Zach Zane vs Keali’i Kanekoa Ben Wilhelm vs Daniel Terry Braydon Akeo vs Austin Bloch Donald Gonzalez vs Geremy Martin Shojin Miki vs Kana Hyatt Coit vs Winters
There’s a “RUMBLE” IN THE CONCRETE JUNGLE, because we have @anthony_rumble here in HAWAII and he’ll be doing meet and greets today SUNDAY FEB.10th at the @hawaiicannabisexpo, so COME ON DOWN!
JAPAN’S NII WALKS OFF WITH THE X-1 LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE.
WAIANAE’S KAMAKA CLAIMS WELTERWEIGHT TITLE. MAIN EVENT: Suguru Nii def. Kaeo Meyer via Unanimous decision, for Lightweight (155 lbs.) World Title (3X5 min. rounds)Japan’s Suguru Nii played spoiler in front the home town audience at X-1 #49 on Saturday night at the Blaisdell Arena. In his 3rd fight of the evening, Nii secured a Kimura arm lock that led to a submission at 3:55 of the very first round. The fight capped off an eight-man Lightweight Grand Prix Tournament and a crowned Nii as the new World X-1 Lightweight Champion, a title last held by the UFC’s Max Holloway. Nii started the main event with a swift take down and maintained the top position, but was unable to cause significant damage. Meyer got back to his feet quickly, but was caught with the Kimura while attempting to put Nii on the ground. A gracious Nii simply said “My name is Suguru Nii, thank you, thank you.”CO-MAIN EVENT: Rodney Mondala def. Bill Takeuchi via Unanimous decision, for Bantamweight (135 lbs.) World Title (3X5 min. rounds)Takeuchi entered as a heavy favorite having defended his belt last September. Mondala spent most of the first round working leg kicks to Takeuchi’s left leg and using his quickness to avoid Takeuchi’s heavy hands. In the second frame, Takeuchi went to his wrestling to score a series of take downs. Mondala survived an accidental mid-round groin strike and used shots from the clench to score. In the final round, Mondala walked down a visibly tired Takeuchi with crisp combinations to get the nod from the judges in a unanimous decision victory.Zane Kamaka def. Mike Bronzoulis via verbal submission, for World Welterweight (170 lbs.) Title (3×5 min. rounds)
Zane Kamaka came into the cage fired up and dominated the one round match from the top position with punches, elbows and submission attempts. Bronzoulis verbally submitted to referee Kevin Yoshida prior to the start of round two. At the close of the contest, Kamaka took the center of the cage with his new X-1 Title draped by a handful of other title belts “I work too hard for this, UFC give me a call” Kamaka said.
Russell Mizuguchi def. Shojin Miki via Unanimous decision, for the Flyweight (125 lbs.) State Title (3X5 min. rounds)
Mizuguchi started off with a takedown and spent most of round one with ground control over Miki against the cage. In second round, Miki evened up the scorecard with increased pressure and strikes. Mizuguchi used takedowns and wrestling to control most of the fight. The match ended with Mizuguchi working Miki on the ground to become the State Flyweight champion via unanimous decision.
X-1 #49 GRAND PRIX RESULTS:
Kaeo Meyer def. Taison Naito
Michael Brightmon def. Kohmei Kimura
Kenji Sakura def. Titus Strickland
Suguru Nii def. Kenji Sakura
Kaeo Meyer def Michael Brightmon
X-1 #49 UNDERCARD RESULTS:
Marcus Gamble def. Thor Kristufek
Cheyden Leialoha def. Yuto Sekiguchi
Michael Nakagawa def. Dominic Abalos
Joey Von Blankenberg def. Jeremiah Young (amateur)
JAPAN’S NII WALKS OFF WITH THE X-1 LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE. WAIANAE’S KAMAKA CLAIMS X-1 WELTERWEIGHT TITLE
MAIN EVENT: Suguru Nii def. Kaeo Meyer via unanimous decision, for Lightweight (155 lbs.) World Title (3X5 min. rounds)
Japan’s Suguru Nii played spoiler in front of a home town audience at X-1 #49 on Saturday night at the Blaisdell Arena. In his 3rd fight of the evening, Nii secured a Kimura arm lock that led to a submission at 3:55 of the very first round. The fight capped off an eight-man Lightweight Grand Prix Tournament and crowned Nii as the new X-1 Lightweight World Champion, a title last held by the UFC’s Max Holloway. Nii started the main event with a quick take down and maintained the top position, but was unable to cause significant damage. Meyer got back to his feet quickly, but was caught with a Kimura arm lock while attempting to put Nii back on the ground. A gracious Nii simply said “My name is Suguru Nii, thank you, thank you.”
CO-MAIN EVENT: Rodney Mondala def. Bill Takeuchi via unanimous decision, for Bantamweight (135 lbs.) World Title (3X5 min. rounds)
Takeuchi entered as a heavy favorite having defended his belt last September. Mondala spent most of the first round working leg kicks to Takeuchi’s left leg and using his quickness to avoid Takeuchi’s heavy hands. In the second frame, Takeuchi went to his wrestling to score a series of take downs. Mondala survived an accidental mid-round groin strike and used shots from the clench to score. In the final round, Mondala walked down a visibly tired Takeuchi with crisp combinations to get the nod from the judges in a unanimous decision victory.
Zane Kamaka def. Mike Bronzoulis via verbal submission, for World Welterweight (170 lbs.) Title (3×5 min. rounds)
Zane Kamaka came into the cage fired up and dominated the one round match from the top position with punches, elbows and submission attempts. Bronzoulis was unable to continue after suffering a broken arm from blocking a kick, verbally submitting prior to the start of round two. At the close of the contest, Kamaka took the center of the cage with his new X-1 World Title and draped by a handful of other title belts, “I work too hard for this, UFC give me a call” Kamaka said.
Russell Mizuguchi def. Shojin Miki via unanimous decision, for the Flyweight (125 lbs.) State Title (3X5 min. rounds)
Mizuguchi started off with a takedown and spent most of round one with ground control over Miki against the cage. In second round, Miki evened up the scorecard with increased pressure and strikes. Mizuguchi used takedowns and wrestling to control most of the fight. The match ended with Mizuguchi working Miki on the ground to become the X-1 Flyweight State Champion via unanimous decision.
In a valiant attempt to up the standards of MMA in Hawaii, X1 MMA #47 did not disappoint.
HONOLULU, HAWAII- Blaisdell Arena June 24, 2017
by Bryanna “Pink Ranger” Fissori
A full card of entertaining matches kept the Blaisdell audience engaged as well as nation and international fans watching on the live feed. This early summer show is the prelude for what’s to come for the next show on August 12th when matches won and lost on the June card serve as catalysts for bouts to come, titles to be won and fights years in the making finally coming to fruition.
Results:
Main Event
Lolohea Mahe defeated Raymond Lopez via Unanimous Decision
Pro Mma SHW 3X5 Minute Rounds
When big boys fight, there is always a good chance that whoever has the best cardio will literally be the last man standing. Round one was a lot of wall work with positions switching on the cage and not allowing space for either to throw the dangerous heavy punches expected of the big boys. Moving someone else’s mass around the cage is exhausting at any weight class, and both fighters were showing signs of fatigue by the end of round one.
Co Main Event
Tony Lopez defeated Tipo Lafaele via Unanimous Decision
Pro Mma SHW 3X5 Minute Rounds
Lopez started the bout kicking but a slip early on put him his back and the ground and pound from Lafale nearly ended t the fight in the first minute. Lopez was able to grab the heel of Lafaele setting up for a kneebar. Though unsuccessful, it bought him the time to recover. The striking pace stayed surprisingly high for heavyweights with Lafaele landing and Lopez taking the storm. The tides changes toward the middle of the round with Lopez landing several hard blows that seems to slow Lafaele, who was then backed to the cage and met with knees and elbows that took them to the bell at the end of round one.
Isaac Hopps defeated Daniel Friend via Unanimous Decision
Pro Mma 145lbs 3X5 Minute Rounds
Landing the takedown early in round one, Friend worked hard strikes to the body as Hopps worked to control Friends’s posture from the closed guard. Hopps used the wall to get up, opening up a large cur over the outer eyebrow of Friend I the struggle. The technical stand up trade from these two harnessed the agility of lighter fighters backed with power that seemed much heavier than their weight class.
Kaeo Meyers defeated Paul Lopes via 1st Round KO
Pro Mma 155lbs 3X5 Minute Rounds
I’m going to be honest, even though this fight was short (approximately 25 seconds), I missed most of it because I was wiping the blood off of my laptop and arms.
Justus Faaiu defeated Paul Norman via Unanimous Decision
Pro Mma 205lbs 3X5 Minute Rounds
Norman came in looking for the takedown and was able to make it happen within the first minute of action. Transitioning into a modified backmount Norman was riding high forcing the armbar attempt as the only option he slide off the front. Though the attempt unsuccessful, Norman maintained pressure in the ensuing scramble. The remainder of the round was spent with Norman throwing punches from backmount with Faaiu defending the occasional rear naked choke threat.
Under card
Federico Vento defeated Joey Vonblankenburg via Unanimous Decision
Amateur Mma 125lbs 3X3 Minute Rounds SEC Vacant Title
Namakana Pakala defeated Marcus Gamble via Unanimous Decision
Amateur Mma 205lbs 3X3 Minute Rounds SEC Vacant Title
Donovan Parrilla defeated Ioane Kim via Unanimous Decision
Amateur Mma 135lbs 3X3 Minute Rounds SEC Vacant Title
Chris Randoplh defeated Chuck Amerson via 1stRound Guillotine Choke
Amateur Mma 170lbs 3X3 Minute Rounds SEC Vacant Title
Roy Cooper defeated Titus Strickland via Split Decision
Amateur Mma 155lbs 3X3 Minute Rounds SEC Vacant Title
Joe Manuia defeated Devin Yamada via doctor stoppage (cut over eye)
Amateur Mma 135lbs 3X3 Minute Rounds
Kyle Kaahanui defeated Daylan Cummings via Arm Triangle choke 1st Round
Amateur Mma 170lbs 3X3 Minute Rounds
Lopaka Lono defeated Dane Polas via Unanimous Decision
Amateur Mma 155lbs 3X3 Minute Rounds
Mike Fowler defeated Brandon Fraser via TKO 1stRound
Amateur MMA 160lb 3 x3 Minute Rounds
Brandon Madamba defeated Taylor Mamiya via RNC in 2nd Round
MMA 135lb 3 x 3 Minute Rounds
Cyru Edayan defeated Shaun Somera v Unanimous Decision
Mahalo to Xclusive MMA and Bryanna Fissori for the results write up
Cooper Retains Welterweight World Title with Knockout
By Kyle Galdeira @kylegaldeira –Photos available at www.HawaiiMediaSource.com
Ray “Braddah” Cooper III has been a mainstay in the local mixed martial arts scene, and he hopes to raise his profile to the next level. After Saturday night’s impressive performance, he may be in line to do just that.
Cooper kept his Welterweight (170 lbs.) World Title with a convincing knockout victory over Charles “Felony” Bennett in the main event of the X-1 World Events MMA #48 at the Neal Blaisdell Arena. The fight, which was held before a crowd that nearly filled the arena’s lower bowl, was also broadcast live via pay-per-view.
“Thank you (Bennett) for coming out and challenging me,” Cooper said. “This belt is staying here until I get to the UFC. When I get there, you guys (currently fighting in the UFC) are going down, that’s my belt.”
“I don’t remember what happened,” said Bennett, perhaps only half joking, who normally fights at 145 pounds. “I love you all, Hawai’i.”
CO-MAIN EVENT: Sale Sproat def. Rafael Brewster via KO at 50 seconds into first round, for Middleweight (185 lbs.) World Title (3X5 min. rounds)
Sproat made quick work of Brewster, using a punch to the left side of his foe’s head to halt the hitman early. After hitting the canvas, Brewster could not fight back, and the fight was stopped just 50 seconds after it started, much to the delight of the local fans who were supporting Sproat, a cowboy and rancher from Moloka‘i.
“Thank you everybody who supported me, you know who you are,” Sproat said.
Russell “The Muscle” Mizuguchi def. Michael “Smash Boy“ Nakagawa via split decision, for State Flyweight (125 lbs.) Title (3×5 min. rounds)
Mizuguchi took Nakagawa to the ground midway through the second round, and delivered a few punches and elbows to his foe’s head as he controlled the action. The remainder of the round was spent on the canvas with very little going on – the bell put a welcomed end to the stalemate.
“I came in as the underdog…Dana White, give me a call!” said Mizuguchi.
Bill Takeuchi def. Justin Hugo via TKO (referee stoppage) at 3:53 in third round, for Bantamweight (135 lbs.) World Title (3X5 min. rounds)
The combatants felt each other out over the first two minutes, and just moments after Takeuchi caused a cut on Hugo’s nose, the fight was halted as Hugo took a low blow via Takeuchi’s whip kick. Once the action resumed, Takeuchi controlled the pace and pinned Hugo against the cage before delivering a series of punches and knees to Hugo’s head, which combined to open a large gash on the opponent’s forehead.
Rudolph Schafforth def. Tipo Lafaele via head-and-arm choke 3:02 into first round, super heavyweight (3X5 min. rounds)
Two large humans squared off in this bout featuring two 260-plus pounders, which excited the crowd as the lumbering fighters traded destructive blows. Two minutes into the opening round, Schafforth connected with a vicious right-handed uppercut that dropped Lafaele. Schafforth then gained control of the local fighter and secured the submission via head-and-arm choke three minutes into the first round.
“I know he’s a tough brawler, so I just tried to keep my chin down,” said Schafforth.
Juan Gonzalez def. Kaeo Meyer via unanimous decision, lightweight (155 lbs.) professional bout (3X5 min. rounds)
In a shocking decision to start the Main Card, Meyer fell via unanimous decision despite controlling the action throughout the fight. Meyer took control early with multiple strikes to the head, then braved a few big counters from Gonzalez. Meyer’s wicked right hook left a large cut under Gonzalez’ right eye as blood streamed down the foe’s face. Gonzalez did not give in, though, and ran the local fighter into the cage as the fighters flopped to the canvas. Meyer countered, though, and gained position to land a handful of overhand punches to end the first round.
Undercard
Davy Malaythong submitted Daylan Cummings in a 170-pound bout just 15 seconds into the final preliminary fight. A corner attendant said Cummings tapped out after suffering a separated shoulder.
X-1 World Events has helped launch the mixed martial arts careers of multiple elite-level fighters including the UFC’s current Featherweight Champion Max Holloway as well as former UFC champion Dan “The Beast” Severn.
Weigh In Friday Aug 11 @ 4pm at the Blaisdell Arena
Ray “Braddah” Cooper III vs Felony Charles Bennett
Hawaii has hosted major sporting events before, but what about a UFC bout?
Is there enough interest and money to bring the fight to the islands?
Hawaii is known as a place for sun, sand and surf, but some also want the islands to also be known for its sporting events.
Hosting a UFC bout would help with that image.
Hawaii spends big bucks to market sporting events in the islands.
Last year alone, $6 million went toward big tournaments like the Sony Open, which had days of international coverage, to much smaller events like Duke’s Oceanfest.
Many other sporting events also want some of the state’s money and marketing.
“We’ve had U.S. Curling come to talk about doing something on the ice. We take each thing as it comes and think about objectives as a state. How are we going to best market our state? What is it going to do for visitors, and for residents? Because that is an important factor as well,” said Leslie Dance, Hawaii Tourism Authority Vice President of Marketing and Product Development.
The state isn’t just looking for the biggest events, but wants to spread the interest and funding among various sports. Ones that people watch or participate in, like the Honolulu Marathon.
“We think of it as a portfolio approach. There may be a signature event, a marque event, a Hawaii authentic event and something you come to participate in,” said Dance.
Newly crowned featherweight champion Max Holloway called for a UFC event to be held at Aloha Stadium, the biggest venue in the state.
Aloha Stadium has hosted MMA events before, including one put on by X1 World Events in 2014.
That event drew a crowd of around two thousands fans, but organizers of X1 said a UFC event would be different.
“If you had that event, you would have to figure out how the entire island of Oahu would fit in the stadium.
Plus you have 6 other islands backing Max and backing fighting. So, do we add more stands, put people on the roof, hang them from planes? What are we going to do?” asked X1 World Events promoter Alii Kaanoi.
“This is just the beginning, not even the tip of the iceberg, but it is going to grow enormously,” added Kaanoi.
A spokesman for Aloha Stadium said even during the fall or winter when the high school and college football season is going on, the UFC event could still be held. Because there is always a day or two that is open.
Meanwhile, the Hawaii Tourism Authority will have to see a proposal by a promoter before it decides whether to contribute state money and marketing to a UFC event.
Lolohea Mahe of Kahului waves to the crowd after defeating Jimmy Ambriz in Maui
Lolohea Mahe of Kahului waves to the crowd after defeating Jimmy Ambriz of Santa Ana, Calif., in the main event of X-1’s “Armed and Dangerous” mixed martial arts card Saturday night at War Memorial Gym in Wailuku. In front of a packed house, Mahe won by referee stoppage in the first round. Second photo: Tyler Kahihikolo of Kahului (left) takes on Canaan Kawaihae of Oahu. Kawaihae won by referee stoppage. Third photo: Ray Cooper III (top) of Pearl City puts a hold on Jon Pico of Molokai in the co-main event. Cooper won by referee stoppage.
