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Highlights Video from CFC #1 [Friday 27 July, 2007]
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CFC #1 [Friday 27th July, 2007] - review by Michael Belogiannis
The debut of Cage Fighting Championship at Luna Park, Big Top Stadium has set a new benchmark in Australian MMA. With 10 fights on the card, this new show has smashed crowd records in Australia and has brought cage fighting to main stream audiences in the heart of Sydney.
The more outstanding fights in CFC's debut included Alex Shevstov up against Mark O'Callahan, Ferrid Kheder upset win over Will Cunningham and of course the much anticipated Middle Weight Title war featuring Hector 'Shango' Lombard and Kyle "KO" Noke.
The fight between Alex Shevstov and Mark O'Callahan was a whirlwind, with both fighters showing a high level of skill and fitness. Each fighter had stepped out from their corners looking to control the fight with strikes. After an unsuccessful takedown by Shevstov, O'Callahan had forced his way to top position in attempt to control the ground component of the fight. Both fighters were working extremely hard to better their position until Shevstov locked on an omoplata, rolling over, O'Callahan had escaped but was forced to give up his position, with Shevstov quickly gaining top control on the mat. Both fighters were striking and attempting various submissions until end of the round.
Round two started with Shevstov and O'Callahan exchanging punches and kicks until O'Callahan successfully completed a takedown, ending up in back control. He quickly applied a rear naked choke, which Shevstov barely escaped from. After some more ground wrestling, Shevstov found himself in a good attacking position underneath O'Callahan and locked on a tight triangle choke, forcing O'Callahan to submit 2:55 into the second round.
The crowd soon witnessed a great spectacle of a bout – black belt Olympic Judoka Ferrid Kheder fighting out of the Lions Den up against black belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Will Cunningham from the Roots Team. The fight started with both fighters more interested in boxing, throwing some big connecting punches. Kheder attempted to take the fight to the ground with Judo throws, but the well prepared Cunningham was able to defend, then take Kheder down where Cunningham tried to attack from the half-guard but was unable to, the fight was stood up, where Cunningham dominated the standing and clinch against the cage ending the first round with Cunningham well ahead on points. The second round soon followed, with a cut beginning to open up just above Cunningham's right eye. Kheder was tagged with some straight punches, and it looked like the BJJ fighter had the upper hand until Kheder caught Cunningham with a well executed right hook knocking Cunningham to the ground. The referee stepped straight in after realising that Cunningham was unable to defend himself, declaring Kheder the winner. The crowd roared in excitement after watching Kheder end the fight after being visibly outmatched.
At the end of the night, fans were privileged to see the fight of the year between Hector Lombard and Kyle Noke. Leading up to the fight, the MMA community flagged Kyle Noke as the underdog of the match, but this changed when the fans witnessed his incredible heart and strength. The referee Steve Percival signalled the commencement of first round, which saw Lombard dominate in both stand up and ground fighting. From early on, Noke was dropped by Lombard's quick and powerful punches, but he looked determined to continue the fight. He showed incredible heart, weathering Lombard's onslaught of punches for much of the first round. A sigh of relief was heard from the Integrated team when the round bell had sounded, as Noke had hit the mat a few times as a result of a Lombard strike. The second round started, with Lombard again dominating with his amazing power and speed. It seemed Lombard had the upper hand yet again until Noke turned the fight around mid-way into the round. Noke had wrestled his way to his feet where he attempted a takedown Lombard tried for a guillotine choke which left him in the guard Noke keeping busy on top punching and elbowing. It had seemed Lombard was out of steam, but he pushed on regardless. By the end of the second, fans saw Lombard dominate the first half of the round, while Noke controlled the second half. The third round found both fighters exhausted, but the spectacle continued to unravel. Noke quickly gained a good top position on the ground after a takedown, unleashing more ground and pound onto Lombard as he tried to escape from the guard. Lombard showed extreme courage, escaping a well sunk choke from the back position to gain top position striking and again reversed through to the end of a Noke-dominant round. Both fighters had ended the fight with confidence, as each had endured through to the end. All had waited in anticipation for the judges decision, which came back as a split draw. The Integrated team and some of the crowd displayed their disagreement with the decision, but the judges had made their independent decision and the result was final. Luke Pezzutti approached the microphone and admitted that even he felt that Noke may have won the fight, but he affirmed that the judges were unbiased and they had made a solid decision. Most of the MMA community will be eager to see a rematch, which we all hope is in the works for the near future.
The other fights on the night were a great display of skill, with Jesse Landry defeating Kahu Cooper (1st round submission), Shane Nix defeating Sean Spooner (1st round referee stoppage), Jim Kendrovski defeating Andrew Smith (2nd round submission), Dylan Andrews defeating Kal Bacy (1st round referee stoppage), Josh Payne defeating Chris Hoy (1st round submission), Xavier Lucas defeating Ross Macleod (1st round submission) and Dave Frendin defeating Adrian Leaitua (judges decision).
The CFC promotion had started off with a great success, having picked a venue and a fight card that satisfied all fans. The next event has been organised for November 23rd 2007 at the Big Top, Luna Park, Sydney. Be sure to book your tickets early to avoid disappointment!
