Travis Lizotte "Full Contact Writer"
We have made it to Plymouth rock and the streets are filled with Pilgrims, summer vacation is clearly still in full swing on the Massachusetts South Shore. I've claimed a corner in the back room to compose this article, and myself before we get ready to go live from Plymouth Memorial Hall as Michael Polvere presents Cage Titans 49. Fights should be starting right around the 6 o'clock hour and we will have you updated throughout the night on all the action as we see it from the floor amongst a ruckus crowd at New England MMA's hallowed grounds THE Plymouth Memorial Hall!
Fighters, Fans and Family share and follow this article as we pledge to keep you closest to all the action in the cage! Below is the entire fightcard for this evenings sanctioned fisticuffs and just to keep all of you on your toes we are going bottom to top tonight...join me!
Fight Night Awards:
Submission of the Night: Shane Dougherty's guillotine over Xavier Cardona to win the Featherweight Title!
Knockout of the Night: Marty Navis TKO of Roberto Yong
Fight of the Night: The Main Event Joe Giannetti vs. Darius Estell.
Joe Giannetti (9-4-1, South Shore Sportfighting/ American Kickboxing Academy) vs Darius Estell (7-3, Michigan Top Team)
Lightweight Title
Round 1: Main Event time kids...Joe Joe Giannetti vs. Darius Estell go five rounds for the Cage Titans Lightweight belt. Estell comes across the cage swinging and Joe clinches him and puts him on the ground early. Joe backs off and Darius starts to stand and Joe launches a glancing flying knee that nearly hits its target. Giannetti puts Estell on the fence and eventually back to the mat where Joe is very dangerous and has time to work. Darius escapes however and is greeted with another flying knee followed by the clinch from Joe. Estell circles out and comes forward with a combination that Joe shakes and Giannetti clinches Darius against the cage again. Giannetti is employing heavy pressure and knees on the cage as Estell looks overmatched in the first round. Joe lands a low leg kikc and Darius comes forward with a combination and is greeted with a counter by Giannetti. Estel takes Joe down but thats a bad idea as Giannetti ends up on top to finish the round! 10-9 Giannetti.
Round 2: Daruis comes forward again on the start but Giannetti is again wise to it and dances out of the way. Giannetti clinches again before backing out with some strikes that are returned by the "Solo Beast." Giannetti comes forward with a flying knee and get countered by Estell as Estell sticks his tongue out and laughs it off. They trade and Giannetti initiates the clinch and launches a knee up the middle on his way in as he has Darius on the fence once again. Estell lands an overhand right in the brake and Joe comes firing back with a big knee. They trade as these guys are going back and forth here in the striking game to finish the round. 10-9 Giannetti.
Round 3: Round three starts with an advancing Estell who comes in with punches and a clinch attempt that fails. Darius comes forward with a combination again and is countered with a short right counter by Giannetti. Darius comes forward once again and slips to the canvas, it looks like he turned his ankle. Giannetti hops on top with hammerfists to garner the stoppage from Bryan Miner.
Decision: Joe Giannetti defeats Darius Estell by TKO (Strikes on the ground) at 1:23 of the third round to become the NEW Cage Titans Lightweight Champion also earning his 10th professional victory. Nice to see Giannetti add a finish here to capture the STRAP!
Joe Penafiel (6-3, Fusion Xcel) vs Richie Santiago (8-3, Tri-Force MMA)
Bantamweight
Round 1: I am excited for this one! Penafiel comes out with front kicks and strikes as he looks to set the pace early against the returning Santiago. Santiago lands a counter right hand that gets Joe's attention and they go to the ground with Penafiel working from top position. Richie keeps the guard closed so that Joe has little room to work but Joe looks heavy on the top. Joe backs off and returns to the mat with a right hand for Richie. Richie returns to the feet and grabs a quillotine and uses it to throw Penafiel to the mat but Joe doesn't stay down long. Richie comes forward with some punches as Joe clinches and lands uppercuts up the middle. Joe lands a right hand that folds Richie and Joe follows him to the ground, Santiago gets up briefly but is met with another shot that crumbles Richie back to the canvas where referee Robert Wombacher stops the fight.
Decision: Joe Penafiel defeats Richie Santiago by TKO (Strikes) at 4:32 of the very first round. Love it or Hate it "THE PARTY IS HERE TO STAY!"
Shane Dougherty (4-0, USMMA) vs Xavier Cardona (2-1, Lakeville MMA)
Amateur Featherweight Title
Round 1: Cardona comes out looking to bully the champ around the cage as these guys trade early and often. Dougherty grabs the guillotine and pulls guard, referee checks the arm of Cardona and it is limp...he is out cold. After doctors attention Xavier wakes up and pops back up to his feet to see Dougherty in the center of the cage celebrating his title retention! This place is going absolutely WILD!
Decision: Shane Dougherty defeats Xavier Cardona by Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke) at :53 seconds of the first round. Dougherty retains his title in one of the more exciting 53 second fights you'll ever see!
Lionel Young (8-17, Citadel MMA) vs Pat Gilbride (3-1, Lauzon MMA)
Featherweight
Round 1: Young comes out looking to use some serious advantage in the length department as he throws jabs and low leg kicks to circling Gilbride. Young connects on a right hand elbows that drop Gilbride, Young follows Gilbride to the canvas and finishes him with ground and pound. Gilbride looks to have badly hurt his right knee in the exchange as he clutches his leg in pain as Robert Wambacher pulls off the victorious Lionel Young.
Decision: Lionel "Boogz" Young defeats Pat Gilbride by TKO (Ground and Pound) at 1:18 of round 1.
Roberto Yong (3-7, Team Ali) vs Marty Navis (4-0, Lauzon MMA)
Welterweight
Round 1: Marty comes out with a kick and a jab but Roberto lands a right hand that gets Marty's attention. Marty shoots for the takedown and is stuffed at first but is successful on the second attempt to get Yong to the mat where Marty looks to take the back quickly. Marty finally rounds the corner and takes the back as Yong stands to some short shots by the undefeated Navis. Navis grabs for the guillotine and lands a knee to the stomach of Yong before taking him down once again. Marty again punches his way to the back of Yong as Roberto tries to stand with "The Beats" on his back. Marty takes the back and drags Yong to the mat but Yong escapes with punches. Marty lands now but referee Wambacher stops it to an inadvertent strike to the back of Yongs head. arty gets the takedown on the restart with one more minute to work on the ten fight veteran Yong. Yong gets to his feet as the 10 second clapper sounds and escapes the fence through the legs of Navis as the first round ends. 10-9 Navis.
Round 2: Round starts with an empty flying knee attempt by Marty that sends Yong in a frenzy before Marty gets the fight to the canvas once again and is landing some brutal ground and pound. Yong gives his back to try and escape but Navis is all over him with punches and the subsequent back take. Navis flattens Yong out and postures up for some ground and pound that warrants the referee stoppage to strikes.
Decision: Marty Navis defeats Roberto Yong by TKO (Ground and Pound) at 2:06 of round number 2 to remain UNDEFEATED!
Nate Russell (6-1, Fighting Arts Academy) vs. Joe Poirier (2-0, SBG East)
Vacant Flyweight Amateur Title
Round 1: Poirier comes out in the center of the cage as these Flyweights looks to pace themselves for the 15 minute title fight. Russell lands a low leg kick that stumbles Joe but Joe comes back firing in return. Joe fires a quick left and is answered by another leg kick from Nate that is followed by Joe coming forward and clinching Nate against the fence. Russell turns the action and puts Poirier against the cage as he looks to eliminate some of the length advantage Poirier possesses. Joe grabs a guillotine but its not in as the round ends. 10-9 Poirier but could go either way not a ton of action early.
Round 2: Russell comes out in round two behind the jab as Joe is happy to take the center of the cage. Joe puts Nate on the fence, they work in the clinch as Russell turns the action and puts Joe on the fence now. They turn again as Nate lands some short shots from the clinch and looks for control. Poirier grabs a guillotine that gets Russell to the mat but Nate ends up on top in Joe's half guard where the round ends. 10-9 Russell another close round.
Round 3: Nate starts the third with low leg kicks and Joe once again initiates the clinch and puts Nate on the fence. Nate gets the trip and now has Joe mounted on the ground, Joe bridges to get to his feet and Nate looks for the back, Nate sinks the forearm under the chin of Poirier, Poirier hand fights but cannot remove the forearm from his throat and is forced to tap.
Decision: Nate Russell submits Joe Poirier by Rear Naked Choke at 1:43 of the third round to capture the vacant Cage Titans Amateur Flyweight title.
Undercard
Leo Ladeira (0-2, Sityodtong) vs Dion Rubio (0-0, TriForce)
Lightweight
Round 1: They touch gloves and Rubio comes out showing feints as Leo looks to strike, that leads to a brief exchange where Leo lands a right to the chin of Rubio and drops him. Leo jumps on top looking to finish but Dion escapes and is on top in side control landing some short elbows. Dion switches to the hammerfists now as he does work looking for the stoppage referee Wambacher takes a closer look as Rubio reverts back to short elbows to the face of Ladeira. Rubio finishes on top and once the horn sounds Leo gets up with a face that is showing 5 minutes worth of elbows. No doubt the doctor will be looking closely at the right eye of Leo between rounds. 10-9 Rubio.
Round 2: They begin round 2 slugging it out in the canter of the cage until Rubio changes levels and gets the power double leg takedown. Rubio is on top now with 4 minutes to work in the round and a tired and bludgeoned Leo Ladeira beneath him. Rubio goes back to work on the face of Leo...looking to even up with left eye with the already compromised right eye. Leo sweeps with 45 seconds left and Dion grabs his neck in the guillotine and gets the tap.
Decision: Dion Rubio defeats Leo Ladeira by Submission (Guillotine) at 4:16 of round 2. DOMINANT performance by Rubio in his Pro Debut and an equally impressive celebration.
Jay Ellis (15-99, Red Schaffer MMA) vs Trevor Gudde (2-2, Citadel)
Welterweight
Round 1: The 6'7" 170 pound Mullet wearing Scarecrow enters the cage looking to hand Jay Ellis the 100th loss of his career. Gudde comes out kicking and Jay goes for the takedown and gets it. Jay is in side control landing knees when Gudde gets back up and gets on top, Ellis gives his back to get up and Gudde locks in the rear naked choke for the tap.
Decision: Trevor Gudde defeats Jay Ellis by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 57 seconds of round 1.
Shawn Melanson (Aqueous) vs Tyler Menard (Lauzon MMA)
Middleweight Grappling Superfight (8 Minuite Submission Only)
Michael Polvere officially announces Grappling Titans will happen September 25th and introduces the Cage Titans fans to what they can expect September 25th with a little taste of submission grappling here between Shawn Melanson and Tyler Menard. These guys will have the cage for 8 minutes unless a submission comes inside the 8 minutes allowed.
Result: Grapplers exchange leg lock attempts during the 6th minute of this one and Menard looks for a guillotine with 90 seconds left but neither can finish the submissions and this one ends in a draw.
Josh Medeiros (0-0, Sityodtong) vs Andrew Valdina (1-1, Lauzon MMA)
Amateur Bantamweight
Round 1: Valdina rolls into the cage on the fist of a one handed cartwheel to the delight of the Lauzon MMA contingent in the house. Both men sprint out of their corners as Josh looks to throw a spinning kick and Valdina counters. Josh then closes the distance and puts Andrew's back on the cage and Medieros is looking to land knees as Valdina circles out and lands a leg kick. Medeiros closes the distance again and they clinch against the fence, the crowd erupts with the Valdina chant as these guys work against the cage. They seperate and Valdina lands a big kick and chases Medeiros to the mat and finish the round with strikes. 10-9 Medeiros but could be close.
Round 2: Valdina comes out in the center of the cage in round 2 feinting shots but Josh comes forward closes the distance and had Valdina's back on the fence once again. They scramble with Josh looking for the back but they end up back at striking range, Josh closes the distance again, gets the takedown and is looking to take the back once again. Andrew turns into Medeiros and escapes to his feet! Now its Valdina that clinches Josh on the fence, Josh works the takedown but grabs the fence and loses a point. They clinch and Valdina scores a throw as the round ends. 9-9.
Round 3: The bell sounds in round 3 and you have to think Valdina needs a finish over the debuting Medeiros. Josh is the first to throw but they end up back in the clinch, Valdina looks for a throw but Josh keeps his feet and puts Valdina on the cage once again. Valdina turns the action then splits launching a headkick attempt on the brake as Valdina senses the urgency in this one. Josh attempts another takedown but is pushed away by Valdina and Andrew finishes with another headkick attempt. Valdina lets the hands go as the ten second warning sounds and they end this one swinging. 10-9 Valdina...I score this fight a Draw 28-28 lets see what the judges saw!
Decision: Andrew Valdina defeats Josh Medeiros by Unanimous Decision (29-27 x3)
Josh Smith (0-0, Nostos) vs John O’Connor (0-0, Loco Lobo)
Ameteur Welterweight
Round 1: Worthy of note: Josh Smith resides in York, Maine...and so do i! O'Connor comes out with leg kick and a jab and Smith does for a thunderous slam and looks to woerk from the top. O'Connor throws up high guard and looks for the armbar but Smith defends and remains on top doing work. Smith now isolates the head and arm and is going to work from O'Connor's side control. Smith lands some short shots as he finishes the round in control. 10-9 Smith.
Round 2: Smith wastes little time behind the jab and takes O'Connor to the mat where he works from side control in the early going. Smith has O'Connor in a crucifix position and is making his face pay for it. Landing heavy ground and pound as O'Connor tries to buck him off but is unsuccessful, Smith lands some more short fists and Bryan Miner has seen enough and call a stop to this one!
Decision: Josh Smith defeats John O'Connor by TKO at 1:43 of round number 2.
Scott Miles (0-0, Citadel) vs Tyler Smythe (1-1, Evolution Athletix)
Amateur Catchweight (130 lbs.)
Round 1: These dudes don't even want to wait for the bell as they are jawing at each other during introductions. Smyth ecomes out and ducks under an opening jab from Miles and immediately looks to work the takedown on the cage. Smythe switches to a double leg and puts Miles on the canvas and up against the fence. Tyler is working from the top but Miles throws up the high guard and looks for a triangle from his back, Smythe is defending but it looks for a second that Miles is going to transition to an armbar as they scramble and Smythe remains on top as the round ends. 10-9 Smythe even though Miles was active with submission attempts off his back.
Round 2: Smythe comes out this round and thinks twice before going for the takedown as they remain at striking range. Miles comes forward with strikes and that is when Smythe decides to change levels and take Miles down. Miles rolls for a leg but Smythe ends up in side control and as Miles rolls Smythe looks to take his back. Miles rolls back to Smythe's cradle and Smythe looks for a guillotine. Miles defends but ends the round by getting slammed to the canvas by Smythe. 10-9 Smythe.
Round 3: Smythe comes out popping the jab and eventually uses it as an entrance for another takedown. Miles sweeps and ends upon the bottom eating hammerfists from Smythe. They go north/south as Miles tries to use the cage to escape and Smythe continues to slam Miles to the mat. Smythe backs off and lands some strikes as the fight ends. 10-9 Smythe.
Decision: Tyler Smythe defeats Scott Miles by unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-26)
Guinder Valdez (0-0, Sityodtong) vs Ben King (0-0, Savery BJJ)
Amateur Featherweight
Round 1: King comes out in the southpaw stance and lands some sharp kicks early including a couple to the lower leg of Valdez. Valdez has had enough and shoots across the cage and takes king down and immediately takes the back. Valdez is working a rear naked choke but King is wise too it as he defends by fighting the hands of Valdez. Valdez has a tight body triangle and great position but cannot finish the choke. 10-9 Valdez.
Round 2: King comes out looking to strike once again and Valdez takes him back down again and we are right back to where we were in round one. Valdez on the back of King with Valdez looking to harvest the neck of the 19 year old King. King is putting in the effort to defend but he is losing the battle here, Valdez is finally able to stretch King out and sink the choke under the chin to garner the tap.
Decision: Guinder Valdez defeats Ben King by Second Round Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:22.
Steve Drayton (0-0, Citadel) vs Joey Rogers (0-0, Loco Lobo)
130 Pound Amateur Muay Thai
Round 1: Here we go Drayton in the red gloves and Joey Rogers dons the blue leather, handlebar mustache and mullet. Both of these come out with high volume strikes as they trade combinations through the first minute. Both fighters are landing but it appears Drayton is landing the power shots. Rogers stocks Drayton as the round ends. 10-9 Drayton.
Round 2: Drayton opens with some slick kicks and some nice head movement before dumping Rogers to the mat. They return to their feet firing shots and again it appears Drayton has a better feel for the distance game than Rogers as Drayton's strikes continue to test the chin of Joey. Joey comes forward with a combination but is met with a stiff jab and a combination from the oncoming Drayton as the round ends. 10-9 Drayton.
Round 3: Round three begins with more shots from Drayton and Rogers face is starting to show the story of this one as blood begins to trickle from his nose. Drayton unloads with a combination and Rogers returns knocking the mouthpiece of Drayton to the canvas. Action resumes with short time left and these guys are trading strikes again and Drayton loses his mouthpiece once again. They restart by trading power shots as the round ends...Close round 10-9 Drayton.
Decision: Steve Drayton defeats Joey Rogers by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
