Akron, Ohio
Chapparell’s Center
Team GriffonRawl sent four veterans into MMA action on April 25, 2009 for NAAFS' "Midwest Combat Challenge 7". Reggie Parks, Bryon McCroskey, Ryan Lose, and John Strmac represented the team. What follows is a recap of each fighter's match.
Ryan "Loose Cannon" Lose (155lbs) was facing Kenny "The Black Spartan" Jackson. After an initial feeling out process Kenny landed a big left hook that sent Ryan to the mat. Ryan immediately jumped back up with his hand ready, but the referee called a stop to the contest. Clearly upset, Ryan pleaded with the referee saying he wasn't hurt. A big solid shot was landed by Kenny, to be sure, but most in attendance would agree it was an early stoppage. Ryan took it with a grain of salt, saying he'd never been hit that hard but is anxious to get back and show NAAFS fans the kind of fighter he is.
Reggie Parks (170lbs) was facing the once defeated Chris Melillo. Reggie utilized his wrestling to take Chirs down and started a barrage of wicked body shots in the first round. Reggie would get the better of the standup in each round and when Chris would come in for a big shot, he'd change levels and execute a takedown continuing the ground and pound. Reggie had to fight off a kimura attempt for a portion of round three, but when the dust settled he earned an unanimous decision victory from the judges scorecards. Reggie took time to thank his training partners and coaches in his post fight interview. Reggie improved to an impressive 5-1 record.
Bryon McCroskey (170lbs) took on the game Jeremy “The Worm” Matheny in one of the nights featured bouts. Jeremy was quick and struck hard at the outset. He was able to land a big shot early on in the contest that dropped Bryon to the canvass and the fight looked to be over. But the equally game McCroskey rallied and the fight continued. With action up against the cage, Bryon hit a beautiful double leg takedown/slam and began strking from "knee of belly" position. Jeremy turned his back and Bryon was able to end the contest via tapout from a rear naked choke at 2:18 of Round 1, giving Bryon his fifth win in seven contests.
John Strmac (145lbs) took on Jason Eckles in another featured bout of the night. From the NAAFS website: "Team GriffonRawl’s John Strmac improved to 6-2 with his win over Jason Eckles by Triangle Choke at :39 of the first round. The former state champion wrestler stuck with his strengths, but it was the craftiness of Strmac’s ground game that ultimately won out in the end, giving yet another victory to Team GriffonRawl on the night."
Overall, the team went 3-1 on the night. An impressive mark for any MMA promotion, but considering the NAAFS is the regions premier promotion, it makes it all that more gratifying.
