Saturday night Hard Rock MMA put on great show at the Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green. Bluegrass MMA was cage side for all of the action. A packed house filled the room and provided a steady jolt of enthusiasm throughout the night. Most of the fighters were well prepared and with the exception of one small incident the show went nearly flawless.
Action was quick, fast and in a hurry as many of the fights did not make it out of the first round. Heavy hands and quick submissions excited everyone in attendance. The quickness was not due to poor match making but more to the nature of the sport. Knockouts happen and people slip up and get caught in submissions. It just so happened that several guys fell prey to these things.
Throughout the night and fight after fight guys poured their blood, sweat and tears in the Hard Rock Cage. New champions were crowned and some guys packed it up to start all over. Big action all night but here is the Bluegrass MMA awards for the show.
Submission of the Night- Jayson Hayden defeats Tyrelle Olding in both fighters professional debut. This bout started with a frenzy of action from both men. Hayden had booming kicks. Olding looked to be the aggressor early. Olding clipped Hayden with a strong knee that opened him up. Shortly after though Hayden got Olding's ankle to be what looked like an ankle lock. Olding feeling the pain pounded the mat, tapping out. Hayden at 18 years old looks to be a great prospect at 135 and gets the win despite of having to have 9 stitches placed in his head after the fight.
Knockout of the Night - I could not do what these guys do and damn sure would not do it on short notice. That is exactly what Lloyd McKenzie did when he stepped up at a moment's notice to fight Scott Stevens. My hat goes off to McKenzie but he should be worrying about his head. Very quickly Stevens pushed the action and after a brief stoppage due to an accident strike to groin Stevens unleashed a flurry of fists. With his back against the cage McKenzie was knocked out standing up. Big fists and quick work get Stevens the nod here.
Fight of the Night - I feel guilty picking these things but if Dana White can do it so can Bluegrass MMA. So many good fights but there was a GREAT fight that sticks out to me.
George Campoamor vs Paul Daugherty was an absolute war. This was a back and forth battle for three rounds. Triangle chokes, slams, great standup and a whole lot of heart were on display for this one. I didn't want this fight to end but we all know they have to at some point. After going to the judge's score cards the announcer Shawn McClure proclaimed the split decision victory for the winner Paul Daughtery. This was close. I am no judge but I was leaning the other way on this one. That is a prime example of why to never let the fight go to the judges.
A good crowd combined with good fights always makes for a great night. Hard Rock MMA showed why they are successful and why they can be at 33 fights with more on the way. The execution of the show was very smooth. There was one bout when a fighter's foot went underneath a portion of the cage and he became stuck causing the fight to be a No-Contest. I really hope we get to see a rematch because Matt Sadler and Charles Clark were just getting warmed up.
If you have not been to a local MMA show here in Kentucky I urge you to go check it out. The casual fan will enjoy this and the avid fan will beg for more. Hard Rock is a great model for those looking to set out in the MMA world. We appreciate their hospitality and we will be back for more Hard Rock MMA shows very soon! Be sure to stay locked in here as well as our Twitter and Facebook accounts. We have some great pictures coming very soon.
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