REGIONAL MMA COVERAGE: IWFL -- "DEMOLITION"

Story and video by Fightjunky and Navitas

Iron Warrior Fight League, a relatively new promotion in central Indiana, staged its fourth event "Demolition" at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie on August 23, 2008. Navitas and Fightjunky ventured away from the confines of Indianapolis to check out this promotion, which is one of several that seem to be growing and thriving in the cities and towns north of the state capitol.

Fighter records are listed, in most instances, as they were indicated on the fight card. Recaps for odd-numbered fights are provided by Fightjunky, and recaps of even-numbered fights by Navitas. Video links are provided for the fights below the summaries.

Fight 1 – Zach Bernas (0-0) vs. Spencer Graham (0-0)

These two fighters were making their MMA debuts, and they staged a close fight that ultimately went to the judges. In the first round, Spencer worked two good takedowns on Zach, only to end up in Zach's closed guard and unable to do a whole lot of damage. The second round started the same, but Zach was able to reverse from guard and gain full mount on Spencer, where he got some good shots in before Spencer tied him up and the ref eventually stood them up. Zach landed a good right hook and shot for a takedown as the second round ended. In the third, the tide continued to ebb in Zach's favor, as he worked from full mount but seemed unable to finish. Indeed, Zach showed some wrestling skills but seemed not to be versed in submissions, a fact that his corner confirmed. Zach Bernas wins by split decision.

Video: Round 1 Round 2 Round 3

Zach Bernas goes to work on Spencer Johnson

Fight 2 – Skylar "Real Deal" Banks (1-1) vs. Jason "Jackhammer: Richards (2-1)

Skylar and Jason both had more fights in their records than most of the other fighters...

MALAIPET RETURNS TO THE CAGE AT SHOXC AGAINST KO ARTIST "TARZAN"

Malaipet "Diamond" Sithprapom is perhaps the most celebrated and accomplished Muay Thai fighter in the sport of MMA. He's a fighter who has achieved numerous titles in his native land’s national sport over his 250+ fight career.

Malaipet made his ShoXC debut nearly one year ago, and with high expectations from fans and fighters alike, demonstrated the powerful precision of Muay Thai in a decision victory over Kaleo Kwan. Things were looking on the up and ups.

Last March, Malaipet made his second appearance at ShoXC when he squared off against the crafty veteran Thomas "Wildman" Denny.

While much of the fight exposed Malaipet's newness to ground fighting, it also displayed his incredible toughness, fighting spirit, and deadly strikes. The end of the fight saw Denny crumpled on the canvas courtesy of vicious elbow strikes that were ultimately deemed illegal-- costing Malaipet a chance at victory.

Now, on September 26th at ShoXC, Malaipet returns to the cage against Cesar Gracie fighter David "Tarzan" Douglas.

Tarzan, the self-proclaimed "King of the Concrete Jungle", is a 27 year old powerhouse who brings intensity, aggression, and heavy hands to the cage...

It's Official: Kimbo to face Ken Shamrock Oct 4th at EliteXC "Heat"

By: Andre Tyson

After much speculation about who Kimbo Slice would be locking horns with on the October 4th CBS card, it has been confirmed that Kimbo Slice will be facing MMA legend Ken Shamrock at EliteXC "Heat".

Adding the high-profile, well-known name of Ken Shamrock to a card that already includes superstar Kimbo Slice and cross-over sensation Gina Carano creates an event that is certain to appeal to the casual MMA fan-- a group that help generate the record-setting viewership for a mixed martial arts broadcast back on May 31st.


HOW THEY MATCH UP:

Equally important is that the pairing of Kimbo Slice vs Ken Shamrock presents an intriguing match up.

Despite Kimbo's undefeated record, power, and striking ability; he is still in the early stages of developing a high-level ground game. Ken Shamrock, a student of the submission grappling arts for more than 15yrs, possesses masterful ground skills.

To the casual fan, this fight presents two superstars-- one rising through the ranks and one a legend of the sport-- meeting in the cage. However, the more sophisticated fight scholar realizes that this is a fight either man can win. The outcome should be dictated by whichever fighter is able to control where the action takes place.

Standing, one has to give the nod to Kimbo for his straight punching, iron jaw, and knockout power. On the ground, the advantage unquestionably goes to Shamrock due to his vast experience & knowledge and Kimbo's relative newness to this chess-like aspect of the sport-- compromising his ability to effectively execute defenses and recognize submission setups...