CWFC World Welterweight Title

Dan Hardy finished Chad Reiner with a devastating striking assault in the third round of an exciting main event.

The fight lived up to all the hype as the two bitter rivals brought the best out of each other. The first round saw Reiner make the running. Things looked bleak for Hardy when the fight hit the canvas. The American ground specialist invested a lot of effort in a guillotine attempt, but the new, improved Outlaw worked out of trouble.

The second started predictably, with Reiner attempting the takedown. The majority of the round was fought in a clinch. Hardy exploded to life with a jarring knee to the head. Dan pounced on Reiner – ready to unload, but the bell saved him.

The third saw Hardy keeping his man at range early on with sharp punches. The take down attempts became more desperate and the American looked for safety in the clinch. Hardy broke out and delivered a sweet elbow. The writing was on the wall as the strikes kept coming. Reiner had nothing left and began to sag to the floor under the pressure- signalling the end of the fight.

Chad Reiner has a solid record and the kind of submission game that would terrify most UK fighters. Dan Hardy took care of his challenge with an all round display that oozed class.

Andre Winner lost out on a majority decision to Bendy Casimir, but put in a performance that bodes well for the future.

Let me put my cards on the table. I think Bendy Casimir is great. I love the his unconventional style: the way he jumps like a fish and is left handed in everything he does. He dominated the first round as Andre struggled against his unorthodox style. In the second- Winner was again taken down, but managed to respond with some short punches from his back.

The third was a different story and is the reason why this L should come with a big gold tick next to it. Andre Winner sussed out Bendy, something few of his opponents do. He spotted his takedown attempts a mile off and totally neutralised the Frenchman’s threat. Winner took the opportunity to let rip with punches and elbows. Winner dominated, but was unable to find a big shot he needed to deprive Bendy of the win.

Another fight that went the distance was Martin Stapleton v late replacement David “CFD” Johnson. Three times in the first- Johnson caught Stapleton in a guillotine. Three times- Stapleton went for his leg, got it, then dumped him on his arse. Exactly the same happened at the start of the first. Heartbreaking stuff- but the young Wolfslair fighter is made of stern stuff. He soaked up the pressure and began to look more comfortable. During the third- Johnson started slugging and briefly looked like he was in with a chance of snatching a stoppage.

After three entertaining rounds- Martin Stapleton deservedly won a unanimous decision.

The big shock of the night was Cengiz Dana’s victory over Ian “M16” Butlin. Butlin came to the cage with high hopes. He was left with his head in his hands after falling victim to a heel hook after 25 seconds.

Matt Thorpe submitted Mark “Manslaughter” O’Toole with a beautifully executed keylock in one minute thirty four seconds.

Jim Wallhead and Tom “Tomahawk” Haddock looked like it could be another early one, when Judo Jim dropped the Irishman with a right hand. A stoppage looked on the cards, but Haddock hung in there and began to look for submissions off his back.

The second saw a more sustained boxing session. The contrast between the two was marked. Haddock landed a few shots, but his hands were always low and invitingly open. Wallhead was composed, stalking his tiring opponent. When the time was right, he unleashed the right hand again and Haddock bit the dust. This time- the non stop ground and pound attack forced the stoppage. Another quality performance from Wallhead.

There was much to admire about Haddock too. Hopefully, we’ll be seeing him in the UK more often.

Dean Amasinger sent his sizeable fan club wild with a good win over Jason Muldoon. Amasinger attacked throughout, while Muldoon countered with sub attempts off his back. The climax showed that Amasinger has brain as well brawn. He slickly switched from striking to catch Muldoon with a keylock and force the tap.

Lee Livingstone and Cliff Hall enjoyed straightforward, first minute submission wins over Adam Bairstow and Nigel Whitear respectively.

Lola Bamgbala and Kristoff Woodhouse put on a great demonstration of cage kickboxing. Both let it all hang out and both took counts. At the end- the judges decision went to the absolutely knackered, Lola Bamgbala.
Tough, skillful guys: Ace fight. Would have been better in a ring though.

Eugene Fadiora beat Dave Bownds by way of rear naked choke in the first. Pete McGurk was the first fighter get the crowd on their feet, when he ended his lightweight bout with a crushing blow to KO Richard Whitmore.
Sean Folan won with a keylock in the second against Brent Crawley.


Crowd

Good numbers, Lively. Great support for the local fighters.

Best Ring Walk Tune (And Contender for Best Ever)

Chad Reiner- Whole Lotta Rosie by AC / DC

Man of the Night

David “CFD” Johnson. Came in at one day’s notice. Got dominated in the first- but stuck with it. He not only went the distance he took risks to try and grab a shock win over a formidable opponent. A great performance from a true fighter.

Runner Up

Tom Haddock. Took some hammer but came back and tried to take the fight to Jim Wallhead in his own back yard. Also- has a foppish haircut more suited to a romantic poet.