (3-2) into the squared circle, with wins over Sheena Brandenburg, Delaney Bailey, and Nekah Dmitriyeva. She may have the heavier hands going into the matchup against Starling. Savage will need to find a way to step in and unload. Savage is aggressive and possesses some intelligent boxing skills. She is a natural southpaw and is not afraid to step into the pocket and trade punches. Savage may find success in going to the body early in the clinch. Do not expect Savage to turn away in the heat of the battle. There is zero doubt she will push forward into the fire no matter how intense the flames grow. It will be important for Savage to avoid letting the action take place at Starling range. In the bare knuckle world ‘The Tennessee Gangster’ is as tough and scrappy as they come at 115 pounds.
WHO WILL WALK AWAY WITH THE WIN? The fight could simply come down to who works the hardest inside in the clinch and who is able to effectively utilize their jab and put their punches together. It may come down to who can close the show when they have their opponent in trouble. It will most likely be a battle of determination. If it becomes a war the question may be who has the gas to finish hard. Savage has the grit to bring the blasting offense and Starling has the ability to deliver a blast in reply. It will be interesting to see who is able to establish control and dictate the action. This could be the key to a victorious outcome. It is doubtful that bare knuckle fans will be surprised if the fight erupts into back and forth exchanges for all five rounds. At best we can all only hope the bout does not end due to a crazy cut or eye poke.
Taylor has seemingly struggled in her last two bare knuckle bouts. A win over Savage would not just even out the rivalry between them, it would demonstrate Starling’s desire to overcome and rise above. A win against Savage would give Starling a well needed boost in the world of pro bare knuckle boxing.
Jenny is coming off a unanimous decision loss against BKFC strawweight champion Britain Hart back in March of 2023. Savage has proven herself to be a formidable BKFC strawweight. She has gained two of her three wins via finish and with her losses coming at the hands of the champion Hart it would seem hard to take anything away from ‘The Tennessee Gangster’.
KEYS TO VICTORY TAYLOR STARLING will need to keep control of the range throughout the fight. She seems most effective when she is able to keep her opponent at the end of her straight punches. Don’t let Savage close the distance and get inside. Starling needs to deliver and establish a hard accurate jab early. She needs to focus on her footwork, movement, and distance. Don’t be afraid to unload combinations. Be ready for Savage coming in. Setup and time big shots when Savage pushes forward. Unload hard combinations and separate quickly, circle away and reset. When in the clinch and unable to land use height advantage and push Savage’s head down. Let her carry and feel the weight. It will be important for Starling to overcome hesitation. It will be vital for Starling to be aware and use the real estate of the squared circle to her advantage. Smart footwork and movement mixed with sharp accurate striking could very well give Starling a solid decision win. It will be extremely important for Starling to win the mind battle before the fight. It is necessary for Starling to find rock solid confidence and be ready to impose her will with authority. Starling has the skills to win. If she fights a smart fight she could walk away with a strong unanimous decision.
TAYLOR ‘Killa Bee’ STARLING – READY FOR BUSINESS
JENNY SAVAGE has the toughness required to win the fight. She has stopped Starling in MMA back in 2019 and she knows she can do it again in bare knuckle. Savage needs to use her confidence and focus on implementing her fight game. She needs to take control of the fight early. She needs to keep the pressure on Starling from the start. Be ready to explode with heavy combinations. She needs to hurt Starling with body shot while in the clinch. Stay low and keep the chin down. Look to close in with bursts of heavy shots. Take advantage of being the shorter slugger in the fight and look for the homerun spot with the hook. Keep your head off the line. Do not get caught standing around. Dip, bob, and weave your way inside. Look to set up the big shot on the end of a combination. As a southpaw use a solid right jab mix it up with a double jab at times to set up stepping in with the left hook upstairs. Savage has the tools to put a hurt on Starling. When Savage senses Starling wilting she needs to intensify the offense. If Savage can maintain strong pressure land solid shots she has what it takes to end the fight.
JENNY ‘The TENNESSEE GANGSTER’ SAVAGE – READY FOR WAR
Bare Knuckle fans can anticipate hard exchanges and serious action between these two women. Do not be surprised if the fight produces a brutal bloody battle that ends in a close decision. Such an outcome could very easily develop into a big Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship rematch.
QUEEN MMA Media By: Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
(November 3, 2023) Rivers Casino & Resort, Schenectady NY – CAGE WARS 62 delivered a monster fight card filled with bigtime action. Seven championship title bouts highlighted a dynamite event in front of a sold out crowd.
NORTH EAST MMA Media
CAGE WARS 62 / PRELIM – ACTION
Rodney Johnson put on a solid performance in his amateur MMA debut defeating Derrick Brown (0-4) via round two TKO in Light Heavyweight action. Johnson moves to (1-0) as an amateur with the debut win. Derrick Brown drops to (0-4) with the loss.
Gannon Odierno won debut bout with big arm-bar submission first round finish over Matthew Dequarto (0-3) in cruiser heavyweight action. Odierno moves to (1-0) as an amateur with the debut win and Matthew Dequarto falls to (0-4) with the loss.
Bryan Betts gained a strong victory over Aidhan Callighan via unanimous decision in 185 lbs action. All three judges scored the fight (30-27). Betts upped his amateur record to (2-0) with the win while Callighan falls to (0-1) with the debut loss.
Chris Hidley (Team Jucao) delivered a destructive combination that ended his bantamweight matchup against Billy Everett in the first round by way of knockout. Billy Everett had a good quick start but fell short in his amateur debut. Hidley ups his amateur record to (2-0) with the big KO win. Billy Everett falls to (0-1) with the debut loss.
Rich Lang (MVMMA) pulled out what many in the crowd saw as a controversial split decision win over Bryce Ward (Team Jucao) in a 165 lbs catchweight matchup. Rich Lang climbs to (3-0) as an amateur while Bryce Ward goes to (0-1) with the debut loss.
CAGE WARS 62 /UNDERCARD ACTION
Braeton Lawton gained his second win as an amateur with a second round doctor stoppage victory over Dalton Jaquish (Garage MMA) in cruiser heavyweight action. Lawton moves to (2-5) with the win and Jaquish drops to (1-2) with the loss.
Malik Smith defeated Travis Streeter (Black Lotus Fitness) via round three verbal tap in super heavyweight action. Smith moves to (4-2) as an amateur with the victory. Streeter falls to (3-4) with the loss.
Jeff Gregory (Garage MMA) gained his first amateur win by way of round one doctor stoppage due to cut versus Rich Cloudhammer (Team Jucao) in light heavyweight action. Gregory moves to (1-2) with the win. Cloudhammer sinks to (3-3) with the loss.
CAGE WARS 62 / MAIN CARD ACTION
Marco Berreondo battled his way to a split decision victory over Ryad Hilali (JKS) in bantamweight action. Berreondo goes to (5-3) as an amateur with the win while Hilali drops to (2-4).
Paul Lafond delivered a fast first round finish via ground and pound against John Flansburg for the Cage Wars light heavyweight title. Lafond climbs to (3-2) with the victory and takes his place as the new USMTA light heavyweight champion. Flansburg falls to (2-2) with the defeat.
Paige Wilcox (Apex Combat Sports) stopped Erica Valentin (Underdog Mixed Martial Arts) via first round submission to capture the USMTA strawweight championship title. Wilcox remains undefeated and moves to (4-0) as an amateur. Valentin drops to (3-6) with the loss.
Marcus Hardiman (Lehigh Valley Fight Club) captured the vacant Cage Wars welterweight championship title by way of split decision over Kenny Correa (Mohawk Valley MMA). Hardiman gains the welterweight title, remains undefeated, and moves to (5-0) as an amateur. Correa falls to (3-2) with the loss.
Tony Bourizk (10th Planet Allentwon/Finishers MMA HQ) won the Cage Wars heavyweight championship title by way of split decision against James Carroll (Brian Beaury Jiu Jitsu). Bourizk climbs to an undefeated (4-0) amateur record with the win. Carroll drops to (4-4) with the defeat.
Joe Crowley (Apex Combat Sports) battled his way to a third round knockout victory over Darnell Parker (Fusion MMA) to capture the Cage Wars middleweight championship title. Crowley climbs to (5-1) with the win. Parker falls to (6-1) with his first amateur loss.
Matthew Santos (Finishers MMA HQ) won the Cage Wars bantamweight championship title by way of unanimous decision over Hayden Speckhardt (Team Jucao). Santos ups his amateur record to (5-5) with the title win. Speckhardt falls to (3-3) with the loss.
Alaina Dutill (CFS Academy) won the Cage Wars women’s strawweight championship title with a unanimous decision victory over the defending champ Tatiana Cirilo (Finishers MMA HQ). Dutill climbs to (4-2) with the win. Cirilo sinks to (4-3) with the defeat.
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