by Eric Shields
The battles fought, the dust settled, and three warriors have been crowned Kings of Kombat. An array of skill sets were on display this past weekend as the Palmer Event Center played host to King of Kombat 9: The Resurrection. No skill was more expertly demonstrated though, then that of the match making.
The night began with fireworks as Warren Stewart faced Josh Scales. The fight began in second round as the first ended the day before at the weigh-in. A small dust up as these two faced off, left each of these combatants heated when they met in the cage. The animosity was evident as the bell rang and leather was thrown immediately. Stewart was rocked early and held a tight clinch against the cage to survive. Beginning a systematic attack on the taller fighter’s legs through the unconventional use of uppercuts to the thigh, Stewart was able to hold on. However, Scales ended the round strong and looked strong going into the second frame. The next round began and the tides were turned as Stewart landed a big head kick and sent Scales reeling. A massive flurry of punches left Stewart a bit winded as the bloodied Scales fought back. The two began trading wild hooks in the center of the ring for almost 20 seconds until Stewart brought the fight to the ground. Some good scrambling kept Scales in the contest as the second round ended. As the final frame began Stewart seemed to have the cardio edge as he stalked the taller fighter. Scales, in the most orange shorts I’ve ever seen, showed effective counter punching and composure as the crowd rallied for his opponent. The final bell rang and the pre fight scrap was settled as both fighters hugged it out. The judges gave the slight nod to Scales, 28-29, 29-28, 29-28 in the shows Fight of the Night.
Another split decision came from the promotions first ever female fight as pro boxer Jennifer Scott used crisp straight punches and stalked her opponent, Timisha Jones through three rounds. Jones fought hard with flurries of hooks and showed great heart, but was unable to fight past the seven inch discrepancy. Scott looked fresh as the fight concluded and took the decision 28-29, 30-27, 29-28.
The third contest featured middleweights Josh Smith and Sean Spencer. The six foot five Smith established his long jab early in the fight, but is unable to cause any real damage. As the fight wears on Spencer begins to find his range as Smith tires. The two are happy to stand in the middle and trade, Spencer because he is winning and Smith because is tired. It goes the distance and Spencer wins the unanimous decision 30-27, 29-28, 30-27.
Will Campuzano stepped into the cage as the most known name on the card. Having 3 fights in the WEC he had a target on his head for someone else to make a name off of a victory. So then it was fitting that his opponent is known as The Assassin. Stephen Garcia came to scrap and he showed an impressive striking with various combinations that kept the aggressive Campuzano on the defensive. A ground scramble led to a tight guillotine had the crowd ready to explode, but Campuzano was able to find his way out. The Assassin didn’t let up, however Campuzano used his experience and a new found aggression to take it to the Houston based fighter and came away with the victory via another split decision using solid countering and takedowns. 29-28, 28-29, 29-28
For the fifth bout of the night, Tim Snyder faced fan favorite and KOK lightweight champion Nick Thompson. Showing us why he is known as the ghost, Thompson combined quick head movement and elusive footwork to cut angles and avoid takedowns. By way of punches in bunches Thompson never seemed to lose composure and danced his way to a unanimous decision victory 29-28, 30-27, 30-27.
For the first of three championship matches we match light heavyweights Marcus Sursa and Ryan McClain. Sursa enters the cage as a ball of energy. Even from the warm-ups hours prior it doesn’t appear if he has taken a foot off the gas. The fight begins and Sursa quickly uses his All American wrestling and scores a takedown and establishes side control. A few submission attempts are stopped by McClain, but some good old fashioned ground and pound leads to a mounted crucifix and Sursa rains down elbows to the temple. About eight were thrown as the bell rings and McClain cannot rise. Marcus Sursa is victorious with a KO at 5:00 in first round.
With the Welterweight title at stake Ryan Larson enters the cage to a deafening ovation from the crowd, across stood the California native Derrick Krantz. D-Rock goes for an early takedown, but is stuffed by the length of Larson, and is soon locked in a tight guillotine. Krantz powers out and scrambles to back mount, throws some punches and locks in a fight ending rear necked choke at 4:23 in the very first round.
The night’s main event showcased some of the top talent in the bantamweight division. Golden glove champion Edwin Figueroa has his eyes on the strap, but Johnny Bedford uses his all American wrestling skill to take the fight to the mat. Controlling Figueroa on the mat, Bedford moves to back mount and flattens out his opponent using a body triangle. Figueroa survives but is still in trouble. As the first round comes to a conclusion Bedford stands from side control and plants two soccer kicks square to the back, one after the bell. The referee takes a point and Figueroa, in obvious pain, manages to get to his corner. As the second round commences, Figueroa connects with a brutal left hook. Bedford collapses to the mat as Figueroa pounces, landing three shots to the downed Bedford. The referee puts a halt to the action at 17 seconds in the second round.
Eight bouts, 3 split decisions, 3 finishes, as stated not only was the talent level high, but top tier match making was showcased. Congratulations to the fighters for bringing it, CEO and Owner Ron Hernandez for delivering and outstanding card, and to the three newly crowned Kings of Kombat.
The next event has already been scheduled for December 18; if you are in the central Texas area there will not be a better place to be to have a thrilling night of entertainment.
*Pictures provided by Eric Shields and Mario Cantu
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