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American Championship FightingSM Genesis Recap \ Exodus Preview By Jason Martinez
May 6, 2006 Denver Coliseum
Denver, Colorado
- Special Thanks go out to Jason Martinez for the following article:
Hey Fight Fans, I started working on this article right after the first ACF. I was hoping to have an inside scoop on the fight card, but the ACF has been working on a lot of legal issues and did not want any problems with articles before they officially released the fight card. With that in mind, please understand why the article jumps from ACF 1 recaps to the up coming ACF EXODUS fightcard. Hope you all enjoy this
article, if you have any
questions, comments, or corrections please email me at...
jason4mma@yahoo.com. questions and comments that arise from a first show. To start this article off right, I will recap my thoughts of the aptly titled "Genesis," along with a little setup of what’s to come on ACF: EXODUS, May 6th. 2006. On a production level, it was a nice thing to see a variety of ladies strutting their stuff, as ACF has employed around twenty ring girls of all flavors. The pyrotechnics weren’t a bad touch, although the exhaust from them and the bikes is a problem! A few bigger screens, and me doing the after fight interviews in the Ocho (shameless little plug) would really step up the show and fill in some of the dead air we experienced at times.
We saw Rico Vecc Promotions matchmakers put together a solid fight card with competitors from around the U.S., including Mark Coleman’s Team Hammer House out of Ohio. Wes Sims was present as a corner man and has since fought against Daniel Gracie at the Gracie Fighting Championships, which was held in Ohio, March 3rd. It was announced that Wes would be facing Mark ‘The Specimen’ Kerr, who was also present but did not enter the Ocho. Wes was announced as an ACF contracted fighter as well as Mark Kerr. I interviewed Wes almost a week after his fight (Thu. Mar. 9th.) with Daniel. Since I have not watched this show, I will not go into detail, but from the grogginess in his voice, Wes sounds to be recuperating as he tells me what happened. “He kneed me in the face illegally about three times at the end of the second round from what they tell me.” relays Wes. “ I threw a legal knee that caught him. He took a leg looking for a knee bar, then an ankle; I'm on the ground working on an escape... Then I woke up in the hospital!!!” Wes laughs. I quickly asked Wes a few questions before I let him go…
Jason: Mark Coleman won in his last contracted outing to PRIDEFC. Mark went for a take down and all the weight came down on Mauricio ’Shogun’ Rua’s elbow, which shattered and tore ligaments. Lets hope Shogun is able to make a full recovery and return to the ring. Does this secure a chance for Mark to qualify for the up and coming PRIDEFC Open Weight Grand Prix on May 5th? 2006? Wes: It’s possible since Shogun will not be able to participate now, but Mark is still in negotiations. Jason: Other Hammer House News? Wes: Baroni’s going back to Bushido on the 2nd Of April to fight Yuki Kondo (Baroni won by KO at: 25 sec. of the 1st round). Jason: So did you shout out to the ACF at your last fight, or what? Wes: You don’t even know! I had ACF shorts, shirt, and I told every one about my fight coming up in May during the pre fight interview. Jason: Will you be ready to go in May, no other injuries? Wes: Hell no, Ill start training Monday. I just took it easy for the week. Jason: Frank or Cesar? Wes: Frank will destroy him ( Frank KO @ :21 of the 1st.). Jason: Cung Le win or lose? Wes: Will see how he can transition into the sport, he will do alright. (Cung KO 3:51 1st.)
I tell Wes I will be in touch
in a few weeks and to have a speedy recovery! The announcement of Wes ‘The Project’ Sims vs. Mark ‘The Specimen’ Kerr for the heavyweight belt as the main event in May was the biggest shocker of the night. Mark will return to MMA, as he makes his second attempt to attain a spot in the top 10 ranks of the world. Mark has had it rough in MMA, especially after making the HBO Documentary, “The Smashing Machine.” The scary reality of an addiction to pain killers after numerous injuries attributed to the sport, opened a lot of fighters eyes. Last word on this, there’s still alot of body altering influence going on in our sport so don’t be so quick to judge another man, he at least had the balls to step up to his problems, best of luck in competition and life!
Now for the other part of the puzzle, THE PROJECT... Wes Sims nickname says it all, he is a HUGE, presence in any room he would walk into and he competes as a professional No Holds Barred fighter. The last two times Wes has been to Colorado, I have had the chance to grill him with a barrage of questions and found he’s a nice guy (outside the Ocho), like most other fighters I have the chance to interview. Wes will be looking to stay on the feet and strike with the well-grounded Kerr. We will see if Kerr still possesses the dominating shoot - And the ground and pound game that coined him the name, The Smashing Machine in Brazil. This battle of two giants in MMA will raise the roof on May 6th. ACF: EXODUS!!!
The ACF also had Oregon’s own Team Quest cornered by Dan Henderson and Ryan Schultz. Don’t be surprised to see ‘The Lion’ make an appearance in the Ocho, needing a win to get back in the game. On the subject of Team Quest, Matt Lindland scored a win on the same card as Wes, so look for him to be active in getting back to the UFC, or even a surprise visit overseas. Dan is returning to Bushido 10 on April 2nd, he will face Kazuo Misaki (Dan Won by Decision). Team Quest fighters headlined the Main Event, and Co-Main Event as Heath Simms was on the losing end of a guillotine choke in the Main Event against Denver Bad Boy, John ‘The Annihilator’ Cronk. Always exciting Matt Horwich again stole the show for me in the Co- Main Event. I have yet to see anyone take such punishment and work through to submit his opponent. Rob Wince (Team Hammer House) is no slouch, continually pounding Horwich as he looked for the takedown. If anyone deserves a shot at Cronks belt (estimated at over $4000.00), Matt would be the man as he was Cronks last loss in October of 2005. Matt has since fought on the Frank Shamrock vs. Cesar Gracie Strikeforce card losing to Brian Ebersole. He also fought twice at, World Cage Fighting Championship tourney in England. Matt won his first match, and lost a decision in his second fight.
John Cronk and Joey Clark Joey Clark comes out of Minnesota’s Dream Team with a 10-4-2 record. Joey’s most impressive feats in MMA are a draw with UFC veteran Sam Stout in 2004, and a win over Brian Gassaway this February at King of the Cage. Joey has finished his fights half by subs and half by ref stoppage due to strikes. His last three outings have gone the distance, with a loss to rising star Chad Reiner from Omaha Nebraska. We will see if Joey has what it takes to finish off Cronk, or will we see another fight go to a decision.
Cronk has been fighting MMA since late 1996 with over 40 fights under his belt. With his win over Heath Sims in his last outing, Cronk secured the ACF’s Welterweight Championship belt. In this non-titled showdown with Clark, Cronk looks to stay active with the ACF and will more than likely defend his title at the 3rd ACF show this summer. We will look forward to see who gets a shot at the belt, and if my thoughts above ever materialize.
Rob Wince and Jason Brilz Speaking of Rob Wince, he will make another appearance in the Ocho against Jason Brilz. Rob made a lasting impression on the ACF fans beating Horwich down, but eventually losing by submission. Rob (13-5) has had his ups and downs, but continues to stay extremely active with five fights last year. He will need a win the hard way here. He hopes to swing for the fences in convincing fashion, and score the KO in May.
Justin Eilers three years ago. He has only fought four times since (staying active as an asst. wrestling coach for Nebraska), beating Alex Schoenauer, in his last outing in December. Jason’s first part of his career was submission after submission; his more recent fights have been TKOs. With this in mind, will we see a stand up battle, or will Jason look for the shoot.
Chilo Gonzales and Brett Shafer Chilo Gonzales continued his come back with a win over Shawn Freese in: 47 seconds of the 1st. Both Donnie and Chilo have begun to train with Drew Lawrence and Keith Wilson at The Tool Shed, and mature into better fighters this year. Drew is an exceptional stand up fighter, and a wizard in any fighter’s corner, making The Tool Shed an extreme force in 2006. Staying active, Chilo received a No Contest on March 11th against Edwin Aguilar at the Professional No Rules Fighting in New Mexico. Chilo states that he tapped Edwin with a rear naked choke. The results posted are in question to be changed by PNRF Promoter, Chuck Cordova. Chilo is slated to avenge a loss to Ft. Collins Fighter, Brett ‘Wrecking Ball’ Shafer at ACF: Exodus.
Brett Shafer (8-5) has been in the ring with some well-known names such as, Alex Schoenauer, Trevor Prangley, Bryan Pardoe and John Cronk. Unfortunately, he has lost to them all. We have not seen Brett in action since his loss to Cronk in November of ‘05. The one thing Brett has going into this war is the win over Chilo. It will be a pivotal point in both fighter’s career - who will go on in search of the big show; Who will be left to a less than stellar career in the minor leagues of MMA.
Keith Wilson and Rafael Dias Keith (5-1) is associated with American Kickboxing Academy, as well as an Olympic alternate and World class Wrestler, who now lives in Colorado Springs and trains with The Tool Shed. His only loss (doctor’s stop) came to Texan fighter Marcus Hicks (4-1) at Pueblo Colorado’s King of the Rockies 1, on January 3rd of 2004. His biggest MMA accomplishment was a decision over Ryan Schultz at Sportfight 8 in January of 2005. If the streak continues, look for a rematch to avenge his loss, or to secure dominance by defeating Ryan Schultz for a second time.
Getting way ahead of myself, Keith will have to get through Rafael Dias from Florida’s American Top Team. The ACF steps up the ante as they bring one of Florida’s best stables to join a growing list of the best schools in America and soon the World to compete in the ACF. Dias is an accomplished Jiu-Jitsu black belt from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who has avenged his only loss two months after he received it. I can’t wait for this match, as Dias takes on his most challenging opponent in Keith Wilson.
Donnie Lillies and Chris Avila Also in attendance, Ray Elbe came in suit and tie, autographing pictures of his arm bar victory over Donnie Lilies. This was the most entertaining confrontation, as both men exchanged heated words in the middle of the Ocho. Ray stated that Donnie was the toughest 37 SECOND fight he ever dominated; Also pointing out the fact that Donnie had surgery on his elbow, and has not returned to the ring since their fight at KDC 19: Fireworks (07/23/2005) - Donnie has since returned to the ring with a victory on 3/11/06 at PNRF, in New Mexico. Donnie replies he has since recouped his elbow, and began to train under Drew Lawrence and Keith Wilson at The Tool Shed. He also mentions that this was his only loss, and needs to avenge with a win before he moves on. "That’s the worst mistake of your career," says Ray, "and to prove it, I have $4,000.00, says it will be your second loss!!!" As he spills a large bankroll to the mat. Donnie has the final word, "I know I will be in the Ocho come May, but the word around is that you duck more fights than a school yard sissy, so will see if you show!" Rightly so, Ray was scheduled to fight on this card, but was sidelined. Now with the release of ACF’s fight card for the second show, it looks like the only Magic we will see is a disappearing act.
Chris Avila is ACF’s rabbit in the hat, as he steps in to take on Donnie. Chris (3-0) comes from Jackson’s Gaidojutsu Academy, in New Mexico. If you have not heard of this school, go back to sleep. Jackson’s has produced the likes of Diego Sanchez and Keith Jardine, which you should be familiar with from the The Ultimate Fighter shows and UFC. You know Chris will bring plenty of skill and pressure to Lillies, but will Chris be able to stay undefeated? Or will Donnie snap his record on the way to a belt in the ACF.
Now we come to ACF contracted, Donnie Lilies. Beginning his career as a student at Chuck Daily’s Kongo Do Kickboxing in CO. Springs, Colorado, Donnie was labeled a prodigy of Chilo Gonzales (Chuck’s # 1 MMA product). Chilo was to experience a rocky road, as Donnie went undefeated (6-0 AM, 4-0 PRO) till his meeting with Elbe. Suffering a loss and an injured elbow, Donny wisely recouped his body as well as began to cross train with different schools, not to mention the ACF contract that lets him commit to a full training regiment, making him focused and more solid. Donnie looks to be ready to continue his career in the right direction come, EXODUS.
Noah Thomas vs. Cruz Chacon At Genesis, Noah “Red” Thomas defeated Grant Hartwig to earn the most recent ACF contract. I think there were fights on the card that could have made a run for the contract match, but nonetheless, it gives a decent fighter a chance to become great. Unfortunately, Noah has since suffered a loss at the hands of Brian Caraway at Professional Fighting Association: Pride and Fury 4, March 23rd (2006). Noah needs to take advantage of cross training with who ever he can, and hopefully start a winning streak with his fight against Cruz.
Cruz Chacon has been around the Colorado scene since the late 90’s, with his family school - The May Tec Warriors out of Denver. Traditionally a stand up fighter, Cruz also trained under Amal Easton and Jay Jack with Boulder Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Cruz never hesitated to step in the ring with some of the most recognizable names in the game on their way to the big show. Cruz is a very entertaining fighter who was controlling the pace in his most recent fight against ACF’s Donald Cerrone until he got caught in a triangle choke late in the second round. Now Cruz will get a chance to prove he belongs in the ACF, and will give Noah his toughest challenge yet. Speaking of Cowboy Cerrone, congratulations for receiving a contract from the K-1 organization. Donald will make an appearance in Turkey for his first contracted match with K-1. Cerrone has also been coming down to Springs to cross train at The Tool Shed, with other contracted fighters Chilo and Donnie.
From - Jason Martinez with a little editing from us (color, etc..)
(4/26/06) |
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