NAAFS "Fight Night in the Flats VI"

Cleveland, Ohio

Nautica Pavilion

On Saturday June 5, 2010 three of GriffonRawl's veterans were set for action in the regions biggest event--Fight Night in the Flats VI.

Bryon McCroskey had his hands full with NAAFS veteran, Joey Holt. Both men fought well, hit hard, and looked to be in tremendous shape for the bout. In the end, Holt was awarded a split decision victory, and in a fight that close it could have gone either way. Both men showed why they are on the cusp of turning professional.

Reggie Parks fell short against Bill Morosetti, who chained submission attempts together in a most impressive fashion. Reggie was able to counter and defend the submission attempts in the first round but an arm bar by Morosetti was locked in during round 2 that forced Reggie to tap at the 1:56 mark.

Jason Dent moved up a weight class and Chris Lozano moved down a weight class, thereby pitting the NAAFS Lightweight Champion against the NAAFS Middleweight Champion in 5-round "superfight" championship bout. Lozano came out strong and threw a head kick that, when blocked by Dent, snapped Jason's left forearm in half. Ever the warrior, Jason kept fighting and between rounds one and two told his corner he wasn't going down without a fight, even though he could feel the bones in his arm moving left and right, and was unable to throw anything with his left hand. The two continued to bludgeon one another, but at the end of the forth round, Dr. Jerome Williams called a stop to the contest due to a large cut on Jason's forehead. Jason and Chris embraced, put their feud aside and took the opportunity in the post fight interview to complement one another on each other's toughness and skill.

Although the team came up short on paper, it was an epic night for GriffonRawl. All three men showed why they are true warriors, but more importantly truly classy men.

For full results visit www.naafs.tv

RFO: "Big Guns 5"

On Saturday, May 22, 2010, John Strmac was the lone GriffonRawl member on the Revelation Fight Organization's "Big Guns 5" in Mansfield, Ohio.

Pitted against Greg Petty for the RFO amateur bantamweight title, John overcame a slow start and big bombs from Petty and rallied in rounds two and three to win a unanimous decision victory. Greg was intense, athletic and came strong throwing heavy shots throughout their three round bout. John was able to weather the onslaught and followed excellent, intelligent instruction from Jason Dent to improve to 8-2.

NAAFS "Caged Fury 11"

On Saturday, April 24, 2010 Team GriffonRawl sent John Burbol and Landon Khakdoust into action at Potters Fieldhouse in East Liverpool, Ohio.

John Burbol (185lbs) had to knock 18 months of rust off in his bout against Dustin Moniger of Team Bloody Buddy. Going into the third round, John was either even or down on the judges scorecards. Landing a heavy shot on his feet, John followed Dustin to the ground, where John was able to trap Dustin's right arm and strike at will causing the referee to call a stop to the contest. John was declared victorious via TKO at :59 of the third round.

Landon Khakdoust (170lbs) was doing well in the first round until he caught in the mount position up against the fence. The experienced Hoppel was able to take advantage of the position and Landon was unable to escape causing the contest to be stopped at 2:35 of the first round. Landon continues to only fight the toughest competitors and no doubt will be better in the long run.

For full results visit http://www.naafs.tv/

NAAFS "Northcoast Showdown 5"

Four of Griffonrawl's warriors were in action for NAAFS "Northcoast Showdown 5" in Streetsboro, Ohio on April 18, 2010.





Jason Departo made his debut at 145lbs. Although Jason lost by unanimous decision, he showed tremendous heart and perseverance throughout the contest and gained valuable experience that will pay dividends in the future.


Steve Hetzel also made his debut at 145lbs. Steve used a sound strategy to defeat the effective striker, Ray Ewert of Rising Dragon MMA. Steve was dominate in the first two rounds and was able to maintain control in round three to earn his first MMA victory. Having no previous martial arts experience prior to joining Team GriffonRawl, Steve showed what hard work and dedication can bring.


Dave Klima fell short of victory at 170lbs, but in the process of the three round fight he showed many good signs and fought valiantly throughout the nine minute contest. Showing sound resolve, Dave was at practice the following Monday eager to improve and move forward towards his next contest.


Tom Salvatore wasted little time in the cage starting out explosive with heavy strikes against Johnny Dionisi of Team Air-Gadfly. The contest was called at :35 of the very first round, earning Tom a TKO victory. Ever-impoving, Tom capitalized on his cross training to earn his second victory since joining the team.


Congratualtions to all members, who fought hard and represented Team Griffonrawl with class in each bout.

For full results visit www.naafs.tv

UMMAXX 10

Two of Griffonrawl's finest were in action at UMMAXX 10 and both were up for title bouts.

George Comer used an excellent strategy against the seasoned and always game, Relentless Russ Halsey of Pain Headquarters to win the UMMAXX Amateur Lightweight title. After three exciting rounds, George was declared victorious by all three judges. Congrats to George on his second amateur title!

Paul Compton took on Jay McLean for the UMMAXX professional featherweight title. Jay landed an early head kick and the referee stepped in calling a stop to the contest at 1:40 seconds. Although Jay landed a clean shot, many believed it was a premature stoppage. Afterwards, a classy-Compton stated, "It may have been an early stoppage, but it was a great kick by Jay."

For full results visit www.ummaxx.net

NAAFS "Caged Fury 7 (SemiFinals)"

On October 10, 2009, Team GriffonRawl sent four men into semi-final action of the 2009 NAAFS amateur series.

Ryan Lose failed in his attempt to avenge an earlier defeat to Doug Kulbis at 145lbs. An entertaining fight which Lose did a good deal of damage, both men showed incredible heart. It was Kulbis, however, that was able to secure a choke mid-way through round three.

George Comer defeated a very dangerous Jordan Knippelberg by unanimous decision to send the second amateur lightweight from the team to the finals in three years. George avoided the dangerous submission specialist utilizing his athleticism and well thought-out game plan.

Reggie Parks and Bryon McCroskey were both set for action at 170lbs. The former would showcase the spirit of competition and sportsmanship that makes Team Griffonrawl truly a TEAM. Bryon's opponent in August failed to show following weigh-ins and Bryon again found his opponent unable to fight due to a legitimate reason. In an incredible display of unselfishness, Reggie bowed out of the tournament, allowing Bryon to take his place and fight his opponent, Larry Ray. Bryon secured a victory in round one by ankle lock. NAAFS officials did the right move, and declared Reggie a winner in his "bout." Not willing to fight each other, Bryon and Reggie were declared co-champions in the welterweight division.

For full results visit www.naafs.tv

NAAFS "Night of Champions 2009 "

On Saturday, December 5, 2009 Team Griffonrawl sent two men into action at NAAFS Night of Champions.

But first and foremost, Reggie Parks and Bryon McCroskey were honored as the 2009 NAAFS Welterweight C0-Champions!

In the cage, Bryon McCroskey made an unsuccessful drop to 155lbs, coming just short by a split decision from the judges. It appeared McCroskey did much more damage, but Tony Castillo may have been more active.

In the 155lb amateur title fight, George Comer, whom most had as a significant underdog, executed a great game plan to defeat rival Kevin Rothacker of Strong Style Fight Team. This is the second amateur lightweight title in three years for Team Griffonrawl.

For full results visit www.naafs.tv

NAAFS "Caged Fury 9"

On February 20, 2010, three Griffonrawl veterans stepped into action at NAAFS "Caged Fury 9" at the historic Gray's Armory. Alongside 2009's Rock N Rumble, Caged Fury 9 will be looked back upon as a hallmark evening for Team Griffonrawl.

Bryon McCroskey (155) improved his record and showcased a beatiful combination on his feet and finished strong forcing a stop to the action, giving Bryan a :35 TKO victory over Instigator's Zack Sutek.

Reggie Parks (170) gained his unanimous decision victory via an extremely well thought out game plan, and exectued to perfection over previously unbeaten Travis Soto of Vander Fighting Systems.

Donny Walker moved into the finals of the pro-series featherweight tournament by defeating Dustin Kempf, in what all in attendance agree is a fight of the year candidate. NAAFS President, Greg Kalikas proclaimed, "That's the best fight I've ever seen in person." Donny secured the wild, back and forth war with a referee stoppage at 4:55 of the second round.

Not only did all three men come away victorious, they looked excellent in their performances as well. Team Griffonrawl showed great sportsmanship throughout the night, in and out of the cage.

For full results visit www.naafs.tv

SCF War in the Heartland "This One's Personal"

Elyria, Ohio

Elyrian Roll Arena

On Saturday Februrary 26th 2010 GR once again returned to fight in the SCF organization. It ended up being another great night for us. We took one proffessional and three amateurs to compete on this night. Long story short we ended up going 3-1 and here are our teams results. Paul Compton won the 145lb Pro SCF Title via TKO in round three after hitting his opponent with a beatiful head kick and following it up by dropping some bombs on his dazed opponent Matt Horning. Paul is one of our Pro's and took this fight against the much more experienced Horning who has over 40 proffesional fights under his belt. Now on to our ammy's where Tommy Judd made his debut with our team winning by TKO improving his record to 1-1, Dan Farnworth continued his winning ways by finishing his tough opponent with a beautiful traingle choke improving his record to 2-1, and last but not the least the ever so tough Ryan Lose fought a very tough opponent and ended up getting caught with a big punch and getting TKOed. Losses do happen even to skilled fighters. Ryan will bounce back and be a force to reckon with for sure. Thanks to all of the family, friends, of the fighters whos showed up and supported us and a BIG thanks to all of the GR students who came out and supported as well.

NAAFS "Full Contact Kickboxing"

GriffonRawl had the opportunity on Saturyday, October 3, 2009 to get back to its roots. Although Aaron "Juice" Veverka had his fight cancelled, Dan Farnworth and Landon Khakdoust represented the team in amateur kickboxing.

Landon was pitted against Chris Melilio from Evolve MMA at 170lbs. Before the fight began, Landon looked a bit disoriented after hitting the sauna. Although he was already at weight, he went to assist Dan with his final weight cut. Landon should take that approach going forward. From the opening bell to the final (unanimous) decision, Landon appeared in complete control, scoring several knockdowns which resulted in standing eight counts for Melilio. Melilio showed crazy heart and refused to stay down and kept fighting to the very end. For those who were there, Landon treated the crowd to a classic victory speech.

Lil' Dan Farnworth was taking on NAAFS veteran Druicer Dru Schottenheimer at 145lbs. In a classic moment before the fight, Dan and Dru said to one another, "Let's go put on the fight of the night"...and they did just that. A back and forth battle, with Dan's aggressiveness and Dru's heavy body kicks kept the crowd on the edge of their seats the entire time. Every time Dru threw a head kick, Dan answered with one of his own. The pace through all three rounds was amazing. Dan appeared to have control the first two rounds, but they were close to be sure. Late in the third, Dan took 2-3 heavy shots and appeared to be rocked, but kept firing back. Dan was awarded a split-decision win for his efforts and both men received a deserving standing ovation for their efforts.

For full results visit http://www.naafs.tv/