Tim Payne Promotions "Caged Combat III"

Highland Heights, Ohio
Team Energenics Training Facility

Tim Payne held his third promotion of "Caged Combat" on Saturday night with another packed house in attendance. Team GriffonRawl, a go-to camp for Tim, was set to send nine men into action until Kevin Doyle and Reggie Parks' opponents cancelled thier bouts. What follows is a recap of the seven team members who represented Team GriffonRawl.First up was Miguel Defina against an experienced Luke Wilder. Miguel quickly took the fight to the ground where he looked impressive. Miguel moved from side position to full mount and unleashed a few solid strikes before Luke spun to escape. But Miguel was lying in wait and spread out his opponent flat on his stomach where a barrage of strikes forced Luke to tap at 1:35 of the very first round.Landon Kladoust made his MMA debut at 185lbs in impressive fashion, taking on Chris Hayes. Landon withstood an early flurry of strikes, countering with some of his own. Forcing his opponent against the fence, Landon took the fight to the ground where he eventually passed the half-guard and was able to tie up both of Chris' arms in a reverse crucifix. Landon was able to strike cleanly from the top position and forced Chris to tap to the strikes towards the end of round one.Miles King was pitted against the experienced and aggressive Josh Miller at 205lbs. Miles looked to stand early but Josh moved in for the takedown early and often. Josh looked to end the fight early with his ground and pound tactics, but Miles kept recovering his guard and defending himself from side body position, the back mount and inside the guard while Josh was landing solid shots. Rounds two and three went much the same as round one with Miles showing tremendous heart, tenacity and a never-say-die attitude. Josh was awarded a unanimous decision after three hard fought rounds.At 170lbs Brian McCroskey was looking to avenge his first loss against Keith VanDyke. Brian and Keith exchanged a few punches before Brian was able to move the action up against the cage, weathering a vicious hook that split his skin just to the side of his left eye. Showing improved ground work, Brian held side position before advancing to the mount where kept solid position while unloading on his opponent, forcing the referee to call at stop to the action at 2:43 seconds of round one.Jim Payne was pitted against Austin White at 185lbs. Austin showed his game plan early by shooting in and looking to unleash his ground and pound. Jim defended well from the guard, but was pressed against the cage. The referee stood them up, and again Austin scored a takedown. Jim defended the initial takedowns in round two and executed a beautiful hip toss to dominate position, where he trapped Austin's arm and unloaded a series of rights. Austin eventually scrambled out where he was able to secure the back of Jim and sunk in a deep rear naked choke that caused a stop at 2:17 of round two. An all out back and forth war that was bloody as they come, both men treated the crowd to an excellent contest.Tony Groys made his debut under the GriffonRawl flag against Corey Frantz at 155lbs. Tony came out intense and looked incredibly crisp landing solid upper cuts, hooks and straight rights. Corey scored a takedown where Tony recovered his guard and found himself being picked up for a slam when he released the guard and got the fight standing. Tony stalled a few takedown attempts and weathered two hard over-hand rights by Corey. Tony set up a right straight, left hook combo that hit right on the button knocking out Corey at 1:24 of the very first round.In the main event, Chuck Schilling battled Carl Kettle at 155lbs. Chuck scored an early takedown in round one where he held dominate position for most of the first round landing solid knees from side body position and good punches from different angles. Chuck appeared to be well on his way to victory in round two from the mount before Carl escaped and set up a nice arm bar attempt that had Chuck in trouble for about 15 seconds. He escaped to dominate position scoring with strikes as the round ended. The final round showed Carl's tremendous heart as he got taken down by Chuck but reversed positions to score strikes and appeared to have Chuck in trouble with a guillotine choke. After three exciting rounds, Chuck was awarded a split-decision victory.Everyone knows how hard and how ready Reggie and Kevin were and it's a shame they weren't able to compete. The team sent first timers and veterans into action and came away with a solid night, finishing 5-2, but more importantly gained a tremendous amount of experience as Team GriffonRawl continues to be one heck of a busy gym.Written by:John StrmacComplete Results:155: Kris Morin over Justin Taylor by Triangle; 1:19 Rd 2145: Ron Counter over Elijah Wallace by Choke; 1:11 Rd 1170: Miguel Defina over Luke Wilder by Tapout/Strikes; 1:35 Rd 1145: Lyle Sansoucie over Dustin Vitrano by RNC; 0:59 Rd 1145: Doug Hodges over Logan Cooper by Unanimous Decision185: Landon Kladoust over Chris Hayes by Tapout/Strikes; 2:33 Rd 1205: Josh Miller over Miles King by Unanimous Decision155: Ryan Victory over John Combest by TKO170: Brian McCroskey over Keith Van Dyke by TKO; 2:43 Rd 1185: Austin White over Jim Payne by RNC; 2:17 Rd 2155: Tony Groys over Corey Frantz by KO; 1:24 Rd 1145: Ivan Copenhaver over Jerrel Hamby by TKO; 1:15 Rd 1155: Chuck Schilling over Carl Kettle by Split Decision

IFBL "Fight Night 11"

Niles, Ohio
5x5 Training Facility

While the team had a large number of fighters in Highland Heights, GriffonRawl was represented by three men at IFBL Fight Night 11. Donny Walker, Brennen Sanders and Dominic McGhee each represented the team. What follows is a recap of the three men who represented Team GriffonRawl.Dominic "The Ironman" McGhee took on Michael Cardona at 155lbs. Dominic looked excellent in all areas and lived up to the name "Ironman" showing fantastic cardio in a fast paced match. The action went back and forth and Dominic appeared confident he'd won the decision after three intense rounds. However, the judges saw differently and scored a unanimous decision in favor of Cardona.Brennen Sanders was next up for the team, facing Corey Ruthsatz at 145lbs. Brennen started off well and was performing well, until he found himself inside a triangle choke. Brennen tried to fight off the submission but it was too deep and was forced to tap at 2:42 of the first round.In the main event of the evening, Donny "Eagle Eye" Walker faced WEC veteran and submission specialist Cub Swanson. Donny was given little chance by many leading up to the contest. Donny proved he belonged among the elite at 145lbs taking the action right to Cub, showing crisp had combinations. Cub was able to get the action to the ground in rounds one and two, where he was unable to finish several submission attempts including a deep triangle that Donny was able to escape from. Donny found himself defending an arm bar in round three when cub swithced tactics and was able to land a deep scissor choke that forced Donny to submit at 1:24 of the final round. Immediately afterwards and in radio interviews week's later, Cub had nothing but praise for Donny stating he was a very tough competitor and belongs in the upper tier of the 145lb class.Written by:John M. StrmacComplete Results:IFBL WORLD FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHTROC CASTRICONE defeated JASON MIKNUK (Triangle) in 1:31 RD 5IFBL WORLD LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHTMITCH WHITESEL defeated JOSH GRIGGS (TKO medical stoppage) in :35 RD 3PRO BOUTS:CUB SWANSON defeated DONNY WALKER (Scissor Choke) in 1:24 RD 3SEAN LOEFFLER defeated BOBBY MARTINEZ (Armbar) in 3:11 RD 1AMATEUR BOUTS:JEFF HOLMES defeated JOSH MCBRIDE (TKO) in 1:25 RD 1MIKE NESTO defeated BO COLEMAN (RNC) in :46 RD 1JARRED ZARLINGO defeated ART LUDWICK (TO Strikes) in 1:29 RD 1FELIX CATHELINE defeated JARED CARLE (TKO) 1:30 RD 1JOHN OPFAR defeated DAVIS ORACIO (TKO) 2:20 RD 1COREY RUTHSATZ defeated BRENNEN SANDERS (Triangle) 2:42 RD 1SETH COLE defeated JOSH HANSEN (GUI) 1:36 RD 1JUSTIN HEAD defeated DAMON RELIGA by Unanimous DecisionTONY ABBATE defeated BRIAN MCCOY (GUI) 1:57 RD 3JASON LISS defeated JOHN WHITTEN (TKO) 2:07 RD 1MICHAEL CARDONA defeated DOMINIC MCGHEE by Unanimous DecisionTODD AMBROSIA defeated FRANK COSTELLO (TKO) 1:27 RD 1JAY MORRIS defeated LUKE BURDETTE by Unanimous DecisionJOHN ARNETTE defeated SCOTT ALFER by Unanimous Decision

Sonny Marchette Wrestling Seminar

Mentor, Ohio
GriffonRawl MMA Academy

On Sunday afternoon, Sonny and John Marchette treated Team GriffonRawl to a three hour wrestling seminar. Sonny is a two-time State and national wrestling champion and spent years at the Olympic Training Facility before coming back home to Ohio where he spent time as a coach and currently competes at the professional level in MMA.The seminar included extensive and detailed instruction on several takedowns to dominate position, positioning on the ground, reversals and takedown defense. The seminar covered the above positions for both pure grappling and full contact MMA and covered work in open areas as well as against the cage wall.All told it was an extensive seminar and everyone learned a great deal. Wrestling instructor, Chuck Schilling summed up his experience by stating, " I get pumped up when I learn different ways of hitting moves that I've been hitting for 10+ years." Team GriffonRawl would like to extend a hearty "thank you" to both Sonny and John for an excellent day of training and we look forward to another seminar in the future!

Junior Adult Boxing Program starts at GR

Mentor, Ohio
GriffonRawl MMA Academy

On Monday, February 4, 2008, GriffonRawl held its first class with the inagural "Junior Adult Boxing" program. Classes are geared towards the younger athlete not quite ready for adult competition. Beginners and those with experience are welcomed to attend. The minimum age to attend is eight years old.This is just another example of the ever expanding GriffonRawl academy. Classes will be held Monday's and Wednesday's from 7:30-8:30pm and Saturday's from 10:00-11:00am.Joe Lapaglia brings a wealth of experience to lead these classes. Having competed in Golden Gloves Boxing and numerous kickboxing tournaments, combined with coaching the Ledgemont Boxing Club and being a high-school teacher, Joe is an ideal instructor for the young adult looking to learn the sweet science, improve his/her standup and get an excellent workout. We look forward to having another "group" join the GriffonRawl team.

Team Training Day at GR Academy

Mentor, Ohio
GriffonRawl MMA Academy

A team challenge? Well, not quite…On Sunday, January 27, 2008 Team Griffon-Rawl hosted an open gym with members of Team DNA, Wreckroom Athletics and Team Playland in attendance. The day started a little awkward with guys stretching and keeping to their roots until a few started rolling. The purpose of the day quickly took hold as fighters from different teams partnered with each other for free rolling and frequently changed partners. Egos were checked at the door and everyone grappled hard but with control. Eventually fighters turned their attention to the boxing ring for Muay Thai sparring rounds and finally to the cage for controlled MMA sparring. It was great to see guys who’ve faced each other in the cage and members from “rival” camps helping the other prepare for their next fight, sharing techniques and offering strategies. Dan Swift and Donny Walker come immediately to mind. It was fun to watch champions roll around (Paul Compton & Cody Stevens), professionals spar (Jason Dent & Dominic Qurazzo) and the established help the up and comers (Joe Lewis & Tom Lutz).All told, it was a great day of training with new and old friends coming together. Thanks to all who attended from Team DNA (Dan Swift), Wreckroom Athletics (Matt Trukovich, Cody Stevens, Joe Lewis, Mitch Whitesel, Seth Cole, Brian Lewis), Team Playland (Dominic Qurazzo, Dan Jones) and Team Griffon-Rawl (Jason Dent, Donny Walker, Jeff Starr, Tony Groys, Jim Payne, Dan Farnsworth, John Strmac, Tom Lutz, Paul Compton, Adam Sadny, Kevin Doyle, Nick Kilian, Jordan Smith, Chuck Schilling, Matt Hopkins, Dominic McGhee, Chad Mullins, Miguel Defina). If anyone was forgotten, our apologies…there was a lot of fighters present.We hope to see everyone again soon and best of luck to those competing in the future.Written by:John StrmacPictures by:Tim Payne

NAAFS "Northcoast Showdown II"

Euclid, Ohio
Euclid Sports Plant

On Saturday, January 19, 2008 the NAAFS kicked off its 2008 promotion in Euclid, Ohio at the Euclid Sports Plant. Although the weather outside was snowy and the temperature well below freezing, inside the arena the action was hot and heavy from start to finish. Team Griffon-Rawl sent five veterans into action on Saturday. What follows is a recap of Griffon-Rawl participants.Jim Payne (2-0) led off the Griffon-Rawl charge, taking on a tough and well-rounded Mickey Hughes (2-1) from Team Bloody Buddy. After a brief exchange of hands, the two tied up with each looking for a takedown. Jim went in, but Mickey was able to reverse and land a hip toss that put Jim on his back with Mickey in side control. Jim stayed safe and calm, looking to improve his position. After jockeying for position against the cage, a scramble ensued and Mickey was able to sink in his hooks and looked for a rear naked choke. Jim defended well, but Mickey was able to sink his arm in the extra inch he needed, forcing Jim to tap near the end of round one. Look for Jim to be back better than ever very soon!John Strmac (2-2) was next up facing heavy handed Charles Cooper III (2-1) from Team Predator. John looked for the takedown early but was unable to keep position on the ground where Charles unleashed a flurry of strikes, landing hard right hands throughout most of the first round. Round two went better for John who was able to get a series of takedowns but had trouble advancing his position while Charles continued the ground and pound from different angles. John landed a solid leg kick followed by a takedown to the mount to begin round three. Charles tied him up and reversed position putting himself in the guard and as he attempted another hard right. John was able to get a triangle choke position and kept jockeying to tighten the hold. Charles picked him up and slammed him but it only sunk the choke in deeper. Charles continued to look for an escape but was forced to tap at 2:15 of the final round. (This portion written by Jason Dent.)Tony “The Killer” Wolf (3-1) recently teamed up with Griffon-Rawl to take on a very tough Joey “The Hitman” Holt (2-1) from Baileys MMA. Tony looked excellent on his feet taking the fight to Joey and getting the better of the standup, landing solid combinations. Seeing an opportunity, Tony shot in and landed a nice takedown but found himself deep inside a guillotine choke where Joey reared back and forced Tony to tap at 0:58 seconds through the first round. Everyone at Griffon-Rawl is happy Tony will be training here and look for him to keep improving in all areas.The final Griffon-Rawl amateur was Nick Killian (2-0), taking on Steve Zornes (2-0) from Team JAD. Steve closed in quick to take down Nick and the fight went quickly to a fight for position showcasing both men’s takedown skills and defenses. Steve again went in for a single leg where Nick landed a wicked upper cut that sent Steve’s eyes rolling into the back of his head. As Steve landed he gathered himself and attempted a leg lock, but Nick was landing too many precise shots from a dominate position, forcing the referee to call a stop to the contest at 1:27 of the very first round. Both fighters showed great class at the end of the contest. Look for both to rise in the NAAFS rankings.AJ Pulling (6-3) said good-bye to the amateur ranks and made his professional debut against “Truckin” Chad Trukovich (3-4) from Wreckroom Athletics. Both men were feeling each other out to start round one when AJ seized an opportunity to hit a nice takedown and move to a solid side position. Never one to relax, AJ moved quickly until he found Chad’s back and sunk in his hooks very deep where he could begin striking at will. He landed a number of solid shots forcing Chad to tap to strikes at 2:05 of the very first round. Overall Team Griffon-Rawl had a solid showing. The NAAFS, teamed with Sports Time Ohio television, is perhaps the biggest MMA shows in the Midwest. The team fared well to start 2008, posting a 3-2 record. Look for the return of the above fighters as well as more Griffon-Rawl warriors to enter NAAFS and other shows this year. Thanks for all who braved the weather and supported Team Griffon-Rawl!Written by:John StrmacComplete Results:Professional Results:205 lbs - John “The Bullet” Fields 5-2 (Team Instigator) over Jason “Freebird” Freeman 7-3 (Vander Fighting) by Tapout from Strikes @ :32 of Rd 1SHW - "The Irish Hitman" Bobby Favors 4-5 (Team Playland) over Justin "Give me your Lunch Money" Wade 6-3 (Team Truth) by TKO @ 2:07 of Rd 1140 lbs - Danny “Lil Thunder” Balon 11-4 (Team DNA) over “Small” Paul Martin 13-4 (Team Out Cold) by Rear Naked Choke @ 3:48 of Rd 2170 lbs - AJ Pulling 7-3 (Team GriffonRawl) over "Truckin" Chad Trukovich 3-5 (Wreckroom Athletics) by Verbal Submission from Strikes @ 2:05 of Rd 1Amateur:145 lbs - Mike Nesto 7-3 (Schrader's MMA) over Eric Noel 5-2 (Team Next Level) by Split Decision 145 lbs - John Strmac 3-2 (Team GriffonRawl) over Charles Cooper 2-2 (Team Predator) by Triangle Choke @ 2:15 of Rd 3185 lbs - Nick Kilian 3-0 (Team GriffonRawl) over Steve Zornes 2-1 (Team JAD) by TKO @ 1:27 of Rd 1185 lbs - Mickey Hughes 3-1 (Team Bloody Buddy) over Jim Payne 2-2 (Team GriffonRawl) by Rear Naked Choke @ 2:53 of Rd 1 155 lbs - Joey “The Hitman” Holt 3-1 (Baileys MMA) over Tony “The Killer” Wolf 3-2 (Team Griffonrawl) by Guillotine Choke @ :58 of Rd 1145 lbs - Anthony “The Hurricane” Hayes 4-2 (Next level) over Codean Roff 3-5 (Team KSD) by Unanimous Decision265 lbs - John Hawk 2-0 (Jungle Fight Team) over Jarred Carle 2-3 (Team Explosion) by Rear Naked Choke @ 1:08 of Rd 1185 lbs - Sean Paul Veilleux 1-0 (Jungle Fight Team) over "Heavy Hands" Chad Heilman 0-1 (Independent) by Arm Bar @ :58 of Rd 1145 lbs - Doug Kulbis 2-0 (Team JAD) over Jack “The Ripper” Mardis 2-2 (Team Constriction) by Unanimous Decision170 lbs - Scott Burr 3-2 (Team KSD) over Dan Cain 1-2 (Team Constriction) by TKO @ 1:56 of Rd 1145 lbs – Josh "Kiss of Death" Kissinger 1-0 (Instigator Fight team) over Jerry “The Bear” Barrick 1-3 (Vander Fighting) by Doctor Stoppage at the end of Rd 1265 lbs - "McNasty" Brandon Briggs 1-0 (Rising Dragon MMA) over Cody Rook 0-2 (Devil Dogs MMA) by Unanimous Decision

SCF "Playing for Keeps"

Elyria, Ohio
St. John Lutheran Gymnasium

On Friday, January 11, 2008 Superior Cage Fighting Promotions invaded Elyria, Ohio. Dave Osborne and Miles King were the two Griffon-Rawl warrior set to represent the team.Dave Osborne brought a heavy heart to the arena, yet was set and ready to go only to find out his opponent pulled a no-show when it came time to answer the bell, giving Dave a "walk through" victory. The Griffon-Rawl family sends their love and sympathy to Dave on the loss of his father.Miles King made his MMA debut at 205lbs taking on a very strong and intimidating Miguel Calderon. When the bell rang, Miles looked like a seasoned veteran stalking his opponent throughout the contest like a rabid dog. Miles smiled when he took a few leg kicks and prevented a takedown attempt with a solid sprawl. Miles landed beautiful combinations and kicks and hit a nasty upper-cut with Miguel against the cage. As Miguel hit the canvass Miles was on top of his prey unleashing a relentless ground and pound that forced the referee to call a stop to the contest. Miles got his first taste of action via a TKO victory in the very first round!Look for both Dave and Miles to be in action again soon!Written by:John Strmac

IFBL "Fight Nite 10"

Niles, Ohio
Eastwood Expo Center

The IFBL held their tenth event on December 15, 2007 in Niles, OH. Team Griffon-Rawl sent amatuer's William Jackson and Dan Polewchak to make their debut's and Nick Killian and Tom Lutz into their second contest. Team owner Jason Dent was pitted against the current IFBL world lightweight champion, Harris Sarmiento. What follows is a recap of Griffon-Rawl participants.Dan Polewchak started the night off with a very hard fought three round fight. Dan looked good in his debut showing nice skills on the ground. The fight went back and forth but when all was said and done, Mike Bothwell received a unanimous decision. William Jackson got his first taste of action against a very tough opponent in Chris Elliot. William fought hard but got his arm trapped midway through the first round and was unable to stop a series of strikes. Showing true warrior spirit, William refused to tap to strikes, but the referee stepped in at 1:54 to call a stop via TKO.Jay Racick was pitted against Nick Killian in his second contest. Nick was fighting a virus but didn't make any excuses and came out fighting hard. Nick showed how well rounded he is combining his standup, takedowns and grappling techniques on his way to a second win via unanimous decision.The final Griffon-Rawl amatuer showcased was Tom Lutz taking on Lamar Holmes. Tom came out very strong setting the pace and landing hard strikes right off the bat. Tom looked good on his way to receiving his second consecutive victory via tap out to strikes at 1:57 of the very first round.In the nights main professional event, Jason Dent faced the IFBL World Lightweight Champion Harris Sarmiento from Hawaii. Of the five, five minute rounds, the first four showcased both fighters excellent kickboxing skills. Harris and Jason traded amazing hand combinations and kicks giving the crowd a show for the ages. Jason said afterwards he felt the scoring would be close and dug deep in the fifth round and started landing hard shots including one that clearly rocked Harris, forcing him to attempt a takedown. Jason sprawled hard and was able to lock in an anaconda choke very deep. By the time Jason rolled, Harris was caught and tapped out to the choke at 1:49 of the final round.The IFBL was happy to have the head of Griffon-Rawl's Jiu-Jitsu association, Relson Gracie sitting ringside cheering on our combatants. All told it was a great night of action, even though terrible weather conditions kept many away. Written by:John StrmacComplete Results:IFBL WORLD LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE FIGHTJASON DENT defeated HARRIS SARMIENTO (Anaconda Choke) in 1:49 RD 5IFBL WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHTJASON RILEY defeated SHANE LIGHTLE (TKO) in 3:45 RD 1PRO BOUTS:MICAH BENDER defeated COREY ABBOTT (TKO) in :54 RD 1BRANDON PIERCE defeated BRANDON EZZO (Triangle) in 1:50 RD 2AMATEUR BOUTS:BEN PETTIT defeated MATT ROSBOROUGH (TKO) in 2:56 RD 3TOM LUTZ defeated LAMAR HOLMES (TO Strikes) in 1:57 RD 2JOSH KNEBEL defeated RICHARD HILL (TKO) in 2:44 RD 1BRIAN PRIESTER defeated EDWIN CASTRO (TKO) in 2:06 RD 2JOHN OPFAR defeated RODGER FRYDRYCHOWSKI (Armbar) in :34 RD 1NICK KILLIAN defeated JAY RACICK by Unanimous DecisionMIKE NESTO defeated JOE SMITH (TKO) in :41 RD 1CHRIS ELLIOT defeated WILLIAM JACKSON (TKO) in 1:54 RD 1MIKE WILKINS defeated DAN JONES (Armbar) in 1:54 RD 1MIKE BOTHWELL defeated DAN POLEWCHAK by Unanimous DecisionJOE WAGNER defeated MIKE HOFFMAN (TKO) in 1:19 RD 2TONY ABBATE defeated JOHN WHITTEN (TO Strikes) in 2:56 RD 2

NAAFS "Night of Champions"

Warren, Ohio
Packard Music Hall

Packard Music Hall in Warren, Ohio was the site of NAAFS action on December 1, 2007. The night was highlighted by six amateur title fights pitting the #1 vs. #2 ranked fighters in all but one weight class. Technically of Team Warfare, Paul “Str8Outta” Compton, supplemented his training at Griffon-Rawl in preparation for the 155lb Lightweight title fight vs. Kevin Rothacker of Strong Style Fight Team. Team captain Jason Dent cornered Paul for this contest. An accomplished wrestler by trade, #1 ranked Compton showed he wanted to keep the fight standing and let his hands fly early and often. Throughout the entire three rounds, Paul prevented #2 ranked Rothacker’s takedown’s with excellent sprawls, solid clinch work and pummeling. Paul got the better of the striking, landing solid rights, hooks and kept his jab pumping. When the final bell rang, Paul was awarded a unanimous decision over the ultra-tough Rothacker. Paul praised Kevin’s heart and toughness and took time to thank Griffon-Rawl.Next up was Team Griffon-Rawl’s Nick Goldizen, taking on Rising Dragon star Frank “The Tank” Carabello. For the second time in a month’s time the fans were treated to a title match-up between fighters from these excellent camps. This was also the second time in as many fights that Nick was up against the #1 ranked Welterweight in the NAAFS.Following the opening bell, Nick quickly closed the distance and shot in for a single leg. After a solid sprawl from Frank, Nick fell into guard and immediately worked for a triangle choke. Frank showed amazing strength by standing up and picking Nick up over his head ala Matt Hughes/Quentin Jackson and slammed Nick hard to the canvas. Relentless from the guard, Nick kept working but Frank hit another big slam, escaping the submission and nearly settling into solid side control position. Nick showed his BJJ prowess, keeping tight and recovering to full guard where he again went for the triangle. Frank again defended the triangle and stood up to escape where Nick was able to sink in the unique “slot machine” submission as taught by Griffon-Rawl guest, “Zee”. Frank was forced to tap midway through the very first round, bringing the Welterweight title home to Pinecone Drive.The entire night was packed with action. Fight of the night would have to go to Stevens vs. Moomey in the featherweight title match. Congratulations to all that competed and those that were able to finish the year as “champion.”Written by: John Strmac Complete Results:Preliminary BoutsLozano over McConnaughy by TKO Hayes over Brooks by TKO Hensley over Hedges by Arm TriangleBlackwell over Henderson by Arm BarProfessional BoutsBogner over Bailey by Arm TriangleStern over Canale by Arm BarHoward over Burnett by Arm BarNAAFS National Amateur Title Bouts145-Stevens over Moomey by Split Decision155-Compton over Rothacker by Unanimous Decision170-Goldizen over Carabello by Slot Machine185-Duell over Ellison by Unanimous Decision205-Lewis over Vanest by RNC265-Stansbury over Carriero by TKO

Tim Payne Promotions: "Caged Combat II"

Highland Heights, Ohio
Team Energenics Conditioning Center

Caged Combat II was held November 10, 2007 at the Team Energenics training facility in Highland Heights, Ohio. Team Griffon-Rawl was well represented, placing fighters in six of the ten match-ups. Jim Payne, Miguel Defina, AJ Carl and John Strmac returned to the cage, while Brian McCrosky and Nick Killian made their debuts. Brian McCrosky made his debut at 170lbs versus Steve Ganzorn. Brian was ready to go, but early in the first round Steve was able to land a hard right to the jaw that sent Brian to the canvass. Although Brian appeared to be gathering himself, the referee immediately jumped in and called a stop to the contest. It was a good stoppage, with fighter safety being paramount. Brian is a beast and will back in action soon.John Strmac was pitted against Edison “Puerto Rican Thunder” Martinez at 140lbs. Using his reach, John stayed outside landing hard Thai kicks to the legs and circling away from Edison’s power. John closed the distance and maintained control against the cage until the fight went to the ground. Round two went much the same way as round one. Round three started much the same way but ended with John fighting off a Guillotine submission attempt. John received a unanimous decision over Martinez after three rounds. AJ Carl bumped a weight class to face David Himes at 155lbs. AJ wasted no time in getting the action started by executing a beautiful takedown from half way across the cage and moved quickly to the mount position. He unleashed a barrage of rights and lefts, “riding” Himes as he tried to escape. The referee jumped in calling a stop to the action at 1:00 of the very first round, giving AJ a win via TKO.Nick Killian’s debut at 195lbs was only surpassed by how he took the fight. Out on a date Friday night, Nick was literally called at the last minute as a replacement to face Mike Blankenship on Saturday. With only hours to mentally prepare, Nick showed no signs of a rookie. He handled the first round, landing a beautiful cross and executing solid takedowns, controlling his opponent from the top position. Nick again came out strong, taking the fight to the ground where he unloaded causing the referee to stop the contest at 14 seconds into round two.Fighting at 170lbs, Miguel Defina was pitted against Mike Rinkers. Miguel was part of the fight of the night at Tim Payne’s last promotion. This time, Miguel was determined to finish this fight with a win and came out with unbelievable intensity. Once the bell rang, Miguel pressed the action, taking the fight to the ground where he quickly mounted Rinkers and set up a beautifully executed arm bar causing Rinkers to tap at 1:06 of the first round.In the main event at 185lbs, Jim Payne danced with Eddy Gonzales momentarily before landing a nice double-leg take down and secured side control. Fighting off a Guillotine attempt, Jim was able to maneuver to the mount position with Eddy pinned against the cage. From here, the blows came hard, often, and accurate with Jim landing upwards of 20 shots before the Eddy tapped out to strikes stopping the contest at 1:04 of the very first round.Tim Payne’s second show, (renamed “Caged Combat”) was an even better success than the first (previously named “Criminal Combat”) event. Again held at Team Energenics, there was a standing room only crowd this time around. The facility was again great with most fans being close to the action. It was clear Jason Dent and the other instructors prepared Griffon-Rawl fighters well as the team went 5-1 on the night. Tim’s next show is slated for sometime in February 2008.Written by: John Strmac Complete Results:Ron Counter def Rocco DeTillio by Unanimous Decision Chris Vespoint def Kris Morin by Split Decision Steve Ganzhorn def Brian McCrosky by TKO John Strmac def Edison Martinez by Unanimous Decision Shane Lehman def Dana Coon by Guillotine Choke AJ Carl def David Himes by TKO Nick Kilian def Mike Blankenship by TKO Miguel Defina def Michael Rinkes by Arm Bar JR Garbo def David Baker by Kimura Jim Payne def Eddie Gonzales by Submission to Strikes