Both major MMA cards were last night, and Marquez vs. Bradley is on PPV, so if you’re an MMA head there isn’t much outside of the curiosity factor of Fallon Fox on a CFA card. If you’re looking for something a bit more violent … then Glory is making its Chicagoland debut tonight. Broadcast live on Spike TV, with Mauro Ranallo and MMA 24.7 frequent guest Duke Roufus calling the action live on Spike TV, I’ve managed to find myself in Press Row to catch all the action.
I’ll be live from the Sears Centre Arena, somewhere from Press Row, calling the action from Hoffman Estates. This is an epic card to kick off the Glory/Spike TV relationship.
Live Thoughts:
Axel Mendez vs. Jordan Weiland is our first fight, an amateur. Two minute rounds. Weiland has an awesome nickname, ‘The Ginger Ninja.’ Weiland took the first. The crowd is pretty sparse so far; mainly its friends and training partners. It’s also 10 minutes early, as well, as a start time of 4:30 was advertised and we’re 20 minutes early. Weiland takes the second on my scorecard. Third is a lot closer as Mendez came out firing. Weiland looks like he blew his gas tank in the first two as he’s swinging and missing, badly, a couple times. He’s getting trip knockdowns regularly and looking to clinch. Official decision is coming. I can see it going 29-28 in either direction.
Mendez gets the unanimous decision, no scores announced.
Ian Alexander vs. Austin Lewis is next. Lewis is the hometown boy and has the entire section behind him cheering. Lewis looks good in the first and outlands Alexander frequently in exchanges. I’ll give him the first. Lewis continues outclassing him in the second. Alexander is taking a beating but responding, at least. He does plenty of damage in the third, too. He’s got it, fairly easily, on my card.
Lewis 30-27, Alexander 30-27, Alexander 30-27 via split decision. Odd decision .. didn’t think it was that close.
Billy Rose vs. Aaron Swenson – Both fighters are locals. “Speedy” Swenson gets an awesome knockdown in the first … but maybe 20 seconds after his opponent got nut-shotted. He takes the first pretty easy. Second round ends with Speedy stopping Rose with an awesome knockout. He’s got a ton of local fans, too. Very nice win for him.
Aaron Swenson wins via second round knockout
Maurice Greene vs. Yang Rae Yoo – Greene fights out of Chicago via New York. Yoo is from Korea. Greene is a beast and significantly bigger than Yoo. Yoo is trying to leg kick him and Greene is landing some big time punches on him. He’s got a nice push kick, too. Greene’s not checking any kicks; he looks like a boxer who’s been taught a couple kicks. He moves his feet like a boxer and isn’t checking anything. Yoo finishes the bout strong and Greene looks pretty tired. He has the first.
Greene isn’t checking kicks but he’s teeing off with some big shots. Yoo is trying to slow him down but he’s eating a TON of punishment to do so. Greene looks to be fading, big time. Yoo is pushing the pace in the 2nd and Greene isn’t throwing with the power he had in the first. I’ll go Yoo in the 2nd.
Yoo looks good in the second as Greene starts to check some kicks. Some nice bodywork, too, but Yoo is making this interesting. He’s trying to grind this out, keeping it close and pushing Yoo into the corner. He doesn’t have much but he’s still being active. Yoo is bleeding and both are guys finish by trying to steal the round. I’ll go Greene 10-9 … but I can see it going either way.
29-28×2, 30-27 for Maurice Greene
Close decision … I could see it going either way. Yoo looked better as the fight wore on but Greene was doing just enough, and landing lots of punches, which probably swayed the decision.
Missed the introduction of Kyle Weickhardt vs. Quartus Stitt as I was talking to a guy from Spike TV … very first rate people. It’s the one I really enjoy about MMA/Kickboxing; the PR people are always first rate. Glory’s people were very cool as well.
Kyle Weickhardt vs. Quartus Stitt was a first rate fight. KW wins via unanimous decision, a fairly emphatic one.
Gabriel Varga vs. Jose Palacios – We kick off the “superfight” portion of the evening’s card.
We’re now using the full Glory walkout ramp right now … and I have to say. It looks sooo badass. It’s the one thing I wish MMA would use; it’s a Pride era thing but there’s something cool about walking out with the big screen. I’ll get a picture for the next superfight.
Very close first round between Varga and Palacios. Palacios is landing more but Varga is landing more high profile strikes. Varga gets the round and it’ll be 10-8 because of knockdown in the final seconds. Standing 8 for Palacios. Second round begins with the full Glory production package; it’s easy to fall in love with kickboxing when it’s presented this well. Varga with a nice pushdown a minute in; he’s starting to look really good right now. Palacios is staying close but Varga is landing some beautiful strikes. Varga with a great combination on Palacios against the ropes; he’s really looking good right now. Palacios with a nice hook kick at the end of the round but Varga takes this as well. 20-17 for him on my card. Palacios comes out throwing fire; he’s pushing the pace and knows he’s down two rounds. Varga rallies but he’s not giving him any good looks. A lot of what Palacios is throwing isn’t landing flush. He’s doing a good job of playing defense while winning position. Palacios is throwing HARD but Varga isn’t catching any of it. Some nice body work from him, as well. Palacios with a nice heel kick towards the end. 29-27 Varga on my cards.
Official decision: Varga via unanimous decision (30-27×2, 30-26).
McAllister entrance … as promised. Such a cool way to walk to the ring.
Steve Moxon vs. Reece McAllister –
Moxon’s from Australia. He loves knocking dudes out. McAllister does too. This could be a lot of fun.
Moxon hits really hard. You can hear the thud from press row when he lands. McAllister can take it, though. Very fun first round as McAllister is using his length to land at range. Moxon is eating it to get in but he’s landing heavy, heavy hands when he gets close though. Very close round, too … I’ll go Moxon 10-9 but that’s kind of shaky from me. Moxon doing a better job at managing distance this round. McAllister isn’t getting off as quick when Moxon’s moving inside; he’s exploding more into it, not kicking as much. Second is just as close as the first. McAllister doing some body work. Moxon responds with some big BOMBS to the head. Exceptionally close round, I’ll go McAllister to make it 19-19. Could see any combination of scores right now. Moxon opens up the third by knocking McAllister out in emphatic fashion. It was spectacular. A couple minutes later and McAllister doesn’t know where the hell he is. Unreal power from Moxon; that’s one punch KO power, folks.
Steve Moxon wins via KO (3rd)
Filip Verlinden vs. Saulo Cavalari – Cavalari comes out to “Du Haste.” Haven’t heard that since I was a teenager at university. Verlinden looks like a huge version of Miles Teller from The Spectacular Now. The Brazilian hits really hard; everything he’s throwing looks vicious. Verlinden is throwing pretty hard himself; there’s no feeling out in the first round. Wild brawl to finish the first. 10-9 Cavalari. Close … but he took it. Cavalari takes a closer second round in my book, as well. Verlinden was a lot more active and could’ve taken it, as well. Wouldn’t be shocked if we’re 19-19 going into the third. Cavalari is working a lot more kicks this round. He’s using really good bodywork to set up a nuanced kicking game. Verlinden is trying to mug him a bit but Cavalari is landing a lot when Verlinder hits one or two. Verlinder with a pushdown and Cavalari is kind of mad. Verlinden gets a bit more active after Cavalari drops his mouthpiece. Cavalari with a beautiful combination landing flush with 10 seconds left. 10-9 Cavalari, I got it 29-28 for him. Wouldn’t be surprised if it went the other way.
Official decision: Cavalari by unanimous decision (29-28×2, 30-27)
Raymond Daniels vs. Brian Foster – Foster is a local, sort of. He’s from Granite City, IL, which is about two hours south-ish from Hoffman Estates. Both of these guys are throwing down. Daniels is throwing some wild kicks and Foster is pushing to get inside to prevent it. Foster is landing some bombs to the body. Daniels is throwing some beautiful spinning kicks to the body when he gets distance. Daniels is trying to work a counter style but is getting tagged because he’s not managing distance well enough. Daniels with a big time knowdown and the ref calls it off. Foster can barely stand. Good call by the ref.
Danyo Ilunga vs. Michael Duut – Duut out to some random techno song I don’t know. Nice beat to it, though. Danyo Illunga comes out dressing like he’s a tribesman; can’t place the song because I don’t have any sort of ear for music. Duut not very sporting coming out. Both of these guys are just throwing down to start. Lots of boxing, not a lot of kicks. Illunga is looking to come inside and is keeping a good close defense. Duut is looking to grab the plumb. Lots of punches thrown, not a ton landing clean. Duut touches his glove on the mat to prevent the knockdown, gets a standing eight. Another knockdown from Illunga and Duut is done. Ref stoppage.
Danyo Illunga wins via TKO (1st)
Sergei Kharitonov vs. Daniel Sam – One thing I wonder going in is why Sergei isn’t doing MMA full time, specifically in the UFC or Bellator? Guy is probably a fringe Top 10 heavyweight at worst. Money’s probably a lot better in Glory, so can’t say as I blame him, but the fight fan in me wants him in the UFC.
And he’s also out to “Gonna Fly Now” … got to love this dude.
Sam is an absolute monster. He looks huge on television but in person the guy is just insanely massive. Both guys are being tentative with what they do early. Not a lot of wild brawling; Sergei is looking for body work and Sam is punching the head. Sam pushes the pace a little more towards the end of the round. Sam is using his size to control the cage but Kharitonov has no problem looking for the counter. I’ll go 10-9 Sam for the first.
Sam comes out with some nice head kicks that land early to start the 2nd. He’s looking to move away and Sergei makes him pay by teeing off on him near the ropes. Sam is looking to set up the distance but Kharitonov wants to make this an inside body punching game. Sam’s adjusting by throwing knees when he comes in. Kharitonov is controlling the fight now as his body work is doing clear damage. Sam looks to be gassing out a bit as well. 10-9 Kharitonov, I’ll go 19-19 so far.
Third round should be interesting. Sergei looks ready to bang, all nice and calm too. It’s kind of scary how calm this cat is. Sam is looking to keep it at a distance and Sergei is pressing on with the body attacks. I think he took out his wind with those body shots; he’s been landing big shots to the body and Sam is looking to just keep that power away from his head. Kharitonov is unloading as the 3rd ends; 30 more seconds and he could’ve potentially ended it. I’ll go 10-9, giving him a 29-28 decision win.
Official Decision: Sergei Kharitonov wins via unanimous decision (29-28×3)
Now it’s time to relax a bit …. 30 minutes until Glory on Spike TV. As Bruce Buffer would say … do what you got to do.
Time for the main card. Rashad Evans, UFC star, is in the house. He’s teammates with Spong, and he once lived here, so it’s not that surprising.
Gokhan Saki vs. Rico Verhoeven – Both guys are out to techno music. Rico’s the bigger guy but Saki’s thicker. Saki also got the bigger reaction from the crowd.
First round – Rico gets a knockdown off a kick in the opening 30 seconds. Saki went after the ref in protest. Very debatable but that could play into the final decision. Saki is throwing hands but Rico’s defense is solid right now. Both guys are finding spots to explode. Saki wants to find his range and Rico is doing a good job at keeping him at distance. Rico pins him against the ropes and lands some big shots but Saki gets the ref break. Rico’s ability to use distance is impressive so far; Saki is a bit tentative on committing. Rico lands a nice combination as the round ends.
10-8 Rico … though it’s an odd 10-8 since the knockdown was questionable at best.
Second Round – Rico’s length is something he’s using really effectively early on. Saki is having to wade in and Rico’s ability to use distance is why he’s winning so far. Saki is waiting too much and Rico is using his defense well. The Dutchman gets hit in the shots and Saki follows it up with a cheap shot after he turns. Saki is frustrated right now and I’m shocked he doesn’t get a point taken away. Rico is now the crowd favorite after that one, if only for a moment. Chicago does dislike people who aren’t proper sportsmen. Saki seems to have found some energy as he’s going after Rico right now. Apparently kicking his opponent in the balls triggered his killer instinct. He’s really starting to turn it on as the round ends. 10-9 Saki, 19-18 Rico
Third round – Saki seems to have figured out his distance issues and is now working inside much more effectively. Saki corners Rico against the ropes and is working methodically. Saki is starting to land some bigger shots but Rico has effectively used leg kicks. 10-9 Rico, 29-27 Rico
Saki looks like he feels he’s lost … Rico has the swagger of a winner. Curious what the scorecards will be.
Official Decision – Verhoeven via Majority decision (29-27, 29-28, 28-28)
Daniel Ghita vs. Anderson “Braddock” Silva – “Braddock” Silva has a very cool walkout t-shirt. Daniel Ghita comes out and the crowd likes him a bit. They boo Silva … though part of me wants to be snarky and think half of them think he’s the UFC’s Anderson Silva (hence the booing).
First round – Both guys come out looking to find range. Ghita’s looking t counter when Silva comes in; he’s throwing a lot to keep him at distance. These guys are landing some big times trikes on one another. Ghita is landing some nice bodywork … and then lands a beautiful liver shot that puts Silva down. Silva is down and we get a TKO as the ref stops at 9 with Silva on his feet. Silva looked out of it … but I’m not sure if he was done. Err on the side of caution, I suppose.
Daniel Ghita wins via TKO (1st)
Ghita has to be the favorite for the tournament now. Rico had a tough, long battle and Ghita won via stoppage in the first.
Errol Zimmerman vs. Hesdy Gerges – Zimmerman comes out looking like he’s about to chase down Daniel-San in a skeleton mask, et al.
Round 1 – Zimmerman is looking for head shots … Gerges for the body. Gergy is landing more but Zimmerman landing a nice straight. Gerges with some nice leg kicks that are really doing some damage. Zimmerman is reacting, not wanting to get hit with them. Gerges eats a big combination and is knocked down like a WCW Flair flop. He’s right back up after the standing 8 though. Gerges comes out more aggressive and they get into the clinch. He then promptly tackles him to the ground as they jockey for position. Zimmerman comes back with some wild striking and Gerges is eating it against the ropes. Nice combination as the round ends. 10-8 Zimmerman
Round 2 – Gerges with a nice leg kick to start as Zimmerman comes back to work the body. Slip from Gerges out of nowhere and both are back to throwing quickly. Zimmerman really likes the body punch and Gerges with another slip. Zimmmerman is starting to land some nice shots right now. Both guys throw flying knees that land on hands. Zimmerman gets him against the ropes and lands a nice combination before a clinch gets the break. Gerges lands a nice flying knee against the ropes and Zimmerman looks hurt from it. Gerges finishes the round strong. Very close round and I’ll 10-9 Gerges, 19-18 Zimmerman
Round 3 – Gerges comes out way more aggressive and pays for it early. Gerges gets planted again and gets an eight. He’s a bit wobbly but we get the fight to go on. It’s of no use because Zimmerman puts his lights out shortly thereafter.
Zimmerman wins via TKO (3rd)
Karim Ghajji vs. Joseph Valtellini
Round 1 – Joe’s the aggressor to start as Ghajji is looking to counter. I like the way Valtellini is setting up leg kicks with a nice combination. Ghajji with some nice leg kicks of his own and Ghajji is trying to get in and out. Valtellini is making him pay when he gets inside though. He hits a nice combination finished with a body kick . Valtellini is winning the exchanges so far; he’s landing multiple shots before Ghajji can counter. Wild exchange to finish the round. Valtellini 10-9
Round 2 – Ghajji is more aggressive this round but Joe is landing some nice shots to the body. After a short feeling out they start throwing down. Ghajji with some work against the ropes and after a quick break we get back to the middle. Ghajji is doing his best work when he can trap him against the ropes or in a corner. Ghajji gets rocked but doesn’t go down, although he almost touched his glove. Ghajji goes to get him against the ropes but Joe lands a beautiful combination. 10-9 Ghajji, 19-19
Round 3 – Ghajji is aggressive again this round. He opens up with some nice work inside and that seems to be where he wants the fight. He’s using movement to make the ring small and press him against the ropes. Joe needs to land something big to get his distance back. Ghajji is walking him to where he wants; he’s eating some shots to do so but he’s giving back nearly as much as he’s taking. He may not be landing as much but it looks like he’s winning; that could play into the scorecards when all is said and done. Ghajji gets him cornered and Joe uses his footwork to get back to the middle. Ghajji is doing a great job of wearing him down to the body and making him get against the ropes. Joe is gassed at this point … but he lands a big shot that puts Ghajji down. Standing 8 and he’s ready to fight. Joe with some big shots and and Ghajji is out on his feet. Fight over, “Bazooka” Joe with the TKO.
Joseph Valtellini wins via TKO (3rd)
We’ve got two fights left on what’s been a first rate kickboxing card.
Tyrone Spong vs. Nathan Corbett – There’s a group of guys straight out of a generic fraternity jeering at Corbett before the fight starts.
Round 1 – No feeling out, just some big time shots being thrown right away. Spong’s hand speed looks fantastic. Corbett is matching him though. Corbett with a nice combination. Spong catches a leg kick and gets a trip with it for the pushdown. Spong is taking some shots and waiting to throw. Interesting that he’s not checking the leg kicks coming in. Spong is looking to work the body and gets Corbett in the corner. Corbett gets the ref break though. Spong with a right that wobbles Corbett but he doesn’t go down. He’s throwing some massive power when he does throw. 10-9 Spong.
Round 2 – Nice combination to start from Corbett and then Spong promptly lands a big hook to put him down for an 8 count. Spong is working the body a lot now. Beautiful combination and Corbett is down in awesome fashion. He gets up but he is out on his feet. Mercy is granted, fight over.
Tyrone Spong wins via TKO (2nd)
You know … I kind of like Spong the kickboxer significantly more than Spong the boxer or Spong the cage fighter. If he’s making more to kickbox … god bless him. It’s what the man was born to do.
Daniel Ghita vs. Rico Verhoeven – Both guys passed the first post fight physical, thus the fight is on. It’s for the GLORY WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE .. LEATHER GOING TO BE THROWN Y’ALL.
Round 1 – Rico eats a body shot early as Ghita is stalking him down. Big trip and Rico tumbles down and backward somersaults. Not a lot of action but Rico is moving back whenever Ghita lands. Ghita is landing some big shots right now. Rico is countering but he’s eating more than he’s giving. Rico with some nice counters as the round ends but this has been Ghita’s round. 10-9 Ghita
Round 2 – Crowd’s behind Ghita, still. Rico is trying to counter but Ghita is landing big shots. Rico’s working the body but he’s taking some big shots from Ghita. He backs him Ghita into the courner and lands some good shots but Ghita is fresher and throwing harder at this point. Ghita with a nice body shot as he’s landing nice combinations right now. Nice head kick and he’s in firm control of the fight. Both guys are really throwing down right now; Rico is rising to the occasion and hanging in with arguably the best kickboxer in the world. He’s losing the round but he’s not getting blown out. Round ends with Rico trying to get in the clinch and Ghita landing a nice combination to end the round. Ghita 10-9, 20-18
Round 3- Rico comes out more aggressive and is working his inside game. Ghita is still out landing him but Rico hasn’t quit. Knee from Ghita and we have a break as it landed south of the border. Rico is looking to work the clinch and his heart is getting the Chicago fans love. Ghita is teeing off at will but Rico isn’t giving him an inch. Gutsy performance from the kid. Both guys look fairly gassed right now. Ghita looks like he has a little more in the gas tank … but a quick trip and he’s slow to get up. Not a knockdown though. Rico and Ghita throw down with the round ending. Rico is coming right at Ghita as he’s pulling out something. He lands a beautiful combination and a head kick … pouring it on … and then the round ends. 10-9 Rico, 29-28 Ghita
Official decision – Rico Verhoeven wins via unanimous decision (29-28×3)
Wow … Verhoeven beats the two best kickboxers in the world on the same night. Glory has a superstar on their hands right now.
Full Card and Results:
Heavyweight Tournament
Daniel Ghita vs. Anderson “Braddock” Silva – Ghita wins via TKO (1st)
Gokhan Saki vs. Rico Verhoeven – Verhoeven via Majority decision (29-27, 29-28, 28-28)
Tournament Final
Ghita/Silva winner vs. Saki/Vehoeven winner
Daniel Ghita vs. Rico Verhoeven – Verhoeven wins via unanimous decision (29-28×3)
Tournament Reserve Bout
Errol Zimmerman vs. Hesdy Gerges – Zimmerman wins via KO (3rd)
Spike TV Fights
Tyrone Spong vs. Nathan Corbett – Spong wins via TKO (2nd)
Karim Ghajji vs. Joseph Valtellini – Valtellini wins via TKO (3rd)
Untelevised Undercard Super Fights
Sergei Kharitonov vs. Daniel Sam – Kharitonov wins via unanimous decision (29-28×3)
Danyo Ilunga vs. Michael Duut – Illunga wins via TKO (1st)
Raymond Daniels vs. Brian Foster – Daniels wins via TKO (1st)
Filip Verlinden vs. Saulo Cavalari – Cavalari via unanimous decision (29-28×2, 30-27)
Steve Moxon vs. Reece McAllister – Moxon via KO (3rd)
Gabriel Varga vs. Jose Palacios -Varga via unanimous decision (30-26,30-27×2)
Under Card
Maurice Greene vs. Yang Rae Yoo – Greene via unanimous decision (29-28×2, 30-27)
Kyle Weickhardt vs. Quartus Stitt – Weickhardt via unanimous decision
Billy Rose vs. Aaron Swenson – Swenson via KO (2nd)
Amateur Fights
Ian Alexander vs. Austin Lewis – Alexander via split decision
Axel Mendez vs. Jordan Weiland – Mendez via decision
