MKFC One Year Anniversary this Saturday!!

[Guest]

One year! On Saturday night Международная Клетка Бойцовский Чемпионат celebrates a milestone – the one year anniversary celebration. Live from the biggest arena in St Petersburg, The Ice Box, this show will feature six title bouts, a heavyweight contender match up and a bantamweight title eliminator. The biggest MKFC show featuring just MKFC fighters promises to be as epic as it will be exciting!

 

The winner of the SHW grand prix, Chris Wells (13-2) has taken some time to train and to cut weight and makes his debut as a member of the MKFC as a heavyweight against former champion Fedor Emelianenko (11-3) in the headline event. Wells a colossus at SHW arrived in St Petersburg today two pounds overweight but told those who observed his “camp” today that he planned to cut tonight and would be fine for the weigh in. A big puncher with solid defense, Wells also has solid wrestling chops is a brazillian jiu jitsu brown belt. Former champion Emelianenko wants a shot to retake the title he lost to Mark Hughes, had run off six straight victories before Hughes stopped him. Emelienenko is also possesses big powerful fists, though he would prefer to ground and pound then to stand and trade. Both fighters can take a punch, but as seen in his last fight, Emelienenko can be stopped – if the former champion does not quickly work this one to the mat he could be in trouble.

 

Darnell Klutie (14-6) has never had an easy road in the MKFC. Making his 15th appearance for the MKFC he has fought the best the bantamweight division has had to offer, the former champion lost the title to Sing Ali and failed in his attempt to clinch it back. He has since fought everyone the MKFC has put before him and after beating four top bantams in his recent bouts finds himself with another shot at glory, the bantamweight title. Seppo Rovanpera (9-1) defeated Sub Hero hadidly to take the crown back at Crazy 8’s … but he too failed when he fought Sing Ali as he climbed up the ladder. The champion is a very dangerous striker with powerful fists and a stellar mat game. Klutie outscores and out lasts foes, though he can win by submission that is most likely not a tactic he will try against the Ninja. A phenomenal co-main event – the title lies in the balance.

 

We caught up with Fyodor Romanovich in a dark corner of the MKFC Elite Gym, sipping tea on a small wooden folding chair. His hair was askew and deep bags cut into the tops of his cheeks.

On the far side of the gym, Geoff Deal [13-6] was running through defensive grappling exercises in anticipation of his bout with world-class black belt Sub Hero [11-3].

Meanwhile, around the corner, Darnell Klutie [14-6] was sweating through a striking defense session leading up to his title bout with the hammer-fisted champ Seppo Rovanpera [9-1].

"This is big," Fyodor said, barely audibly. He took another sip of tea. His eyes betrayed the fact that his mind was clearly elsewhere: plotting, planning, worrying. "This is big."

Nobody would doubt that the manager has had a successful career -- but the knock on him has always been that his fighters could not compete with the elite that the game has to offer.

There have been smatterings of success, even a few belts -- but he couldn't seem to run consistently with the biggest dogs.

Naturally, his fighters defend him bitterly. They make it a personal crusade to deliver on the biggest stage, in the brightest lights -- to give back to the man who has dedicated every waking moment of his life to their success.

Despite their own grueling training and successful careers, both Klutie and Deal come in as significant underdogs. Nobody in the media expects them to have a chance. This is the fuel they burn when they feel they have nothing left to give. This is the motivation they dig up that picks them up off the canvas and keeps them from tapping out.

On Saturday, we'll all be able to see if it's enough.

"Please excuse me," Romanovich said. He was now standing, rubbing the back of his neck. "I must get back to work."

 

Geoff Deal (13-6), the winner of six straight and 9 of his last 10 finds himself in the unenviable position of being the first fighter to face vanquished former champion Sub Hero (11-3) in a bantamweight match up. Nevermind that the luster may have worn off Hero after losing three of his last four bouts; the Finn black belt is still a brutally dangerous foe. Deal the top ranked bantamweight in St Pete and currently ranked at 35 in the world doesn’t feel his career is smoke and mirrors but rather a “tactical fight plan executed to perfection” each and every fight. He has a plan for Hero, the key will be if he can follow it. One of just a handful of bouts that are NOT title fights this one is a must watch bout that is early in the card.

 

SHW champion Kaban Demidov (9-2) doesn’t fight often but when he does he brings excitement. With six KO victories in his career, and having proved he can go a full twenty five minutes, aggressively; there is no doubt he is a man worth of the title champion. The Rio native will make his second title defense against Biggie Smalls (13-4) a former Russian Combat fighter that couldn’t take his VFL SHW grand prix success back to his home org as he lost in his only shot at the title there. A winner in his MKFC debut – Smalls is a sprawl and brawl type fighter who would prefer to stand and bang. This could play well for the champion who is deadly in the clinch. Highly anticipated this battle of big bruisers would headline any other MKFC card.

 

Middleweight champion and goat wrangler Ilham Aliyev (14-6) has won six times in a row and makes his fourth title defense on Saturday. The hybrid fighter has an endless gas tank and seems to be made out of rubber. An interesting grappler, he makes sub attempts from weird angles and never allows an opponent a moments rest. He faces a black belt in challenger Emmanuel Baptiste (12-4-1) though Aliyev has poked fun at his BJJ abilities, his record speaks for itself. Baptiste has won ten times via submission and enters this fight, his MKFC debut as a former champion in Los Angeles from two now defunct organizations. A very difficult fight to call – Aliyev may have speed and superior cardio on his side – but if he is fighting to avoid submissions that may be for naught. A worthy challenge indeed – this should be a war.

 

George Obama entered the MKFC lightweight tournament as a rookie fighter, rolled through the competition and became the first champion in the history of the organization. With two successful title defenses, in five round wars, Obama has fought 15 rounds in his last three fights showcasing his endurance and cardio. Obama (6-0) will put his undefeated record on the line against a veteran challenger in Ayo Anoy (7-4) a Finnish fighter who has run off 4 straight wins including his first in the MKFC. Anoy, a sub specialist surprisingly knocked out his last foe – which shows he may have more tricks then was thought leading into his MKFC debut. Obama has KO ability but when fighting the class of the division takes a cautious tactical approach that has helped him win but not set up opportunities to finish. Everyone expects the challenger to set the pace and force Obama to make mistakes. Obama must stay cool and keep to his gameplan if he wants to retain his title – this is a huge challenge for the champion.

 

When Jon Jonsson (8-1) took the featherweight title away from Henrik Stahl he said “any and all challengers” and he has a hard test in his first defense in Yoshihiro Takaya (9-2). Takaya the winner of two straight since joining the MKFC has done so in dramatic fashion finishing both of his fights with brutal ground and pound. Jonsson a career MKFC fighter lost once in his career, to former champion Payao Kamsing, a split decision loss he hopes to someday avenge. Jonsson will need to stay standing and avoid he mat if he hopes to keep his belt, Takaya is a top notch grappler with heavy hands and if mounts the champion this could end quickly. Jonsson is a class act and will come in prepared but this could be a short title reign.

 

Welterweight champion Banana Man (5-0) successfully made his first title defense; and like Lightweight champion George Obama has been victorious in all his MKFC bouts. Like Obama, Man faces a true veteran in this defense and will need to be at his absolute best if he hopes to have success. Jetset Niemi (8-2) joined the MKFC as the reigning UFL champion and has extended his win streak to 8. A huge puncher, Niemi has shown to be extremely aggressive and defensively aware while scoring 6 KO stoppages. Man will look to take the fight to the clinch where he should be able to control – but can he do so for 25 minutes? That is where the champion will be decided.

 

Two featherweight bouts serve as the event preview: Mike Hunt (6-2) is a solid fighter, a career MKFC fighter – but he can’t seem to beat the top talent; failing in his shot at the title and then losing to top contender Jonsson. His shot at redemption comes against rising star Otso Jokinen (3-0) who after this bout will represent MKFC in the Russian Combat featherweight tourney. Hunt will look to spoil Jokinen’s perfect record but unless he can score a submission this may prove to be an impossible task. Pundits have Jokinen at 3-1, but Hunt will never say quit, Jarkko Rautavaara (8-9) got screwed in his last bout when his foe was a no show – to pay him back for his loyalty he appears on this show, the biggest in MKFC history. Luc Louiselle (4-4) will look to make the fight interesting an he has shown some KO power in his career.

 

I implore all the true MMA fans in St Pete to attend this show – it will be big and you will want to be part of it!

 

[Guest]

Congrats on the one year!

[Guest]

congratulations for the anniversary! You are making a great job with MKFC and i really wish you all the best!

 

guess i'll never forget the 1k/1k/1k tournments! it might seem like nothing special, but they really helped me a lot back then, and actually gave me the motivation to keep playing the game

[D]

it's been a real treat to watch Paul build MKFC from nothing -- hustling to sign his initial fighters and promising he wasn't going to flake out -- to an absolute MMATycoon mainstay.

 

He has been ridiculously creative with the events he puts together and has found ways to engage his managers with his great previews and reviews.

 

As far as org owners go, he's world class and I'm glad I was along for the ride.

 

Continued success and good luck, Paul!

[Guest]

Thanks for giving my fighters a chance in MKFC - good luck with future!

[Guest]

Thanks for giving my fighters a chance in MKFC - good luck with future!

 

Paul,

 

It has been an absolute pleasure having fighters in MKFC. You are a top notch org owner that runs one of the best orgs in the game, hands down. I will ALWAYS have fighters in MKFC. You are willing to step out and try new and innovative ideas that many org owners are afraid to try. Not only are you a great org owner but just a great guy, helping out more inexperienced managers and org owners and teaching them the ropes. Congratulations on the one year anniversary and I look forward to working with you for a long time to come!

[Note]

This

it's been a real treat to watch Paul build MKFC from nothing -- hustling to sign his initial fighters and promising he wasn't going to flake out -- to an absolute MMATycoon mainstay.

 

He has been ridiculously creative with the events he puts together and has found ways to engage his managers with his great previews and reviews.

 

As far as org owners go, he's world class and I'm glad I was along for the ride.

 

Continued success and good luck, Paul!

 

and this

 

Paul,

 

It has been an absolute pleasure having fighters in MKFC. You are a top notch org owner that runs one of the best orgs in the game, hands down. I will ALWAYS have fighters in MKFC. You are willing to step out and try new and innovative ideas that many org owners are afraid to try. Not only are you a great org owner but just a great guy, helping out more inexperienced managers and org owners and teaching them the ropes. Congratulations on the one year anniversary and I look forward to working with you for a long time to come!

 

sum up my feelings about MKFC.

 

Happy Anniversary!

 

 

[j666]

congrats dude...wish i had a fighter in ur org. well, i'll be giving u my cox soon, but only once...we don't love hoes

[Guest]

Really stoked on this show!

 

Thanks for the props guys I try to make it fun (and fair) for guys that give my org a shot (and I suffer ratings wise for it - but it's all good) ...

 

Hope to have many more fun events in the future - hosting Cox in St pete, MKFC 100, hosting a phase of the ACME bantams tourny ... and the MKFC future ROAD SHOWS ... thats right you hear it first right now ... we will be holding an event in Los Angeles and Rio ... just need to set up opponents for the MKFC juggernauts - would love to see MKFC versus Broken Halo in LA and MKFC vtakes on JMFC in Rio if the logistics can be worked out (I would obviously have to work out a lot of "favors/paybacks") but I think those would be some fun events for the MKFC signed guys - the opposing alliance - and the MMATycoon community ...

 

 

[Note]

http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/452486/kazushi_sakuraba_1000566.jpg

 

You know who I'm talking about Paul...

 

Anyway the card ended up being awesome! Tons of great fights! Congratulations once again!

[D]

Great night.

 

Klutie is now an MKFC beltholder and the #1 bantamweight in St Pete.

Much respect to Seppo Rovenpera, he's an awesome fighter. First time he's ever been knocked out -- and he's still never been subbed.

 

Just don't give me Sing Ali right away.

 

[Guest]

Sing Ali is the first loss Seppo is going to avenge. Klutie will follow shortly.

[Guest]

Three titles changed hands! Two major upsets! A huge crowd and rating! Международная Клетка Бойцовский Чемпионат officials were ecstatic after the one year Anniversary show propelled the MKFC back into the world top 20. While the Ice Box was not filled to capacity, the second biggest crowd in the history of the organization cheered the fighters to a solid 172.91 rating (third highest in the org’s history). This event also marked the highest fighter pay day in the orgs history and the second highest fighter payday in St Petersburg.

 

The main event saw the winner of the SHW grand prix, Chris Wells (13-3) make his MKFC debut at heavyweight where he took a beating in a HUGE upset at the hands of former champion Fedor Emelianenko (12-3). Emelianenko explained his winning tactics after the fight. “Wells is a huge striker who had very rarely been tested on the ground. I think he expected me to stand and bang but after the Hughes fight I said why box a boxer when I have a whole arsenal, ya know? I didn’t think Wells could deal with my strength or skills on the mat and I proved that tonight. He tried to move but its hard when you are being bashed in the face. I want my belt back, give me Hughes.” Wells had no comment after the loss, only his second in his last fifteen fights. Wells was unable to land a punch standing as he was immediately brought to the mat by the big Russian. Wells seemed confused and immediately fatigued; perhaps the weight cut was too much for him as he struggled to get better position but was violently beaten by Emelianenko at every twist. The end came as time was close to expire (54:58) when an elbow and two huge unanswered strikes caused the referee to pull the Russian off his foe. With Hughes meeting Eddie Guerrero at MKFC 97 … there is the possibility of seeing Emelianenko in a title bout at MKFC 100 … after this victory it’s clear he is serious about regaining his crown as the top heavyweight in St Pete. Congratulations to Fedor Emelianenko for winning the KO of the Night bonus.

 

Darnell Klutie (15-6) was a huge underdog heading into his second shot at the bantamweight title. The former champion had lost his title to Sing Ali, and failed in his attempt to recapture it. Working hard to regain top form he defeated the class of the division and earned a shot at Seppo Rovanpera (9-2). The champion, making his first defense stated leading into the fight that you can never count an old veteran out, and those words proved prolific. The first round saw an aggressive Klutie scoring with kicks, landing a takedown and forcing his pace on the champion. Klutie landed a head kick that drew blood early in the second, but with Rovanpera finding range and scoring with hard shots from range he easily won round two to even the fight. Round three belonged to the champion who worked effectively in the clinch and rocked the challenger badly towards the end. As round four began, Kluties corner implored him to take it to the clinch, the champion however was not cooperative and scored with single punches and flurries as Klutie’s kicks slowed down and he seemed content not to throw leather at all. Klutie had been in championship rounds before, Rovanpera making his first foray into the championship rounds continued to press the pace; he was clearly winning and obviously wanted to punctuate his victory dramatically. Klutie however as he ate punches still had some ammo left and unloaded a headkick that rocked the champion. As the champion stumbled Klutie unleased a second headkick that knocked the champion cold. Klutie began racing about the cage screaming as the crowd went nuts. As his manager embraced him Klutie loudly declared that he couldn’t have done it without him. In the post fight interview, Klutie told the frenzied crowd that he would represent MKFC in the ACME bantamweight tourney and prove that he is the best in the world. Once Rovanpera recovers he will be matched with Sing Ali with the winner getting a title shot down the line. Congratulations to Darnell Klutie the NEW bantamweight champion, and both fighters for putting on a performance worthy of Fight of the Night honors.

 

Fyodor Romanovich’s other fighter on the big card did not fair as well as Klutie. Geoff Deal (13-7), had won six straight but found himself on the losing end of a lopsided decision against former bantamweight champion Sub Hero (12-3). Hero focused on takedowns and control in a boring (think Jon Fitch) type fight that while effective did nothing to endear him to the crowd. The black belt found Deal a slippery customer on the ground and could not finish him, Deal however was discouraged that he could not get anything happening on the feet. “He took me out of my game, I expected him to go with these tactics; just disappointed that knowing that, and preparing for that; and still not getting the job done.” Romanovich told the crowd that Deal will be taking a leave of absence as he will be flying to Sydney to train and prepare for the ACME bantamweight tourney as well. Hero could be given a chance to avenge his loss to Lima – or face Diego Elvis. Both opponents would prove a good final test before Hero looks to get back in the cage contending for the title.

 

SHW champion Kaban Demidov (10-2) flew in from Rio a week before his second title defense confident that he would finish in under three rounds. He finished in one. Biggie Smalls (13-5) was expected to give the champion his hardest challenge and perhaps force this into the championship rounds; it didn’t happen. The former VFL SHW grand prix champion and RC fighter landed no punches in this fight and failed in two takedown attempts as Demidov kept him at distance with brutal leg and body kicks that landed at will. After softening up the challenger Demidov went to the head – landing one kick that drew blood and a second that dropped the challenger. Smalls quickly sprang to his feet but he wasn’t there … and Demidov unloaded with yet another head kick that ended the fight at 2:58 of the first. Demidov will be watching the results of several fights next weekend which could determine his next challenger.

 

Middleweight champion Ilham Aliyev (15-6) made his fifth straight title defense as he extended his win streak to seven. The champion, a brown belt, fought a good prortion of this bout on the mat with the black belt challenger Emmanuel Baptiste (12-5-1) and after dominating him for three rounds, finished the challenger at 2:04 of the fourth with a kimura. Baptiste, a submission specialist thought that he would be able to capitalize on his elite abilities on the mat and repeatedly went to the mat. In retrospect he may have done better striking. Aliyev once again proved that he is damn near impossible to prepare for as his repertoire of tricks seems never ending. Congratulations to Aliyev for capturing Submission of the Night honors! Leroy Bater, a former IGR champion with a record of 14-5 will be the next man to try to derail Aliyev … expect this bout to showcase on the stellar MKFC 100 card!

 

George Obama (7-0) continued his unbeaten strike in making his third successful title defense against top contender Ayo Anoy (7-5). The Finnish fighter entered with momentum having won 4 straight himself but found himself battered for the entire fight. The Nemesis fighter who trains out of Amsterdam once again did everything right ; outworking and striking his opponent in every aspect of the fight. Obama had the better stand up, a more precise clinch game, and was adept on the mat as he was cruising toward victory. Anoy was caught toward the end of round two by an assault that put him on that mat and under a hail of blows. Mercifully he was spared at 4:58 of the second but in the confusion he tackled the referee and Obama had to stop his celebration to save the referee. Sebastien Linne who was ringside began jawing at Obama the second the fight ended. Obama barked back that if he wants it he has to take it as he held the belt aloft … will this be another bout at MKFC 100?

 

Jon Jonsson (8-2) did not do enough to keep his championship belt in losing a unanimous decision to challenger Yoshihiro Takaya (10-2). Jonsson found difficulty landing strikes and was repeatedly frustrated by the challengers takedowns. Takaya was expected to be a tough challenger and delivered as promised with an aggressive albeit unexplosive attack. Going the distance was not expected as Takaya has a brutal GnP finish and was expected to pound Jonsson if he gained mout. The champion however proved to not be submissive and fought hard in the losing effort. Congratulations Yoshihiro Takaya the NEW featherweight champion!

 

Welterweight champion Banana Man (5-1) knew that the challenges would grow harder as he attempted to defend his crown. Facing a true veteran with more ability and experience then his prior foes, Man was a longshot to retain from the opening bell. After a close first round, the challenger took control of the fight. Jetset Niemi (9-2) showed the world that he was deserving of the championship title in the UFLand now the MKFC as he extended his win streak to 9. Niemi fought from range throughout as he took the final four rounds on all the cards for the clear victory. Man’s tactic of taking the battle to the clinch was sound,but Niemi swiftly would return back to range and striking. Who Niemi will defend against remains a question as both top contenders will be battling on September 30th – one on a MKFC card, the other in London on a WAFC card … expect the new champion to defend at MKFC 100.

 

Two featherweight bouts serve as the event preview: Mike Hunt (6-3) was stopped by rising star Otso Jokinen (4-0) who will next represent MKFC in the Russian Combat featherweight tourney. Jokinen scored a second round KO as Hunt was unable to defend against the literal barrage of punches. Best wishes to Jokinen in the tourney! Jarkko Rautavaara (8-10) went down and out of the MKFC after being KO’d by Luc Louiselle (5-4) .

 

Thanks to all the fighters and managers who support the MKFC and fight with us!