Next MMA Fighter

Sportfight X Atlanta was a great night of fights and packed with excellent MMA action. Here’s the blow-by-blow.

Scott Eaton vs Jared McWilliams 185lbs

Scott has some heavy looking hands and is setting up big strikes with leg kicks. Jared clinches up and is maybe looking for a takedown but Scott is landing some good body blows and when is finally dragge to the ground, ends on top. Scott gets side control and works the far arm for an americana. Jared is able to roll to the turtle position for momentary relief but gets rolled back over and submitted.

Scott Eaton def Jared McWilliams sub (americana) 2:01 of rd. 1

Manuel COrrea vs Jose Luis Lopez 145lbs

Jose faked a kick and slipped early in the round allowing Manuel, the BJJ artist to get on top and apply shoulder choke/neck crank. Jose tries to establish a guard and is able to stand with Manuel’s arm around his neck still. Manuel keeps his grip and tries a guillotine that he uses to take Jose to the ground. Jose defends and they get back to the feet. Jose misses another kick and Manuel attacks with punches. Jose returns some punches of his own.

Jose attacks the body in the second round with some hard hooks. Here on the feet Manuel is having trouble putting anything together. Jose mixes it up with some body kicks and fast hands. Jose lands another slapping right round to the body and the crowd hears it. Jose does a pretty good job of staying up and jabbing his opponent. Manuel is able to drop and land a solid double leg takedown and slam. On top, Manuel isn’t able to work a position until Jose scrambles and offers a neck. Jose is defending the choke well and gets back to standing in a clinch when he’s kneed in the junk. The horn is blown and some punches are exchanged just after the fight due to a little slow ref action.

Manuel Correa def Jose Luis Lopez by unan dec.

Roderick Lewis vs Alex Moore 155lbs

Roderick drops some hard strikes early and bowls Alex over. Alex works for a leg lock from the ground. Roderick defends but is placed in Alex’s guard. Alex works for a triangle immediately. Alex works on the triangle for a full minute and Roderick is finally forced to tap.

Alex Moore def Roderick Lewis by sub (triangle) 2:48 of rd 1.

Mike Alvarado vs Jeremy Wallace 185lbs

Jeremy lands a sneaky uppercut and follows with a single leg takedown. Jeremy postures up and punches Mike’s head. Mike is able to kick him off and when Jeremy comes back down lands in a triangle set up. Mike is unable to complete and they get back to standing. When Mike rushes wih strikes, Jeremy drops levels again and lands another takedown. Jeremy lands some strikes there but stands up shortly after. They clinch up and work the body for control. Jeremy lands an inside knee and the separate again. Jeremy lands another big takedown before the round ends.

Jeremy spends the round backing up and keeping his distance and suddenly explodes with another big takedown. Jeremy works strikes from top position there but opts to stand again. Jeremy shoots another takedown but Mike finally stuffs one and looks like he might take Jeremy’s back when Jeremy scrambles out. Jeremy loooks like he might be gassing again but lands yet another big takedown toward the end of the 2nd stanza.

Round 3 Jeremy hits his signature takedown early and gets on top to work some strikes. The ref stands em up after some inactivity and they get to circling each other. Jeremy gets one last takedown and works some punches before the fight ends.

Jeremy Wallace def Mike Alvarado by unan. dec.

Alfonso Bautista vs Luke Neyland 155lbs

Luke nails a single leg takedown early and is immediately in side control. Alfonso tries to stand but gives up his back in the process. Alfonso is able to turn back into Luke but Luke switches his hips quickly and attempts an armbar. Alfonso switches sides and looks ok but Luke throws the legs up for another armbar that does complete.

Luke Neyland def Alfonso Bautista by sub (armbar) 1:49 in rd. 1

Ururahy Rodrigues vs Patrick Mandio 170lbs

Patrick dodges a jumping front kick and stuffs a takedown in the first 5 seconds. Ururahy works a high crotch single leg. Patrick is doing a great job of staying on his feet and when he is able to, hits a hip toss and ends in halfguard. Ururahy is able to kick Patrick off and they get back to standing. Ururahy attempts another jumping front kick and single leg as before. Patrick keeps his feet. They separate and circle for a time. Ururahy lands some good leg kicks here before the round ends.

Ururahy launches 2 flying kicks now and as he takes his shot eats a big punch from Patrick. Patrick follows him down and lands a few more punches. Ururahy drops for a takedown and they go the ground when Patrick is able to get top position. They have a tense exchange on the ground and get back to the feet. Ururahy closes for another single leg, but still can’t get Patrick to the ground. Ururahy lands 3 solid leg kicks in succession and closes for another single leg. Ururahy finally completes a takedown but is unable to get any work done before Patrick kicks him off. Patrick lands another hip toss before the round ends.

Round 3 Ururahy lands a couple good leg kicks. The third leg kick that Patrick receives looks to have hurt him. Ururahy closes for another single leg takedown. Ururahy is working for this takedown but Mandio is doing a good job of keeping his feet. They separate and Ururahy shoots again. Patrick tosses him and they get back to standing. Ururahy doesn’t seem to exhibit any urgency as the time wanes. Patrick stuffs a big takedown and ends in top position for some punches as the time runs out.

Patrick Mandio def Ururahy Rodrigues by unan dec

Joe Elmore vs Stephen Ledbetter 155lbs

Joe is loading up his strikes and is looking to really hurt Stephen. Stepehen hits a double leg takedown and after a scramble ends up with a guillotine attempt that Joe is able to defend and get up from. Joe kicks the body and the inside leg. Stephen drops for another double leg and ends in Joe’s open guard. Stephen works some GnP from the top while Joe stays active looking to sweep or submit. Joe puts the legs up for a triangle and while he is unable to submit Stephen, he is able to land an elbow and open a cut on Stephen’s scalp.

This round neither fighter is able to land a punch in the openning minute. Stephen drops for a double and ends in Joe’s guard again. Stephen takes advantage of Joe’s open guard and passes to mount. Joe does a good job of recomposing the guard. They go back and forth a bit on the ground but Joe is able to get it back to standing. Joe loads up a huge right but gets taken down in the process. Stephen works some body body head from top position and eats a big elbow. “You’ve heard of suntan, these guys have bloodtan.”- Frank Milsap

Stephen drives in for a takedown and almost takes a huge knee. Joe locks in a guillotine really quick and works to submit but Stephen uses the time to free his legs and get into a mount position. Joe shakes him off and gets Stephen into his guard. The latter half of this fight has been basically a BJJ hard roll session. Stephen abandons progressing in favor of some strikes. A hard fought 15 minutes for these warriors.

Stephen Ledbetter def Joe Elmore by unan dec.

Dave Vitkay vs Roger Carrol

Roger is presenting a light front leg and seems to be prepared for a standup battle. Dave has heavy hands and good striking. Roger closes for a takedown but Dave cirlces and takes him down himsef. Dave works some strikes from top position but this is where Roger is still very dangerous. Dave is able to progress slightly and get in Roger’s half guard. Dave gets high on the guard and tries to isolate an arm. Roger opts for a deep halfguard and looks to sweep potentially. Dave locks on a guillotine and looks deep but Roger rolls a couple different ways and they stand up. Dave falls back, Roger pounces, but get swept! Roger has a smile on his face when the bell for the round rings. He knew he shouldn’t have been swept.

Round 2 Dave lands 2 punches and almost pus down a knee. Roger comes back with some strikes. Roger closes for a takedown and hip tosses. They scramble some and Roger ends up on top. Roger drops a good elbow but is then swept again. Dave gets to a mount position and rains down some blows. Roger gets back to half guard. Dave lands a big shoulder butt that makes Roger visibly upset. Roger looks to work some deep half guard action but Dave is staying on top and dropping big body shots.

Dave does a lot of taunting in this 3rd round. Dave is commanding on the feet here. Dave executes some combos that end in step through knees. Dave throws a leading left hook and left knee that connect well. Roger closes to clinch and they work on the fence for a time. They separate and Dave throws some more punches. Roger drops to shoot again but still can’t land a takedown. Dave does a good job of circling out when getting clinched up on the fence. Roger attempts a guillotine just as the round is ending, too little too late.

Dave Vitkay def Roger Carrol by unan dec.

We will be coming to you live cageside at 8pm EST for Clash at the Coliseum presented by Black and Blue Entertainment.

Tickets are still available at the door so if you’re in driving distance be sure to head on down. Otherwise stay tuned to the NextMMAFighter for live updates of the fight results and play by play as it happens. If the wireless network is sufficient at the venue we will also try to do a Justin.TV live broadcast so stay tuned for that information.

Event Photographs and Video Interviews will follow on Sunday.

Nick Kosvok vs Rusty Crowder – Amateur MMA

Rusty is looking to score early but Nick tags him with a straight right that stuns rusty. Rusty survives and rushes to meet Nick. Rusty goes low for a takedown and Nick gets him in a guillotine. Rusty is able to defend from the submission and work to pass the guard. Nick shrimps his hips out effectively and gets to standing. Rusty attacks with a flurry and Nick is the one to get the takedown now. Nick is unable to pass and stands. Rusty lands a leg kick and straight right which he follows with another takedown. Rusty is able to get to half guard and continues to work. The time expires just as Rusty passes to side control.

2nd round Nick catches one of Rusty’s body kicks but doesn’t do much with it. Rusty rushes in with another flurry and gets another takedown when Nick covers up. Rusty works some body strikes from top position and is ultimately able to pass to mount. He works for an arm and Nick narrowly evades an armbar. Rusty is tenacious and maintains control of the arm which he uses to transition into a triangle that Nick is able to escape. Nick momentarily takes Rusty’s back but Rusty is able to reverse and get Nick’s back. The round ends with Rusty in control.

Nick is behind in points and he knows it. Nick was looking for an opening early in the 3rd round but Rusty attacks with another flurry and get it to the ground. Rusty lands in an ideal position for an D’Arce choke and works for it for first half of the round. Rusty maintains control for the rest of the round and the time expires.

Rusty Crowder def Nick Kosvok by unan. decision

Matt Pierce vs John Downing – Amateur MMA

Both fighter start with some push kicks and John lands a good right hand. Matt comes back swinging with the worst of intentions and really wanting to end it 3early. Matt is block ing the low kicks with his hands and it’ll prove a huge liability. John is looking for a takedown and manages to connect with one when Matt approaches with some strikes. John circles quickly to take the back when Matt tries to roll for an escape. John is able to isolate and arm and apply a quick armbar for a tap.

John Downing def Matt Pierce by sub (armbar) in rd. 1

Matt Sword vs Josh Downing – Advanced Amateur MMA

Josh lands a sold left early in the fight and crushes Matt in the corner. Matt rebounds and gets on top of Josh in side control Matt was able to stack Josh to try to pass the guard but Josh switched his hips quickly and sink in an armbar. Really slick work by Josh on the ground.

Josh Downing def Matt Sword by sub (armbar) in rd. 1

Russ Bennis vs Josh Parker – Advanced Amateur MMA

Josh is a terror and assaults Russ quickly getting him to the ground to work some ground and pound. Russ is working franticly from the ground for a triangle or any sort of break in the action. Russ is able to stand but Josh is tenacious and rushes to meet him in a clinch with knees and punches on the inside. Josh is expending a lot of energy early in the fight and Russ is seeing that. Before he’s able to capitalize however Josh is able to pick him up and slam him. Russ works his way out again and they get to standing. Russ is able to defend form the takedown and land some strikes before the end of the round.

Round 2 Russ is able to land some good strikes early in the round but Josh goes low again and gets the takedown. Josh is able to keep the fight on the ground for the most part but Russ is finally able to stand. Josh is tiring and getting sloppy on his takedowns. Russ starts to pick him apart with punches and kicks. Russ survives another expedition to the ground and the round ends.

Round 3 Russ lands a strike and goes for a takedown of his own but they end in a clinch. Russ disengages and is able to land more strikes from the outside. Josh manages yet another takedown and works to North South. After some body strikes Josh finds the energy to pass to the mount and deliver more strikes before the time expires. During the groundwork here Josh had grabbed the fence and was warned twice before the ref took a point away.

Josh Parker vs Russ Bennis ends in a draw

David Curby vs Brandon Brown – Pro MMA

Brandon shoots a takdwon early in the fight that David weathers rather well. Brandon was able to complete it and get dominant position but David scrambled and got back tot standing. David is probing with stiff jabs but Brandon is doing a good job of avoiding the strikes. David is throwing some big TKD kicks but Brandon is avoiding them deftly. Brandon manages a takedown and works for an armbar quickly.

Brandon Brown def David Curby by sub (armbar) in rd. 1

Urarahy Rodriguez vs Joe Carroll – Pro MMA

Urarahy gets a takedown after some posturing and ends in Joes guard. Urarahy works some GnP from the guard. Urarahy is landing stiff shots form the top and is working to pas. Urarahy gets to half guard. Joe gets back into a butterfly guard and postures up for more strikes. Urarahy passed to side control and works for a front headlock when he got to north south. Urarahy lands a punch as they disengage. Urarahylands a few big punches and knees in a clinch that stun Joe. Urarahy gets Joe to the ground and lands some more big shots from the top.

Joe is on the attack early in the 2nd round but Urarahy opts for the takedown and they are back in Joe’s guard. Ururahy is conserving his energy by not delivering a lot of strikes here in favor of improving position. When he can’t pass he lands 2 big hammer fists and postures up for more of hte same. Joe is keeping a really active guard with punches form the bottom and heel strikes to the back of Urarahy. Joe is able to stand and Urarahy gets a takedown quickly. Back to Joe’s guard. Joe gets up again and Urarahy unleashes as high kick but missesl. Urarahy follows with another takedown, this time with Urarahy in side control. Urarahy is keeping Joe on his back but unable to finish thus far. Joe is as tough as they come and can take a lot of punishment. They get to standing and Urarahy attempts a big flying knee to close the round that misses.

Round 3 they’re keeping it standing to start and swinging for the fences. Urarahy closes the distance and lands a big trip that brings them down hard. Urarahy gets to side control again but is unable to put a submission or strikes together. Joe gets him back into guard but loses it to side control very quickly, this time Urarahy is able to pass to mount and then the back. Urarahy locks in the RNC quickly and effectively.

Urarahy Rodriguez def Joe Carroll by sub (RNC) in rd. 3

Nick Smiley vs Bobby Peavler – Pro MMA

Nick lands a leg kick early and Bobby eats some shots looking for a takedown. Bobby is finally able to get to the ground and Bobby gets into side control. Bobby gets knee on belly and passes to mount. Bobby works some strikes, but Nick is able to walk up the cage and nearly get to standing. They scramble and posture for position. Nick gets it to standing and lands some good strikes further frustrating Bobby even further. Bobby makes desperate shot from pretty far away. Nick is tired and lands with his back against the cage. Bobby works in a guillotine and got a tap.

Bobby Peavler def Nick Smiley by sub (guillotine) in rd. 1

This Friday night Cowboys will be hosting another action packed MMA card. Theres a number of exciting fighters on this card including always exciting Ururahy Rodriguez who was previous featured and Sponsored Fan fighter Tim “MOAB” Stout.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster, Cowboys and twistedparties.com

Coming up on Saturday night, NextMMAFighter will be attending an MMA/Boxing Hybrid event to keep our eye on a few local Atlanta fighters. Ururahy Rodrigues is a fresh-faced, hard hitting fighter who boasts a 2-0 record with early finishes and less then one minute of work within the cage. Check back for an interview we conducted with Ururahy as he makes his final preparations for his fight this weekend.

Ururahy Rodrigues

Also on the card is local Atlanta favorite Clay Harvison who is riding a 4 fight win streak and is sure to make some noise if he continues to finish fights. Clay holds a 6-2 record with none of his fights going to decision so he is always a fun guy to watch.

The fight card is still taking shape so check back for updated list of bouts that we will post once we get it. Our live coverage of KOKings at the Westin Downtown will begin at 7:00PM EST.

So these guys have apparently been doing fights for a little while now. But since I’m new in the game of covering local fights, I haven’t heard much of them.

Their intermission left a bit to be desired, including a movie one of their sponsors was pimping called Lynch Mob, which boasted the tagline “If you see only one mafia cannibal zombie movie this year, make sure its LYNCH MOB.” During a break in the fights, they showed the preview 14 times in a row to make sure everyone understood how ridiculous it was.

Think I’m bullshitting? Well then you don’t know me well enough to realize that I seriously could not make this shit up.

As for the fights, there were plenty of quick finishes and fighters that we are going to be looking out for. Warren Thompson continued his winning ways and finished another fight by submission in the first round thus improving his record to 3-0. Ururahy Rodrigues won again and this guy is an absolute killer from what we have seen so far. I have been able to witness both of his fights as a pro and tonight’s finish in under 1 minute brings his career fight time to 56 seconds through 2 fights. There isn’t much more to say besides we are going to keep a close on on Ururahy’s progression and look to feature him before his next pro bout.

Clint Hester is a local Atlanta fighter that was taking on Roberto Traven trained and BET Iron Ring winner Dymond Jones. This fight took place at a frenzied pace and both guys really left it all out there. Hester was more focused on the feet and used his striking power to knock down and eventually TKO Jones in the closing minutes of round 2. Hester advances his record to 2-0 and hes definitely a fighter to watch.

Aaron “Tex” Johnson deserves a mention not because we believe he is the Next big fighter in MMA, but because it is real clear that he gets in the cage to hurt people. We have now watched this guy armbar / try to break the shit out of his last opponents arm and Kneebar his opponent tonight in under a minute. I fear for Aaron Johnson being able to get a fight if he continues to destroy guys like this so just take it easy buddy. Also, you can interpret my above statements however you want, but the bottom like is we know this dude is crazy and I cant wait to see him fight again.

Official results of the event can be found below.

AMATEUR BOUTS Fight scheduled for 3×3 minute rounds
Stephen Upchurch Vs. Qays Stekevich | Upchurch Wins by Split Decision
Justin Chung Vs. Greg Lawrence | Chung Wins by Unanimous Decision

PROFESSIONAL BOUTS Fight scheduled for 3×5 minute rounds
Aaron Johnson Vs. CJ Haggerty | Johnson Wins by Submission (Knee Bar) 0:27 in the 1st round
Harris Norwood Vs. Marius Cujba | Cujba Wins by Submission (Ankle Lock) 4:33 in the 1st round
Ururahy Rodrigues Vs. David Curby | Rodrigues Wins by Submission (Guillotine Choke) 0:45 in the 1st round
Warren Thompson Vs. Josh Kreuger | Thompson Wins by Submission (Triangle Choke) 4:13 in the 1st round
Dymond Jones Vs. Clint Hester | Hester Wins by TKO/RSC 4:27 in the 2nd round