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A few minutes earlier, those same fans had raised the roof to welcome Goddard to the ring for the main event. Although he appeared relaxed, there are always question marks next to a fighter returning after a lay off.

Goddard rushed Bentley and, after a brief clinch, the fight went to the ground. Marc raised himself up and unleashed a sustained series of strikes. The ref stepped in and the celebrations began.

An impressive exhibition of controlled aggression which confirmed that Marc Goddard is going to be a major player on the heavyweight scene.

He’s back.

Danny Batten v Kyotaro Nakao

The crowd expected a close fought ground war and they got it and more. The fight opened with Batten trading crisp left jabs for Nakao’s crisp leg kicks. The inevitable happened and the two hit the canvas and began a ground fighting demonstration. For the rest of a close round, Danny Batten was marginally on top.

Round two saw them quickly return to the place they are most comfortable. Control switched from one to the other. Throughout most of the round, Nakao was in top position and landed with some solid strikes. With his back on the canvas, Batten attacked. Against a lesser opponent, his armbar and triangle attempts would have secured victory.

Nakao opened the final round with a spinning backfist attempt. The rest of the round was spent on the floor.

Both men gave everything and needed to be dragged to their feet at the end.

Danny Batten shaded a split decision. I wouldn’t argue with that, but, given the level of skill and commitment both showed, neither deserved to lose.

Although they must be sick of the sight of each other, I would pay to see them fight AGAIN.

Vaughn Harvey v John Waite

In the other Featherweight bout, Vaughn Harvey defeated the game, late replacement John Waite. Harvey worked his way into mount. Waite did an excellent job of tying up his opponent, but the ‘Dragon Boy’ is very powerful at the weight. Harvey remained super cool as he picked his shots to force a stoppage. After the fight he showed great respect to Waite, who had come in at fourteen hours notice. Vaughn Harvey is an all round class act.

Lee Austin v Pete Bray

He got to his opponent with a couple of rock solid jabs before delivering the knockout blow. Austin displayed sound technique: I’m sure there’s a very sore heavy bag at his gym.

Joe Wheelan v Scott Clist

A deserved win for Joe Wheelan. Despite being under the cosh for most of the time, Clist was always in the fight. He stuck in there when many people would have been forced to submit. A very entertaining contest.

Simon Phillips v Mick Broster

A bad cut to Broster’s forehead after a minute.

Ashley Smith v Puzia Kamill

Ashley Smith looks like a real prospect. He is comfortable on his feet (he effortlessly threw two consecutive front leg head kicks) and devastating on the deck. Kamill was not allowed to get into the fight and Smith’s ground and pound forced a first round stoppage.

Johnny Orange v Alan Lee

After stalemate in round one, Orange went to work with some tidy boxing in the second to force a stoppage.

Eugene Fadiora v Tan Nou

Another week, another ultra confident, skilful teenager. Eugene Fadiora gives us another reason to be enthusiastic about the future of UK MMA. Fadiora goes about his business in a state of total relaxation. He seems incredibly assured for his years. Add to that the fact that he can fight and you’ve got a prospect.

Venue

Great lay out. The seating gives the place the feel of a real fight venue.

Crowd

Showed great respect. Throughout the night, runners up got bigger ovations than winners. Warmed to the sportsmanship of the fighters.

Celebration of the Night

Johnny Orange. After raising his hand sheepishly, he began to unleash his joy, eventually doing two laps of the cage doing some kind of baby bird learning to fly dance. Warmed up the crowd.

Organisation

Put together a card of competitive fights despite problems with pull outs. The whole event ran smoothly.

Man of the Night

Grant Waterman. When he is in the middle, you know that there is no nonsense. Makes decisions and sticks to them.

Results

Eugene Fadiora Bt Tan Neu: verbal sub 3:32 R1
Johnny Orange Bt Alan Lee: ref’s stoppage 1.57 R2
Ashley Smith Bt Puzia Kamill: ref’s stop G&P 2:46 R1
Simon Phillips bt Mick Broster: ref stop cut G&P 1.10 R1
Joe Wheelan Bt Scott Priest: unanimous decision
Lee Austin Bt Pete Brake: KO 21 sec R1
Vaughn Harvey Bt John Waite: ref’s stop G&P R1
Danny Batten Bt Kyotaro Nakao: Split Decision
Marc Goddard Bt Tony Bentley: ref’s stop G&P .59sec R1

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