Edmonton, AB in the MMA Limelight

Western Canada, specifically Edmonton, AB, was in the MMA spotlight over the weekend with Friday’s MFC 23: Unstoppable, at the River Cree Casio in Enoch, and TFC 9: Total Chaos, at the Shaw Conference Center. A list of UFC vets and talented up and coming prospects took to the stage over the weekend.

In the MFC debut of two UFC vets, Leites (15-3) puts a stop to a two fight losing streak by edging out a win against Lister (11-7) via unanimous decision in an otherwise non eventful main event. All three judges sided with the Brazilian scoring the bout identically, 30-27. Most of the first round was spent on the ground after Lister failed a take down attempt, with the Jiu-Jitsu master not able to take advantage. Leites landed several vicious leg kicks halting Lister’s take down attempts.

Jason MacDonald (22-13) is back to his winning ways after judges awarded him a “controversial” split decision over Solomon Hutcherson (11-6) in the MFC co main event. The only controversy surrounding the fight in many fans minds was whether or not the judges were actually watching the fight. MacDonald was clearly the aggressor, took immediate control, nearly landing several submissions. The only people contesting MacDonalds victory was the Hutcherson camp, and maybe only Hutcherson himself.

Earlier in the evening Ryan Jimmo (12-1) continued his 12 fight win streak after narrowly defeating Emanuel Newton.

Bryan Baker defeated Art Santore in what may have been the most exciting fight of the night, that saw Santore’s face well bloodied on several occasions.

Dwayne Lewis stopped Marvin Eastman with a solid over hand right followed by an flush upper cut just before the first round bell. Lewis was cautioned for delivering strikes after the stoppage.

Full results for MFC 23 were:

Thales Leites def. Dean Lister via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Jason MacDonald def. Solomon Hutcherson via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

Ryan Jimmo def. Emanuel Newton via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Bryan Baker def. Art Santore via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)

Dwayne Lewis def. Marvin Eastman via KO (punch) — 4:58 Round 1

Jesse Juarez def. Joe Christopher via Unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Nick Penner def. Ryan Fortin via submission (rear naked choke) — 3:31 Round 2

Ryan Machan def. Kajan Johnson via submission (rear naked choke) — 3:30 Round 1

Billy Hua def. Kenny Hamilton via TKO (punches) — 0:20 Round 2

Ryan Ford (11-2) captured the vacated TFC Welterweight title Saturday night after defeating John Walsh in an all too familiar first round, 13 second win by KO. A knee superseded by a “Superman” punch sent Walsh to the canvas where Ford delivered a barrage of hammer fists. Ford calls out Claude Patrick for a third time.

Richie Hightower (8-3) proved too much for McKay (3-1) winning by TKO at 1:31 in the first round. Hightower looked great taking control after McKay's failed takedown attempt and landed a solid knee. McKay attempted a second single leg take down, but is pounded out by Hightower.

Former TFC Welterweight champion Victor Bachman (6-2) defeated Mike Rowbotham (2-4) via TKO with a vicious ground and pound display. Bachman spent much of the time in Rowbatham’s guard but relentlessly delivered blows with precision. An obviously stunned and disoriented Rowbatham attempted several arm bars but was unable to make it back to his corner at the end of the 2nd round.

Fans will have to wait until March most likely to see home town favorite Victor Valimaki (16-5) take on eastern Canada’s Martin Desilets (9-2). Valimaki was admitted to hospital with renal complications the day of the fight, most likely due to severe dehydration from cutting weight. Desilets, (who was dropped out of a fight due to injury with Valimaki earlier in the year on TFC 7.5: Bad Intentions and was replaced by Jason Cecil) was given the opportunity to comment on the situation with his camp who in showed little to no class taking several shots at Valimaki.

Full Results for TFC 9 were:

Ryan Ford def. John Walsh via KO- :13. Round 1

Richie Hightower def. Jordan McKay via TKO (Strikes)- 1:31, Round 1

Kyle Coutu def. Jonathan Pridham via TKO (Ground n Pound)- Round 2

Victor Bachmann def. Mike Rowbotham via TKO (Ref Stoppage after second round)

Curtis Demarce def. Jorge Ravanal Jr. via Submission Arm Bar- 0:51, Round 1

Cody Krahn def. Jason Gorny by TKO- 1:28, Round 1

Mike Froese def. Tim Skidmore via Rear Naked Choke- 1:16, Round 1

Rio Wells defeats Darcy Boizard via TKO-1:27, Round 1

Devon Neis defeats Greg McDougal via KO- 0:49, Round 1

TFC 8 - Valimaki vs Polley

On September 18, TFC will be crowning its first light-heavyweight champion in a sure to please bout between former MFC champion, UFC veteran, and home town favorite, Victor Valimaki (15-5-0), and the current ECC Champion, Lew “the Titan” Polley (10-2-0).

“Polley (training out of Team Quest in Temecula, CA)is strong, a great wrestler, has good control and takedowns, but I haven’t seen much in the way of stand up from him”, said Valimaki about his upcoming opponent. “I need to apply the pressure early, I feel my jiu-jitsu is better, my stand up is better, and with the recent changes I’ve made to my training and diet, I feel stronger, faster, and in better shape than I’ve ever been.” With a five round fight ahead and the title on the line, changes to Valimaki’s regiment include a new dietician. He believes that with the changes and the help from trainers like Milan Lubovac from Avenue Boxing, Edmonton, and training partners such as Tim Hague, Ryan Jimo, Allen Hope, and everyone down at Hayabusa Training Center, St. Albert, he will be able to improve his record to 16 wins and capture the light-heavyweight TFC Title. Valimaki hopes that a win over a fighter of Polley’s caliber will catch the attention of international promoters such as the UFC, Sengoku, Dream, and Strike Force.

Valimaki wanted to express his gratitude to sponsors Caged Clothing, Sprawl, thedietdoc.com, and ECM Electronics. Victor’s clothing line, Victory Athletics, available at Caged Clothing in Edmonton, will soon be available online at www.victoryathletics.com

ASM signs Undefeated Weltereight Mitch Clarke

ASM is excited about signing 5-0 EFC (Evolution Fighting Championship) Welterweight Champion Mitch Clarke. Clarke looks to continue his unbeaten streak with a win over Travis Brierre at the first Adrenaline MMA event in Edmonton, AB on October 2, 2009. Clarke's last win came via guillotine choke at 0:56 of the first round against Adam Hunsperger at The Fight Club 7 - Full Throttle on May 30, 2009. 4 of 5 of Clarkes wins have come via submission. Mitch trains out of the Hayabusa Training Center in St. Albert, AB.

ASM signs Bill "Hush" Mesi

ASM signs heavyweight Bill "Hush" Mesi! Mesi looks to improve his perfect record as he battles Bill "the Butcher" Mahood for the KOTC Heavyweight title on July 18, 2009, at Edmonton's Rexal Place. Mesi has wins against Ben Borger (KO), Steven McKay (submission via rear naked choke), and Jason Gorny (KO).

TFC 7 Full Throttle Card

The Fight Club (7) presents Full Throttle at the Shaw Conference Center on Saturday, May 30. Nine well matched fights have been confirmed for the event. Ryan "the Real Deal" Ford makes his eagerly anticipated TFC debut against Anchorage, Alaska's Dave Mazany. Victor "the Matrix" Valimaki makes his long awaited return to the Edmonton MMA scene against a very tough opponent, Isaiah Larson or St. Paul, Minnisota. The card is as follows (subject to change):

Jorge Ravanal Jr. (Edmonton, AB) 1-0 vs. Leo Ahmed (Edmonton, AB) 0-0 155lbs

Kevin Dolan (Edmonton, AB) 3-12 vs. Ben Arlow (Edmonton, AB) 1-1 170lbs

Mitch Clarke (Edmonton, AB) 3-0 vs. Adam Hunspurger (Edmonton, AB) 1-0 170lbs.

Jason Gorny (Edmonton, AB) 2-1 vs. Rayan Lacasse (Edmonton, AB) 0-0 185lbs.

Chuck Pelc (Edmonton, AB) 2-0 vs. Chase Degenhardt (Lethbridge, AB) 2-0 185lbs.

Chris Ade (Edmonton, AB) 16-13 vs. Lenny Wheeler (Edmonton, AB) 1-0 155lbs.

Luke Harris (Edmonton, AB) 5-1 vs. Mike Rowbotham (Barrie, ON) 3-2 catch weight 192lbs.

Victor Valimaki (Edmonton, AB) 12-4 vs. Isaiah Larson (St. Paul, MN)11-4 205lbs.

Ryan Ford (Edmonton, AB) 8-2 vs. Dave Mazany (Anchorage, AK) 5-2 170lbs.

Froese vs. Hunspurger July 18 at KOTC

Mike Froese (2-1-0) will look to better his record against Adam Hunsperger (1-0)at King of the Cage on July 18 at Rexall Place in Edmonton, AB. Froese has made two previous appearances at KOTC with a win over Dave Logan and his only loss to Chad Freeman. Froese, coming of a win against Darrell Okeynan via guillotine from mount, is injury free, happy with his training and conditioning, and eager to step in to the cage. Hunspurger faces off against Mitch Clarke on May 30 at TFC7-Full Throttle.

ASM Athlete Fundraiser in Support of Burn Treatment Unit

Dukes Sports Bar, 12650-151 Ave, Edmonton, AB, will host ASM's Athlete Fundraiser in Support of the Firefighters Burn Treatment Society, Edmonton Chapter (FFBTS, EC), on Sunday, May 10, 2009. Cocktails service at 5:30pm, Roast Beef Buffet at 6:30pm, Silent Auctions close at 9:00pm. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales and silent auctions will be donated to the FFBTS, EC. Representatives from the Edmonton Fire Department will be in attendance accepting donations. Tickets $16, Space is limited. For more information, call ASM at 780 887 5387