Takedown, takedown, takedown sees Brett Johns get the nod over James Brum. Wrestling, wrestling and more wrestling was the key factor in this fight as Johns was able to neutralise any offense his opponent Brum had and consistantly take down Brum at will for the full 25 minute duration of their main card bout. The fight went ahead following Johns missing weight with the implications that if Brum won he would be crowned Bantamweight Champion. Johns made sure that was never going to happen scoring single and double leg takedowns from the get go and showing the world his excellent grappling skills. Brum was able to land a few flurries which at times hurt Johns but only seemed to fuel the Welshman even more to hunt for another takedown.
Going into the final bout Johns was clearly up on the scorecards and Brum needed to do something big to take the gold back to Portsmouth, but the GYM01 fighter just couldnt find the finish. In the final exchange of the fight while Johns was holding onto a single leg Brum hit the Welshman with several short elbows trying to entice his opponent to engage but Johns just took the opportunity to complete the takedown and leave a lasting impression on the judges.
Johns certainly staked a claim to get a future title shot and the still unbeaten fighter firstly apologised in his post fight interview then asked Graham Boylan for another shot at the gold using this quote to top it off “In the words of Quinton Rampage Jackson; I want my belt back”.
Brett Johns def James Brum via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
Carter beats game Saeed in Co-Main event
A very tough back and forth 15 minutes between lightweights Sean Carter (9-1) and Mario Saeed (5-2) served as the co-main event of the card. The fight literally went all over the cage with Carter edging the striking exchanges but a very close grappling contest throughout.
Carter was able to land more takedowns throughout the fight but was on wobbly legs at one stage as he caught an upkick straight on the chin from a downed Saeed. Carter though was able to weather the storm and just seemed to be one step ahead of Saeed throughout the bout. Saeed just coming back from a serious injury though should certainly feel proud of his performance and Carter now opens up his options in a stacked Lightweight division. Lets not forget Carter only has one loss on his record and that come against current Lightweight Champion Stevie Ray after Carter stepped in to take on Ray in the Lightweight Tournament Final.
Sean Carter def Mario Saeed via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Shaj Superman Haque outpoints Mr Pink
In a Flyweight bout which in my opinion was FOTN, Shaj Haque (5-1) was able to get the decision win over Martin McDonough (11-5). McDonough the hometown lad has recently dropped down to Flyweight and certainly didnt seem to have any problem dealing with the weight drop. But his opponent Haque was just incredibly fast throughout.
Haque was able to get in and out at a crazy speed whereas McDonoughs strike seemed a bit more predictable which in the end worked to Haques advantage. Haque throughout just seemed to edge the fight in terms of takedowns, strikes and control of the cage and a unanimous decision win for Haque was the right call. Massive win for Haque but McDonough at Flyweight will be a handful for anyone.
Shaj Haque def Martin McDonough via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Pritchard comebacks to submit hometown lad Raeburn
Phil Raeburn (5-4) started this fight at an incredible speed flying out to hit his opponent Jamie Pritchard (6-3) and using the crowd to his advantage. Raeburn controlled the first round from the top and was landing the better strikes in the first round. Pretty much the same again in the second round also until Pritchard seemed to just wake up whilst on the ground and locked in a gullotine choke to stop the game Welshman.
The crowd went silent and Pritchard was lucky to escape that one with a win. Great win for Pritchard though who took the fight on one weeks notice.
Jamie Pritchard def Phil Raeburn via submission (gullotine choke) at 3:32 of round 2
Niedzwiedz stays undefeated by submitting Hewitt
The Bantamweight girls definitely come to fight and these two just absolutely went for it from the opening bell. Agnieszka Niedzwiedz (6-0) was able to show her experience and really make it count though as for the duration of the four minutes the fight lasted she was in control of her opponent Gemma Hewitt (1-1).
After gaining top control of Hewitt, Niedzwiedz was eager to finish the fight and searched for everything to put her away. Eventually she was able to lock in a super tight traingle choke to get the win and take her win streak to six fights on the bounce.
Agnieszka Niedzwiedz def Gemma Hewitt via submission (traingle choke) at 3:59 of round 1
Norkus defeats Tyrie, again
Simas Norkus (3-2) was able to beat Welshamn Stuart Tyrie (6-8) for the second time in his career. Tyrie came out strong and the crowd certainly gave him a second gear early on in the fight but it was Norkus who remained calm throughout the fight and was able to open up Tyrie with some deadly strikes. The end came in the second round and Norkus is certainly one to watch in the future.
Simas Norkas def Stuart Tyrie via TKO (cuts) at 2:35 of round 2