The News Herald Blogs: Mixed Martial Arts: Hierarchy Fighting Association: Hierarchy II Review

Stars & Strikes shine bright at Hierarchy II in Wayne

The Stars & Strikes fight team out of Dearborn Heights, Michigan made its presence known locally on Saturday night at Hierarchy Fighting Association’s second MMA event in Wayne, Michigan. Coaches James Beneteau and David Garcia saw their team go an impressive 9-2 overall inside the Wayne Community Center at Hierarchy II. Featherweight Sean Dunn claimed the 145 lb. title and Submission of the Night honors when he defeated Wes McFadden with a slick triangle choke. Welterweight Scott Brown defeated Michael Kuszmaul in short order with a blitzkrieg performance that netted him the 170 lb. title in 45 seconds via TKO.

Continuing the success of Stars & Strikes were Jameson Murray, Derrick Mandell, Jordan Short, Dustin Babler, Robert Yanez, Andrew Morton and James Bryant. Murray, who splits his time between MMA and coaching wrestling at Livonia Churchill High School, dominated AJ Hall in their Welterweight bout. He hopes to soon face Brandon Noble, a talented Welterweight in his own right and someone who Murray feels has been ducking him in the past.

Derrick Mandell got back on the winning track when he defeated Aaron Gilmore in the first round of their Featherweight contest via TKO. Dustin Babler and Robert Yanez both picked up submission victories. Babler was considered for the early Submission of the Night award as he literally lifted his opponent off the ground with his vaunted guillotine choke. Andrew Morton and James Bryant each won their respective bouts with hard fought unanimous decision victories. Rounding out the victories was Jordan Short who had a great showing against Tyler Peach in their Light-Heavyweight bout winning via TKO.

The Main Event of the evening showcased Adam Trombley versus Chris Reppenhagen for the Middleweight title. Although there was a huge difference in their experience, Reppenhagen apparently demanded this bout from the Promotion and wouldn’t have it any other way. He got his wish as Trombley quickly went to the task, netting a takedown in less than five seconds. It was all academic from there as he slammed his opponent four times in a row. The forth slam proved to be the final as Reppenhagen had his right arm snapped in half by the force of Trombleys power as he tried to brace himself coming down towards the mat. It took the Champion all of thirty seconds to end his night of work.

The Fight of the Night went to Brandon Sandford and Antonio Spears for their efforts during their Featherweight bout. The first round had a lot of back and forth action while the second saw Spears gaining steam heading into the third. Spears managed to take over in the final round. Getting his points on takedowns and keeping the fight where he wanted it. Sandford put up an excellent fight but just couldn’t overcome a game Antonio Spears.

Toledo, Ohio's Antonio Gonzalez got the night started off with a bang as he knocked out Dave Levy with a short punch to the head and ended up getting the Knockout of the Night award after all 20 bouts were said and done. Even more impressive is that Gonzalez did it while he was on his back and Levy was in his guard.

Joey Russo and Greg “Mr. Positive” Balteff handled the announcing duties for the night. The referees on hand were local Professional MMA fighter’s Daron Cruickshank and Danny McIntire. Taking care of the judging duties were Korey Strauss, Kenan Kerim and Alex Hudson.

Promoters Richard Browe and Matt Haskell put on a great show and have set their next event for Saturday July 16th at the Modano Ice Arena in Westland. Said Browe, “Hierarchy is a fighter first league; I want the guys to feel appreciated and welcomed. A sense that they are a real part of something! I also want guys who are prepared to fight--not just one guy, but prepared to fight anybody. Ferocity and mental toughness is what I most admire. Haskell also noted, “Rich and I work hard to insure that every matchup is very fair and we are very close with our fighters, trainers, staff and supporters. We are like a big family that keeps growing.

Hierarchy Fighting Association: Hierarchy II – Quick Results

Adam Trombley def. Chris Reppenhagen via injury (broken arm via slam) retains Middleweight Title – Round 1, 0:30

Sean Dunn def. Wes McFadden via submission (triangle) wins Featherweight Title – Round 1, 2:20

Scott Brown def. Kuszmaul via TKO (referee stoppage) retains Welterweight Title – Round 1, 0:45

Jameson Murray def. AJ Hall via via submission (arm triangle) – Round 1, 1:46

Derrick Mandell def. Aaron Gilmore via TKO (referee stoppage) – Round 1, 1:34

Robbie Ranville def. Clarence Atwater via submission (triangle) – Round 1 1:39

Anthony Barbarino def. Daniel Story via submission (Americana/keylock) – Round 1, 1:29

Antonio Spears def. Brandon Sandford via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Gene Romanowski def. Jason Trombley via TKO (referee stoppage) – Round 3, 1:17

Brian Wendel def. Brandon Branch via submission (due to strikes) – Round 2, 1:42

Daniel Smith def. Kenny Shipe via TKO (referee stoppage) – Round 1, 2:20

Kyle Millimen def. Torrance King via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Jordan Short def. Tyler Peach via TKO (referee stoppage) – Round 1, 1:14

Dustin Babler def. Mike Wood via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 1:08

Jeremee Wood def. Bryon Morden via submission (unable to continue) – Round 2, 3:00

Robert Yanez def. Troy Hollenbeck via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1

Andrew Morton def. Kevin Hanka via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Ronnie Galpal def. Alex Balli via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1

James Bryant def. Joe Contreras via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Antonio Gonzales def. Dave Levy via KO (punch) - Round 2

Fight Night Awards

Fight of the Night: Antonio Spears vs. Brandon Sandford

Knockout of the Night: Antonio Gonzalez

Submission of the Night: Sean Dunn

Events pictures taken by David Doig for Holy Smokes MMA (Warning: Some pictures may be considered graphic. View at your own risk.)