Tim Stout fought Roger Carroll and lost in the second round. Clint Hester tried his hand at Carroll. That ended in one round with Carroll victorious.

Now it’s Tex Johnson’s turn this Saturday night at Wild Bill’s. What Tex has going for him, is the 24-year-old already has one victory over Carroll’s partner in crime, Johnny Buck.

While many people are looking forward to the Johnny Buck vs Sonny South fight this Saturday night because of the hatred they both are coming into the ring with, the Tex vs Roger fight is exactly the opposite with both fighters showing genuine respect for each other in a fight that is capable of stealing Fight of the Night honors.

GeorgiaFighters.com spoke to both guys only a few days before their fight this Saturday night at Wild Bill’s.

Who are you taking in this fight? Comment below!

Roger Carroll speaks:

GeorgiaFighters.com: You’re known as having all around skills. Tex is known for his jiu jitsu, but lack of standup skills. How do you plan to exploit that?
Roger Carroll: I plan on bringing my game to him no matter where the fight goes. I know Tex is tough, so I don’t listen to people who say he is weak in one are or the other.

GF.com: You’ve had some good wins in Georgia (Clint Hester, Tim Stout, George Allen). Do you think people are taking you too likely?
Carroll: Yeah I feel like we are starting to get a fan base in Georgia despite the turmoil that comes with cross state rivalries. I like fighting in Georgia . It is sort of like a mini vacation. The competition there seems to be well rounded. They are always tough. I just am grateful that they wont fight each other that opens up opportunities for me.

GF.com: What’s your vision for Sept 11 vs Tex? How do you see the fight ending?
Carroll: I feel like with Tex I have to be at the top of my game so I have to close all my doors and be ready. That is exactly what I have done. I see the fight ending explosively with a KO and my hand being raised.

GF.com: How have you been preparing for this fight? It’s a big main event fight at Wild Bill’s. How have you turned it up a notch?
Carroll: I have went outside of my comfort zones. Going to Joe Hurst constantly and rolling with high level jiu jitsu guys and sparring with some top notch boxers and kick boxers. Also I have listened to my support group and have quit drinking Monster Energy Drinks.

GF.com: In what areas do you see yourself as dominant over Tex Johnson?
Carroll: I feel that my biggest threat to Tex is that I am a well rounded fighter. I can wrestle, punch utilize elbows and I have a ground game, so I bring a whole package. Unfortunately, Tex has the cooler haircut and the ladies probably think he is better looking.

Tex Johnson speaks:

GF.com: Roger is known as average in all areas of the game. You have great BJJ skills but a lack of standup. How do you plan to get this fight to where you feel best?
Tex Johnson: First of, I think Roger is better than average in all areas of the game. He is a smart fighter and knows his strengths and weaknesses and he uses his strengths in fights and stays away from his weaknesses.

GF.com: Roger has some good wins in Georgia (Clint Hester, Tim Stout, George Allen). Do you think people are taking him too lightly? Have you watched his videos?
Tex: I have watched video on Roger. I saw the last fight with Clint and also the Tim Stout fight. I am not underestimating him at all. I am preparing for this fight like I always do. My training is going really well and I am confident in my game. Roger is a good fighter, you can’t beat all three of those guys you mentioned (Clint Hester, Tim Stout and George Allen) on accident. Roger has skills and I think this is a great opportunity for me to take another step up in competition.

GF.com: This is your first main event at Wild Bill’s since War Machine cancelled on us. Are you nervous at all going into this fight that Roger will back out?
Tex: I’m not nervous at all. You can’t really compare the War Machine situation to this one. I mean, the War Machine fight would have been good for my career and would have been great exposure and a lot of fun but as I have said before, it was disappointing to get the call that he backed out and I wanted the fight but stuff like that happens all the time and as a fighter I have moved on. I was able to get some good exposure from that opportunity as an article was written about me on MMAJunkie.com and i was interviewed by several MMA sites. Roger and I have mutual respect for one another. Unless Roger gets injured during training this week, I don’t see Roger backing out of the fight.

GF.com: What’s your vision for Sept 11th vs. Roger? How do you see this fight ending?
Tex: Me winning. I am going to find a way to beat Roger and we will shake hands and continue to hang-out at shows and support each other in our fight careers. I will either knock him out and address everyone’s concerns with my stand-up or I will submit him. Buy a ticket from me by emailing me at tex0401@gmail.com and come see the results for yourself!

GF.com: How have you been preparing for this fight? It’s a big main event fight at Wild Bill’s. How have your turned it up a notch?
Tex: Training is going really well. I took a couple days off after my fight last month in Biloxi, Mississippi where I submitted Brian Albin (current 205lb champ for Psychout Promotions) on the Atlas Fighting card in a non-title fight and then I got right back to my training routine. I’ve been training at Knuckle-Up in Sandy Springs, Defkon One, Smyrna Crossfit and with Jimmy Long. I am ready.

GF.com: In what areas do you see yourself as dominant over Roger?
Tex: I don’t mean any disrespect by saying this but I think my BJJ is better than his. Although Roger received his Brown Belt awhile ago and I just received mine from Steve Headden last month, I think that my ground game is better than his. I also think I am a better wrestler and although many people don’t think I have solid hands, I have been working on my stand-up and I am getting more comfortable on my feet.

GF.com: The last time you fought at Wild Bill’s you submitted one of Roger Carroll’s buddies, Johnny Buck in 13 seconds (according to MMA.tv fighter profile) who fights Sonny South on this card as well. What are your thoughts on this fight?
Tex: There is a lot of trash talk going back and forth between Sonny and Buck. The last time these two guys fought Buck definitely controlled the fight but Sonny says he is was sick and that was the reason he didn’t do so well. The only thing I will say is that Sonny hasn’t hesitated to call out Buck and trash talk. I think Buck is going to take Sonny down and punish him with his ground and pound.

GF.com: Any sponsors you would like to thank?
Tex: Of course, thank you for the interview and the exposure. GeorgiaFighters.com has been very good to me. I want to thank Fitness Depot of Douglasville, No Quarter, VPX-makers of Redline Energy Drink, Wholesale Health Direct, Caged Wear, Born 2 Bang Athletics, Arena Tavern and Lutador Grappling the best BJJ tourney in the Southeast! I also want to thank Jimmy Long, Steve Headden, Brian Dean and all my training partners at Defkon One and KnuckleUp. I also want to thank all the guys at Sponsored Fan for managing my fight career and getting all these great companies to support me. Email me at tex0401@gmail.com for ticket information. I want to fight in front of a packed out Wild Bill’s on September 11th!

In an email sent to Georgiafighters.com and the local MMA community by William “Soco” McAlister, owner and operator, SportFightX has made the difficult decision to close it’s doors on MMA promoting.

In the email McAlister says “It was our goal from the beginning to raise the quality of MMA production in the Atlanta metro area, put on the best possible fights for the fans as well as present the fighters not as mere combatants but as true professional athletes, which is the way I look at them.”  It’s without a doubt that the production level of SportFightX did indeed raise the bar with regards to production value.

McAlister also did a great job  marketing his brand and scoring great sponsorship deals with companies like REDLINE energy drink and Project 961 amonst others.

McAlister continued in the email, “However it comes with disappointment to announce that SportFight X and Sin City Fight Club will be closing its cage door for good. Promoting these organizations has been a positive learning experience for me  and hopefully equally positive for those we came in contact with.”

The culmination of McAlister’s efforts and hard work came to fruition when he  promoted a very successful 8 man tournament in the185 lbs division.  The winner of the tournament pocketed a cool $10,000.00.

McAlister ended the email  thanking all, “Thank you all again for the support as I will continue to return it the best I possibly can. Sincerely, William “Soco” McAlister”

Georgiafighters.com would like to wish Soco the best of luck in any of his future endeavors.

Sonny South (X3 Sports and In the Ring Sports) and Johnny Buck (Team Superior of North Carolina) fought over a year ago at Wild Bill’s with Buck taking the win home. But it wasn’t without some controversy as according to Sonny, Buck landed a few punches to the back of the head and Sonny went into the fight with a sickness.

Then only months ago, they were both under contract to rematch in North Carolina, but a broken hand prevented Sonny from taking the fight. Now the two heated rivals are scheduled to finally rematch on Saturday, Sept 11 at Wild Bill’s Fight Night.

To say the two fighters dislike each other would be to put it mildly. A trip to the facebook account of either shows facebook posts that show the disdain each fighter has for the other.

Sonny: U STILL TALKIN UP THERE JHONNY”FUCK” U FUCKIN RETARD JUST STAY OUT OFF ALL THE CONVO LET UR BITCH ASS NERD ASS MANAGER MIKE DO THE TALKING FOR U CUZ EVERY TIME U OPEN UR MOUTH WHETHER A INTERVIEW OR WHAT EVER U SOUND RETARTED HOMIE!!!! U SHURE DONT BRING ANY STYLE OR SWAG TO OUR SPORT ALL U BRING IS UNTECHNICAL ASS CAVE MAN WRESTLING!!! GET IT THRU UR HEAD IM GONNA KNOCK UR WHOLE FUCKIN FACE OFF HOMIE I PROMISE IM NOT SICK THIS TIME AND IM TRAINING WIT THE BEST!!!

Johnny: You know I’m gonna whomp sonnys ass… again…its tough to box from your back….

What do you think of this fight? Who do you think is going to win? How do you see it going? What about the other fights on the card? Vote below and sound off!Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

By Cesar Hernandez
Photos: Ozzie Santiago

Last night at the luxurious Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel in the heart of Atlanta GA on a card promoted by Greg Barckoff’s The Big Rock Out, Zahir “King” Raheem and Paul “The Truth” Delgado dazzled their hometown crowd with an excellent exhibition of flash and power. The crowd was also treated with the The Big Rock Out’s presentation of “The Ring of Honor” to legendary Atlanta and boxing great Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield.

Main Event: 6rds of Boxing at a contracted weight of 143lbs

Zahir “King” Raheem 31-3 (18KOs) vs. Roberto Valenzuela 53-54-2 (43KOs)

In a return bout, Philadelphia native Zahir Raheem’s displayed his superior boxing skills and thrilled the crowd in attendance with a sensational second round KO of Roberto Valenzuela.

Although Raheem had previously won a six round decision over Valenzuela earlier this year (22 April 10), it was evident from the opening stanza that Raheem had no intention for this fight to go to the scorecards.  Raheem used his speed advantage to punish Valenzuela’s head and body, while his footwork kept him well out of reach from Valenzuela’s attack. Raheem’s accurate combinations to the head and his punishing body attack won him the round on my scorecard: 10-9 Raheem

The second round saw Raheem pressing the action as Valenzuela retreated after feeling the effects of Rahem’s relentless attack. At the 2:40sec mark, Raheem landed a crushing left hand to the body that immobilized Valenzuela along the ropes and followed up with a right cross that sent the durable Valenzuela crashing to the canvas. Valenzuela spat out his mouthpiece and rose at the count of nine on very shaky legs.  The referee correctly waved off the fight, for it was clear that Valenzuela was in no condition to continue.  Winner by KO at 2:50sec of the 2^nd round…Zahir “King” Raheem!

Co-Main Event:  6rds of Boxing at a contracted weight of 148lbs

Paul “The Truth” Delgado 24-9-1 (4KOs) vs. Chad Greenleaf 12-16-1 (5KOs)

Delgado won a hard fought Unanimous Decision against West Virginia native Greenleaf, but If styles make fights, then the unorthodox fighting style and south paw stance of Chad Greenleaf brought the best out of the local favorite Paul Delgado.

Greenleaf came out strong in the opening seconds of round one with a barrage of punches to Delgado’s head.  Delgado weathered the storm well utilizing a tight defense and picked off most of the punches with his gloves, shoulders, and elbows.  Once Greenleaf backed off Delgado found his rhythm by establishing his jab and finished every combination with a left hook to the body.  It was all Delgado for the first two rounds until Greenleaf changed his strategy in the third round.  In the third Greenleaf fought with his back against the ropes with some success, he was able to land counter rights over Delgado’s jab.  During an exchange in the middle of the ring their heads collided and Delgado went down.  Delgado recovered quickly and as the round was coming to a close he had Greenleaf reeling along the ropes courtesy of some well placed right hands to the head.  Delgado won the fourth and fifth rounds by moving forward and countering with a stiff right hand; Greenleaf kept changing his stance and punched from angles with very little success. In the sixth and final round Greenleaf came out showing some urgency but his efforts were in vain. Delgado boxed well for most of the round but with twenty seconds left he connected with a right hand that sent his opponent down to the canvas.  Greenleaf rose at the count of nine and the round ended.  The judges’ scorecards read: 60-53, 60-53, and 60-54 for the winner Paul “The Truth” Delgado.

Note:  During the post fight interview Delgado revealed that he came in to the fight with an injury to his left hand and that he will take some time off to let it heal. He plans to return to the ring sometime in December 2010.

6rds of Boxing at a contracted weight of 149lbs

Chris “Classy” Gray 13-12 (1KO) vs. Gerald “Spotlight” Jordan 7-2-1 (5KOs)

Louisiana resident Chris Gray comes into Atlanta and pulls out the upset win against Gerald Jordan by Unanimous Decision.

First two rounds went as expected; the speedier Jordan landed the heavier punches and constantly beat Gray to the punch from the outside, Gray was able to land the right hand down the middle a couple of times.  Gray landed a right hand to Jordan’s jaw (at the 1min mark of the 3^rd round) and it changed the momentum of the fight.  For the first time in the match Jordan was on the defensive.  It looked like Gray could close the show but Jordan had enough presence of mind to clinch and survive the round.  The referee issued a second warning to Jordan for holding.  Gray came out aggressive in the fourth round and used his jab as a range finder, he soon found the range and fired a lead right followed by an uppercut that made Jordan fall to his knees.  Jordan was up at the count of five and once again clinched to buy himself some time.  Jordan fired back and kept Gray at bay until another right hand put him in trouble again, luckily for Jordan the round ended. The fifth round seemed to belong to Jordan; he landed some powerful hooks to the head and Grey’s punch output declined. Sixth round, good exchanges, a clinch, and the referee yelled “break”, Jordan lands a left hook to Grey’s head and the crowd voices their disapproval. The fight continues and Grey lands the better punches for the rest of the round.  After a long delay (approximately 8min) Judges’ scorecards read:  59-54, 59-54, and 58-55 for the winner by Unanimous Decision…Chris “Classy” Grey!

Special Attraction Fight:

4rds of Boxing at a contracted weight of 135lbs.

Jackie Breitenstein 4-0 (4KOs) vs. Lisa Bolin 2-3 (2KOs)

Local product Jackie Breitenstein stepped into the ring against last minute replacement Lisa Bolin for a woman’s special attraction fight.  With plenty of local support Breitenstein put on a spirited performance against a much taller and stronger Bollinger.  For her part, Bollinger surprised Jackie with a long jab and her ability to fight on the inside.  Both combatants gave their all for the crowd in attendance and were rewarded with both being declared winners at the end of their bout.

4rds of Boxing at a contracted weight of 152lbs

Adonis Inman 2-0 vs. Dustin Parrish 0-1

Adonis Inman won a unanimous decision against a very game Dustin Parrish.

Parrish came out swinging in the first minute of round one but his lack of ring experience cost him. He over exerted himself and quickly fell into the deep against a better conditioned and more skilled fighter.  For the next four rounds Parrish took everything Adonis Inman had to offer and returned fire in spurts.  Adonis is the kind of fighter that you have to pace yourself against and think before you punch. Despite his now 2-0 record and his limited amateur experience, Adonis shows boxing maturity and technical prowess.  Judges’ scorecards read: 40-36, 40-46, and 39-37 for the winner by Unanimous Decision…Adonis Inman!

4rds of Boxing at a contracted weight of 152lbs

Ghislain Ntsikoto 1-0 vs. Nick Smith 1-3

Ntsikoto survives being knocked down early in the first round en route to a unanimous decision win over Smith and picks up his first professional win.

Ntsikoto was dropped by Smith’s overhand right early in the first round but managed to survive the round by clinching until he regained full use of his legs and senses.  Ntsikoto worked hard in the second, third and fourth round by being the aggressor, he moved forward and let his hands go, Smith spent too much time looking for “one punch” to turn the fight around and his inactivity cost him the fight.  Judge’s Score:  38-37, 38-37, and 38-37 for the winner by Unanimous Decision…from Congo, Ghislain Ntsikoto!

And our first guest in this new timeslot will be local pro boxer Paul Delgado!

Delgado will be the co-main event this Friday night at The Big Rock Out 3 at The Westin Peachtree Plaza. For more information on the event, CLICK HERE.

Delgado has been one of Atlanta’s top fighters and most busy fighters as of late. He has a record of 23-9-1 and has fought 5 times in the past year.

He’ll be the co-main event this Friday night at The Big Rock Out 3 with former world champion Zaheer Raheem as the main event.

Before the fights begin at 10 pm, join Counter Punch as they broadcast live from 8 pm – 10 pm on 790 The Zone.

We’re looking for help with the production this Saturday night. If you are willing to volunteer your time at STATS from 8 pm till about 11 pm, this is what we are willing to offer you:

*Free dinner at STATS during the UFC PPV
*Free admission at STATS to watch the UFC PPV fights
*Free admission to the Saturday, Sept 11 Wild Bill’s Fight Night

If interested, please email us at GeorgiaFighters@gmail.com

This Saturday night is the fight that we’ve all been waiting for…it’s Randy Couture vs James Toney. It’s UFC vs Boxing. And it’s going to be shown LIVE at STATS. Oh, and Frankie Edgar vs BJ Penn!

But before the live UFC PPV telecast begins, come down and join 790 The Zone’s Counter Punch from 8 pm – 10 pm as the show will be broadcasting live inside the STATS studio. During the two hour broadcast you’ll have the opportunity to meet local fight promoters, managers, fighters, gym owners and others involved in the MMA business.

They’ll be tons of free giveaways including tickets to the Saturday, Sept 11 Wild Bill’s Fight Night with special guest Nate Diaz, UFC cozies, UFC keychains, UFC tshirts and a glove signed by WEC fighter Uriah Faber.

Be at STATS next to Phillips Arena this Saturday at 8 pm to enjoy Counter Punch before the UFC PPV telecast begins at 10 pm!

STATS is located at 300 Marietta Street NW. Atlanta, GA 30313. The phone number is 404-885-1472 and the website is www.STATSATL.com.

By Cesar J. Hernandez

Great night of fights at Bangkok Fight Night VII at Center Stage, it was a solid fight card from top to bottom.  Here is how I saw it from ringside.

Amateur Muay Thai
145lbs:  Darius Crowley (Knuckle Up) vs. Ian Tosayanon (GA Fighting Arts Saravia MMA)

RD1: Nice round house kick to the head by Darius introduces Ian to the canvas for the first time tonight.  Ian is up, showing no ill effects from the kick he quickly jumps in trading kicks and punches once again.  Darius uses his hand speed advantage to overwhelm his opponent along the ropes.  Ian has no choice but to take a knee on the canvas to avoid more damage and gladly takes the eight count by the referee for a quick breather.   Darius closes the round strong with heavy punches and powerful kicks to the head. I gave the 1^st round to Darius Crowley.

RD2: Darius is pressing the action early in the round but Ian is not backing up. A kick on the shin by Ian stops the bout momentarily (Darius shin guard needs adjusting).  Ian catches Darius front kick, sweeps the opposite leg, and scores a knockdown.  Darius walks into a straight right by Ian, he looked to be off balance, but it’s a knock down none the less.  Darius is up and in the next exchange Ian lands a knee south of the border.Referee stops the action and gives Darius time to recover. The action resumes, Darius lands a short right “superman” punch with a left hook, straight right combination that puts Ian on the seat of his pants. Round ends with both fighters circling each other. Close round to score, if we go by knock downs Ian took the round.

RD3: Third and final round.  Ian connects with an overhand right and Darius goes down along the ropes.  Ian punches his downed opponent repeatedly and forces him to fall through the ropes before the referee can step in.  Alertly Darius corner reacted and prevented their fighter from hitting the concrete floor. Darius climbs back in the ring but before the fight resumes the referee takes a point away from Ian.  Great exchange in the middle of the ring Darius is landing the cleaner blows, another low blow (knee) by Ian.  Fight on, Darius lands a barrage of punches, Ian is down and looks hurt.  Ian is up at the count of 9, Darius steps in with a right kick to the mid section; Ian goes down for the last time in the fight.

Winner by KO in 1:59 of the 3^rd round, Darius Crowley!

Amateur Muay Thai
154lbs:  Jonathan Beam (Knuckle UP Fitness) vs. Demonte McQueen(ATL Extreme Warrior)

RD1: Demonte comes out with a flying side kick, Jonathan is unfazed and smothers him with punches along the ropes.  Jonathan chases Demonte with kicks.  Demonte working his kicks to the mid section and to the inside of Jonathan’s left thigh.  Gave the round to Jonathan for his activity level.

RD2: Slower pace for the second round favors Demonte’s stick and move style.  Jonathan clinch game is on; he defends very well against knees and delivers his own without a problem.  Jonathan looks tired at the end of the round.  I gave the round to Demonte, the pace favored his style and he was able to capitalize on his offensive opportunities.

RD3: Jonathan comes out aggressive but he’s telegraphing his kicks and punches.  Demonte is sticking his jab and stopping Jonathan in his tracks.  Slight pause in fight due to a low blow (kick) on Demonte.   The break in the action helped Jonathan, he seems energized and is landing well, big overhand right by Jonathan closes the round.  Round goes to Jonathan on my scorecard.  Let’s wait for the judges as they tally their scores.

Winner by Unanimous Decision Jonathan Beam. Scores: 29-28, 29-28, 30-27

Amateur MMA
225lbs:  Dexter “Bolo” Carthon (ATL Bangkok Boxing) vs. Curtis Smith(SC Evolution MT)

RD1: Straight right to the jaw by home town Carthon puts Smith down, Smith beats the count but get’s dropped again courtesy of another Carthon right hand.  This one is over, the referee has seen enough.

Winner by KO: 25 sec into the 1^st round, Dexter “Bolo” Carthon.

Amateur Muay Thai
145lbs:​Robel Kebede (ATL Bangkok Boxing) vs. Jeremy Barrett (SC Evolution MT)

RD1: Both fighters are technically sound.  Barrett gets the better of the clinch with crisp knees to the body.  Kebede works his reach advantage with punches and kicks from outside but his offensive lulls are enough for Barrett to unload his combinations.  Great action round, gave it to Barrett due to his combinations.

RD2: Second round is stating great for Barrett, two front kicks to the mid section put Kebede down.  Barrett is the aggressor while Kebede counters effectively when given space. Kebede goes for the clinch and lands 4 unanswered knees to the body.  Round ends with an exchange along the ropes.  I gave the round to Kebede for working his Muay Thai in the clinch and controlling most of the second half of the round.

RD3: Nice kick to head to start the round by Barrett.  Kebede clinches and lands knee after knee until Barrett breaks free from his grip. Barrett seems tired but is still pushing forward and letting his hands go.  Round ends with no clear winner of the round or the fight.  I scored the round Even so on my card this fight is a draw, let’s see what the judges have to say.

All three judges have it 29-28 for the winner…. Jeremy Barrett!

Amateur MMA
155lbs:​ Guilherme “Gee” Cury (Knuckle Up Fitness)vs. Waltair Cordeiro (X3 Sports)

RD1: Cordeiro goes for the takedown but Cury stuffs it. Small exchange and Cury shoots and takes Cordeiro down. Nothing happening on the ground both fighters stand up. Cury takes some punches to the body after a Cordeiro takedown.  Cordeiro backs out of Cury’s guard; he wants to keep the fight standing. Cury looks very tired as he is slow to his feet.  Cordeiro secures another takedown and punishes Cury’s mid section.  Round ends with Cordeiro in control.  Easy round to score in favor of Cordeiro.

RD2: Cordeiro pushes Gee to the ropes and land knees to his thighs until Curry breaks from the clinch. Curry is keeps wanting to take the fight to the ground but Cordeiro wants no part of the ground game.  Who can blame him he’s gotten the best out of the standup, until now, he just ate a nice straight right by Curry that bloodied his nose.  The round ends.   Another round in the bag for Cordeiro.

RD3: Both fighters look spent. It’s desperation time for Curry, he is trading punches with Cordeiro but neither seems to have the energy to hurt the other. Curry goes to the ground to bait Cordeiro but no luck, the referee makes him stand. They try to slug it out at the end of the round but are too exhausted to be effective.  I gave the round to Curry, Cordeiro seemed to be cruising.

Winner by Unanimous decision Gui Curry. Scores:  29-28, 30-27

Amateur Muay Thai
154lbs:​Eric Castro (Kuckle Up D’ville) vs. John Garcia (Saravia Martial Arts)

RD1: AT 5’5” Garcia is doing well by getting on the inside and trying to overwhelm the taller Castro with punches to the body and head. Castro is having trouble finding his range with the smaller more active Garcia.  Garcia wins the round on my card.

RD2: Looks like Castro found his groove; he landed good kicks to the midsection and established his jab all while staying outside of Garcia’s range. Low blow (kick) by Garcia in the closing seconds of the round.  Castro won the round on my scorecard.

RD3: Castro worked his range well and kept Garcia at bay with front kicks and a long jab.  The only thing Castro did wrong in this round was a low blow (kick) to Garcia in the opening seconds of the round. Gave Castro the 3^rd round.

Winner by Unanimous Decision…Eric Castro. Scores: 30-27, 30-27, 30, 27

Amateur Title Fight
Muay Thai​154lbs:​Josh Glover (Hard Knox) vs Jeromy Murphy (Memphis Judo & Jiu Jitsu)

RD1: Glover working from a southpaw stance lands jab effectively.  Glover’s hand speed seems to be a problem for Murphy as Murphy’s strategy seems to be countering his opponent.  Glover caught Murphy’s front kick twice and scored knockdowns by sweeping his back leg. Round goes to Glover.

RD2: Murphy is more aggressive with his kicks this round while Glover is being patient with his attack.  Murphy is checking Glover’s low kicks well and countering with kicks to the body.  Glover is using his footwork to keep him out of Murphy’s reach. Glover lands a right to Murphy’s chin that sends Murphy’s mouth piece flying across the ring. Close round but gave the round to Glover for landing cleaner kicks and punches.

RD3: Final round, second round was close so it they both come out swinging.  Glover catches Murphy with a kick to the legs; the kick took Murphy’s legs from under him and sat him on the canvas. Oh! Glover is hurt! Murphy caught him with a straight right! Glover’s legs are shaky; he’s still coming forward though. Murphy lands another right and Glover is hurt again, Glover clinches this time and they tumble through the ropes landing on the apron.  Both fighters are ok, the fight continues but Murphy missed his opportunity.  The round ends.  Round goes to Murphy.

Winner and Amateur Champion Josh Glover! Scores: 29-28, 29-28, 29-28.

Pro Muay Thai
180lbs:​ Mike Maniaci (Bangkok Boxing) vs. Steve “The Hitman” Hall (X3 Sports)

RD1: Hall comes out on fire and lands a right to Maniaci’s temple, Maniaci goes down!  Referee reaches 7, 8, Maniaci is up but he looks very shaky on his feet.  Hall moves forward and Maniaci clinches until the referee pull them apart. Another right by Hall and Maniaci is down again!  Manici beats the count but he’s looks done, his eyes look glassy and he has no legs under him.  Remember…This is a pro event so the referee might let it go a little longer. He does! Hall moves in for the kill, he land a low kick, a high kick, he lands a crushing right hook to the head!  Maniaci goes limp and hits the canvas, the referee mercifully waves off the carnage.

Winner by KO at 1:16 of the 1^st round….Steve “The Hitman” Hall

Note:  Maniaci landed awkwardly on his left ankle the third time he went down. His ankle looked very swollen and slightly deformed as he limped out of the ring.

Pro Muay Thai
200 lbs:​ Devan Plaisance (Hard Knox) vs. Clint “Head Bussa” Hester (X3 Sports)

RD1: Right hand to the temple puts Hester down!  Hester is up and using the ear muff defense.  A quick exchange and Hester return the favor by flooring Plaisance with an overhand right.  Plaisance is up quickly, and Hester unloads with haymakers to the head.  Hester hits Plaisance with a flying knee to the point of the chin and Plaisance is down again. Plaisance is up at the count of nine but doesn’t look well, he’s still staggered.   Hester gets caught in a clinch and breaks free with knees to the body.  Hester throws a superman punch, No, he turned the superman into a crushing elbow that landed on the Plaisance’s forehead….Plaisance goes down…oh he’s cut!  Plaisance has a nasty gash on his forehead!  The referee waves off the fight and the ring doctor rushes in.

Winner by KO at 2:38 sec of the 1^st round…Clint “Head Bussa” Hester!

Note: According to the ring doctor, it took 7 stitches to close the cut on Plaisance’s forehead.

Main Event

Pro MMA 195lbs​ Warren Thompson vs. Dave Vitkay

One of the most anticipated rematches in Bangkok Fights History, and hey, it lived up to the hype.  It had everything, back and forth action, fan interaction, Atlanta’s men in blue, and Center Stage Security…lol

RD1: Dave comes out swinging but Warren nullifies Dave’s power by pinning him in the corner and delivering knees to his thighs. Warren takes Dave to the ground but Dave manages to land in top control.  Warren uses his butterfly guard to elevate and reverses Dave. Warren ends up in Dave’s half guard. While looking to pass Dave’s guard Warren manages to deliver some elbows to his opponent before the round ends.   This round was all Warren Thompson.

RD2: Dave comes out looking for a takedown, he pushes Warren against ropes but Warren defends by pushing Dave’s head down.  Dave finally gets the take down and falls into Warrens rubber guard.  Warren sinks in a Kimura attempt from the guard; Dave blocks the Kimura by stepping over and keeping the trapped arm between his legs. Dave frees his arm and immediately goes for what appears to be an Americana from my vantage point.  Warren wiggles free from Dave and they scramble towards the ropes, Dave is standing and knees Warren on the head as Warren was getting to his feet.  It’s a judgment call by the referee calling the knee illegal, close call in my opinion, but I don’t have the same vantage point as he does.  Referee takes a point off from Dave for the infraction.  Restart, Dave goes back to working for a takedown but is negated by Warren once again.  Dave working his standup well, Warren answers with a kick to the head but Dave takes it well.  I gave the round to Dave, but remember a point was deducted from him.

During the one minute rest period Dave Vitkay took the time to taunt the Warren supporters in attendance, which happened to be seated directly behind me, with one finger salutes and with what appeared to be a gesture of him complaining of a low blow.  Their boos, choice words, and them inching closer to the ring, added to the already tense ambiance of the evening.  This situation prompted security and a couple of ATL’s finest to set camp behind me and pacify some of the more animated patrons in attendance.

RD3: Warren has one of Dave’s legs in a takedown attempt, Dave surprises Warren with a guillotine, it’s tight and Dave takes him to the ground in full guard.  Dave needs to arch his back to sink the guillotine deeper, Warren slowly slips out of danger.  Dave is breathing hard from the submission attempt.  Warren slips behind him and get’s back control, one hook is in but Dave tucks his chin to his chest to avoid the rear naked choke.  Dave spins out and is standing over Warren.  Dave splits the guard with an axe kick and gains side control.  Warren lands some elbows from his back, Dave answers with a huge right hand!  Warren snaps on a triangle choke!  Dave lifts Warren and slams him to the matt, then breaks free of the triangle.  Dave will not be submitted tonight.  Not enough action on the ground and the referee stands both fighters.  Ten seconds left, the fight is over.  I gave the round to Dave so that would make it 2-1 for Dave but with one point off, it becomes a Draw on my scorecard.

Judge’s scorecards read 28-28, it’s a DRAW!

Here are my picks for KO of the Night:

Clint “Head Bussa” Hester KO’s Devan Plaisance (Elbow) at 2:38 sec of the 1^st round.

Steve “Hitman” Hall KO’s Mike Maniaci (Overhand Right) at 1:16 sec of the 1^st round.

Fight of the Night:

Warren Thompson vs. Dave Vitkay (Draw)