Sindone wins the Michigan Combat League Bantamweight Title at Round 2

On Friday night in Lincoln Park, Dom Sindone and Derrick Mandell showed the crowd at the Diamond Park Hall exactly why the lighter weight fighters can be just as if not more exciting than their heavier weight colleagues. The two waged a war of attrition over five rounds for the Michigan Combat League Bantamweight Title. Sindone, who hails from Flat Rock, became the first MCL 135lb. Champion as he used his outstanding boxing skills mixed with a solid ground game throughout the match to continuously score points and earned the Unanimous Decision victory. Mandell, of Dearborn Heights, had previously defeated Sindone over a year ago, falls to 5-1. In doing so, he gained much respect for going toe to toe with Sindone whose record now stands at an impressive 16-3.

The fight earned the duo one of two Fight of the Award’s given on the night by Promoter Jacob Short of Allen Park. The first, third and fifth round’s were edge-of-your-seat exciting and deserve to be mentioned. The crowd of over 500 people saw a great bout that featured excellent boxing, lighting fast takedowns and thunderous kicks combined with a furious pace that left everyone in the building standing by the end. Mandell tried his best to keep Sindone on the mat with his vaunted wrestling and ground & pound style to earn his chance at victory but Sindone kept reversing the tide. Closing it out by leaving Mandell stacked against the cage defending a hail of strikes as the final horn sounded.

The Co-Main Event featured Warren’s Tommy McGarey versus Detroit’s Mickey Marsack. McGarey set himself up for a possible shot at the MCL Lightweight Title as he put on supreme ground clinic and submitted Marsack with a flashy reverse heel hook. Just when Marsack was able to transition out of a bad position, he elected to stay on the ground and went for a heel hook of his own. McGarey showed his Jiu-Jitsu was simply on another level and as he picked up the Submission of the Night victory.

If Leroy Johnson could’ve earned another award to go along with his Knockout of the Night award, it would have to be the Most Humble Fighter Award. Johnson, of Dearborn Heights, respectfully thanked all his trainers, friends, family and opponent Jon Green (a veteran of over 20 fights) in such a grand way after winning their Heavyweight match up that the crowd gave him a standing ovation. It was true display on how a Fighter should act in the moment of victory or defeat. Johnson showed a great stand up game and stifling ground control. He remains undefeated at 4-0.

The second Fight of the Night award went to Monroe’s Haley Green and Canton’s Kara Bishop. The fight was a barn burner on the feet with little action taking place on the mat. Both started to fade as the third round progressed but hung in there tough still throwing leather as time winded down. Green won the bout via Split Decision as Judges TJ Corwin and Lee Trombley gave her the nod as Judge Eric Moon saw it for Bishop.

In a bout that that could have also made the Fight Night Awards list. Flat Rock’s Tom Grisham and Dearborn Height’s Drew Morias waged an epic three round battle that saw Grisham earning a Unaniomus Decision. Grisham took the first round and third rounds while two out of three judges gave Morias the second round. It was precise showcase on what it takes to be a well rounded Mixed Martial Artist.

Monroe’s Mike Sindone ran his record to 7-2 after defeating Toledo’s Antonio Gonzales in their Bantamweight match up. It was all Sindone from start to finish as he got the TKO victory via strikes at 1:48 of Round 2. Carleton's Derek Carter also won via TKO when he stopped New Boston's Jason Heath at 1:00 of Round 1.

Justin Wall, Tommy Mandell and AJ Hall, all from the Greater Dearborn area won their bouts via Technical Knockout.

Short is planning on holding the next Michigan Combat League event sometime in June.

Michigan Combat League: Round 2 – Quick Results

Date: April 22, 2011

Location: Lincoln Park, MI.

Venue: Diamond Park Center at the Robert H. Jones Knights of Columbus

• Dom Sindone def. Derrick Mandell via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 50-45) wins MCL Bantamweight Title

• Tommy Mcgarey def. Mickey Marsack via submission (reverse heel hook) – Round 2, 1:57

• Leroy Johnson def. Jon Green via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 0:40

• Mike Sindone def. Antonio Gonzales via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 1:48

• Justin White def. Meech Graham via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

• Tom Grisham def. Drew Morias via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

• Dustin Duvall def. Dennie Ramage via verbal submission (strikes) – Round 2. 1:22

• Haley Green def. Kara Bishop via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

• Kyle Lata def. Miguel Garcia via TKO (ref stoppage) – Round 3, 2:20

• AJ Hall def. Russell Campbell via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 1:32

• Mike Ayotte def. Onis Baydoom via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

• Brandon Branch def. Austin Sims via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, :35

• Dylan Fanslaw def. Andy Dana via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 1:10

• Derek Carter def. Jason Heath via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 1:00

• John Stupyra def. Alex Bonwick via Doctor Stoppage (unable to continue) – Round 1, 3:00

• Justin Walls def. Christopher Berta via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 1:05

• Tommy Mandell def. Christopher Berta via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 1:54


Fight Night Awards

Fight of the Night #1: Dom Sindone vs. Derrick Mandell

Fight of the Night #2: Haley Green vs. Kara Bishop

Submission of the Night: Tommy McGarey

Knockout of the Night: Leroy Johnson






Jacob Short and Dom Sindone after the Main Event.

 

Mr. Sindone, Dom Sindone and Derek Carter.



3 Belts and counting...



The first Michigan Combat League Bantamweight Champion

Sindone, Danny McIntyre and Mandell awaiting the Judges score cards.

The Thrill of Victory

A moment alone after five rounds

Sindone vs. Mandell II



Greasey Fast Lightning



Daron Cruickshank overseeing Graham vs. White

Grisham vs. Morias

Lee and Stephanie Trombley

 Picture taken by: David Doig - Holy Smokes MMA

Date: April 22, 2011

Location: Lincoln Park, MI.

Venue: Diamond Park Center


• Dom Sindone def. Derrick Mandell via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 50-45) wins MCL Bantamweight Title

• Tommy Mcgarey def. Mickey Marsack via submission (reverse heel hook) – Round 2, 1:57

• Leroy Johnson def. Jon Green via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 0:40

• Mike Sindone def. Antonio Gonzales via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 1:48

• Justin White def. Meech Graham via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

• Tom Grisham def. Drew Morias via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

• Dustin Duvall def. Dennie Ramage via verbal submission (strikes) – Round 2, 1:22

• Haley Green def. Kara Bishop via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

• Kyle Lata def. Miguel Garcia via TKO (ref stoppage) – Round 3, 2:20

• AJ Hall def. Russell Campbell via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 1:32

• Mike Ayotte def. Onis Baydoom via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

• Brandon Branch def. Austin Sims via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 0:35

• Dylan Fanslaw def. Andy Dana via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 1:10

• Derek Carter def. Jason Heath via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 1:00

• John Stupyra def. Alex Bonwick via Doctor Stoppage (unable to continue) – Round 1, 3:00

• Justin Walls def. Christopher Berta via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 1:05

• Tommy Mandell def. Christopher Berta via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 1:54

 

Michigan Combat League is back at the Park Diamond Banquet Center in Lincoln Park, Michigan for Round 2 at the Robert H. Jones Knights of Columbus off of Outer Drive this Friday April 22nd. The Downriver based amauter promotion will be headlined by Derrick Mandell of Dearborn Heights (5-0) versus Dominick Sindone of Flat Rock (14-3) in the second meeting between two of Michigan's top amauter Bantamweight's for the MCL 135 lb. Championship. Tickets are $25 for general admission, doors open at 6:00 PM and the fights start at 7:30 PM. This is an all ages show.

 

MAYHEM AWAITS!

Donofrio Entertainment Returns with Another Huge MMA Event at the Palace of Auburn Hills on May 7

Live Cagefighting and WRIF Official Rock Girl Ring Girls

AUBURN HILLS, MICHIGAN -- Saturday May 7 2011, at the Palace of Auburn Hills, Michigan's top combat-sports promoters, Donofrio Entertainment in association with Impact Fight League and Palace Sports and Entertainment, will present "MAYhem at the Palace" at the headquarters for Michigan's elite MMA, the world-famous Palace of Auburn Hills.

A night of bone-breaking mixed martial arts, "MAYhem at the Palace" will feature full-contact cage fights between the best fighters this talent-rich area has to offer, plus, as a very special cross-promotion, lucky WRIF listeners will score tickets to the event plus their own WRIF Man, or WoMan, Card.

And as a very special bonus, one lucky listener will have the ultimate opportunity at the event... the opportunity to be the Official WRIF Rock-Girl Ring Girl Ambassador.

During the weeks of April 25 and May 2, 101 WRIF will give listeners the chance to score tickets to the upcoming MMA event at the Palace on May 7.

All winners will be entered into the Man Card Ambassador contest.

During the event, the Exotic 8 Riff Rock Girls will be Ring Girls and the winner of the Man Card Ambassador contest will have the opportunity to hang with the Rock Girls ringside and see all the action up close and personal.

Over 5000 fans caught the last amazing show at The Palace and MAYhem is shaping up to be even bigger.

"Michigan fans want action. They want to see two fearless warriors go to battle and that's what we've got for them," said an excited Joseph Donofrio, President of Donofrio Entertainment. "These shows at the Palace have become legendary among MMA fans in Michigan. It's where this state's best fighters have learned to fight. If you love MMA, grab a couple tickets and witness the amazing production and heart-stopping action of Donofrio Entertainment at The Palace! Plus, now we have the amazing WRIF Rock Girls as our Ring Girls. You don't want to miss this show!"

Fighters and match-ups will be announced shortly.

Tickets for MAYhem at the Palace are available at Palacenet.com, The Palace box office, and all TicketMaster outlets, or by phone at 1-800-745-3000. The action starts at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6 PM. Special VIP Cageside Tables are available by calling 248.770.6000.

For more information, visit http://www.donofriomma.com/.

 

Contact

Joseph Donofrio

Promoter

248.770.6000

Andre Courtemanche

Public Relations

519.253.4290



Warrior Xtreme Cagefighting is brining the start of their Amateur World Championship Tour to Detroit on Saturday May 7th at the Cobo Centers.



Warrior Xtreme Cagefighting to be “VICTORIOUS” in Detroit

Detroit, Michigan, April 13th, 2011 – Detroit will be looking to get a shot of pure adrenaline on Saturday, May 7th, as the Warrior Xtreme Cagefighting® makes an appearance in the Motor City for the first time in it's 3 years of Mixed Martial Arts Promotions within the Tri-State area. In this historic event, two heavyweight warriors collide as Ray “The War Machine” Rocheleau (11-1) of Detroit takes on current WXC Heavyweight Champion Rob “The Hooligan” Taylor (13-3) of Mt. Clemens for the second time in their careers at WXC 29: Victorious, presented by Born Fighter Clothing live from the Cobo Centers in Detroit, Michigan.

Also on this stacked WXC 29 card will be Welterweight Champion Dequan Townsend (23-8) from Lansing as he is set to face Tyler “Young Gunz” Pitock (11-7-1) of Carleton. Other Champions that will be putting their belts on the line will be Bantamweight Champion Derrick Mandell (5-0) of Dearborn Heights, Middleweight Champion Muhammad Abdullah (13-6) of Detroit, Featherweight Champion Mikey Flores (5-3) of Ohio and our Ladies Bantamweight Champion Katie Dihle (4-0) of Alpena, MI.

“When you think of Detroit, the first names in the fight game for Detroit that come to mind are Kronk Gym, Tommy Hearns and Emanuel Steward", said WXC President Jeff Pitock. “This is a real fight town with diehard fight fans and we plan to deliver one heck of a show, the WXC is happy to be the next promotion to bring great fights and fighters to Detroit".

“We’re bringing the best WXC fighters to Detroit on May 7th", added Mike Pedenelli, who is the Vice President and Matchmaker of WXC. “Ray Rocheleau and Rob Taylor are two of the top heavyweights in the State. I expect this fight to be a war, as both of these guys have a common goal: the WXC Heavyweight Championship". The co-main event is Brad “The Bruiser” Brown (8-1) of Monroe against reigning Lightweight Champion Kyle Lingg (11-0) of Ohio. Currently ranked as the two of the best fighters in the WXC Lightweight division.

“We’ve been waiting for the perfect time to enter downtown Detroit and May 7th feels like the right moment. Going to Detroit means a lot and requires a lot to give the fighters, fans and the City of Detroit a show worthy of it’s name "Victorious”, said Pitock. “I’m extremely pleased that it’s finally become a reality. WXC 29 will no doubt be embraced by the greater Detroit area and throughout the state of Michigan.”

Tickets for WXC 29: Victorious went on sale Tuesday, April 5th and will be priced at $25, $40, $60 and $300 Tables (Seats 8). Tickets are available at http://www.wxclive.com/ or by-phone at 734-799-1136.

WXC’s official Weigh-ins will be available live on http://www.cagedtv.com/, free of charge to all WXC viewers Friday, May 6th at 6:30pm. Get an inside look at the WXC, only with Cagedtv!!!

Contact Information:

Warrior Xtreme Cagefighting

Jeff Pitock - President

9311 Feather Hollow Dr.

Newport, MI 48166

734-799-1136

http://www.wxclive.com/

Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley Preview

Saturday April 9, 2011

San Diego, California

Valley View Casino Center

Showtime

Nick Diaz vs. Paul Daley – Strikeforce Welterweight Championship Bout

Paul Daley has been doing a lot of talking leading up to the Main Event of Saturday night’s event. He says he intends to knockout Nick Diaz, take his Title and use the victory as leverage for getting more money and possibly get himself back into the UFC. That is easier said than done. Nick Diaz is well known for methodically picking apart his opponents slowly. Diaz has the advantage of being the more well rounded Mixed Martial Artist of the two and I think that will prove honest after the first round.

Nick Diaz is very well versed in Boxing as a he is a high volume puncher and seems to never get tired during his time Strikeforce which has seen him go undefeated against some of the best strikers in the game. He is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt and is capable of winning this fight anywhere if it hits the floor.

Daley is pretty one dimensional in that he has a very good punchers chance in knocking out Diaz should this become a firefight. He has beaten Scott Smith, Marvin Knampman and Dustin Hazlett all by TKO or KO and looked impressive in doing so. His downside is that he struggles with ground technicians and submission grapplers. Diaz clearly has the advantage on the floor. Daley has also missed weight on a few occasions as well so the cut to 170 cut also be a factor for him.

Prediction: Nick Diaz via TKO (Round 2)

Gilbert Melendez vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri – Strikeforce Lightweight Championship Bout

This will be the second meeting between these two. Melendez scored a Unanimous Decision victory over Kawajiri at Pride FC Shockwave 2006. It was a closely contested affair and I think Gilbert has grown to the point where he will be able to finish Kawajiri this time out. He has looked unstoppable since his loss to Josh Thomson in 2008. Ironically, Kawajiri’s last victory came against Thomson at K-1’s Dynamite event this past December. Melendez has not fought since April of last year but I don’t think that will hold him back as he is a part of the Gracie Scrap Pack and is constantly in the gym with some of the best in the game.

Prediction: Melendez via TKO (Round 3)

Keith Jardine vs. Gegard Mousasi – Light Heavyweight Bout

Jardine comes into this bout literately on a one week’s notice. Mousasi is the former Strikeforce LHW Champion and will be looking to make a very good impression on the new Zuffa owned Strikeforce management. Although Jardine is very unpredictable due to his herky jerky striking style and is as game as they come. Mousasi is still my pick to win the fight. He had been training for Mike Pyle until he got injured and Jardine won’t really be looking to take this fight to the ground (for the most part). Mousasi is has K-1 level striking and I think that ability plays right into Jardine’s downfall on Saturday night. A motivated Gegard Mousasi is very dangerous on the feet and he’ll be able to keep it there and possibly end the fight early in the process.

Prediction: Gegard Mousasi via KO (Round 2)

Shinya Aoki vs. Lyle Beerbohm – Lightweight Bout

Shinya Aoki makes his second appearance for Strikeforce this weekend. Aoki is one of the top submission grapplers in the world right now. He will be facing a determined Lyle Beerbohm who is coming off the first loss of his career to Pat Healy in February. Beerbohm has also won the majority of his bouts by submission as well. This fight will come down to who can impose their will faster and take control of doing so. I believe Beerbohm will do everything in his power to keep the fight standing and try to knock out Aoki. He could also go for top control often if given the chance and try to ground and pound his way to victory. Odds are that Aoki will fail since most Japanese fighters haven’t done very well here in the States over time. He himself fell to Melendez in 2010 and got absolutely steamrolled.

Prediction: Lyle “Fancy Pants” Beerbohm via UD after 3 rounds