"T.A.C.-ticle Observations"

1^st Day of the $25,000 Lightweight Tournament

By Rick

Thursday August 11th, 2011 the premier amateur mixed martial arts company of South Florida Howard Davis Jr’s FIGHT TIME PROMOTIONS held the first fights of the PLAY HARD $25,000 Light Weight Tournament.  This action packed night featured ten cage fights but only the last three belonged to the tournament bracket. The first clash was between Justin Chuven vs. Steven Ade, the second was a contest among Daun King vs. Ricardo Supris, and the wrap up duel of the night was an amazing event between Myles Gilbert vs. Denis Alzugaray.

Chuven attempts a submission

Justin Chuven (1-1) the 5’6” fighter from Omni Combat Fitness vs. Steven Ade a 5’9” debut mma fighter from Club KO was a great match to start off the 155lb tournament. These men came to fight. Three rounds of nonstop action were beheld by all in attendance.  The standup was very hard fought and the kickboxing background that both fighters had was showcased but it was the exhausting pace of the ground game that impressed everyone. In the end it was Chuven’s performance that influenced the judges. Chuven wins via unanimous decision and is one step closer to the $25,000, the new car, and the FIGH T TIME PROMOTIONS pro contract.

The second tournament fight featured Daun King (0-1) 5’9” fighter from 5^th Street Gym vs. Ricardo Supris the 5’10 debut fighter from Club KO. This was hardcore action as stated by Atemi Cast host Tony during the live stream of the event. The bout started with both fighters dropping bombs until Supris took the fight to the mat using a double leg and hunted for submissions until the end of the round.

Round two started with more great boxing from King that forced Supris to take the fight to the ground once again. Here Supris was able to work decent ground and pound even if no shots to the head are allowed.  The bell sounded and round two was in the books.

Supris working the Guard

Round three got going with King using the jab trying to set up a decent offence. Supris on the other hand seemed to be looking for the one shot knock out. King did catch Supris with a right hook that sent Supris after the double leg once more.  The ground brawl continued until Supris got full mount and accidently struck the head of King. The combatants were stood up and it was King that once more caught Supris with a right hook that definitely hurt. Supris acted like a seasoned pro and after getting rocked by King took the conflict to the ground and tied up King until the bell sounded to end the fight.  Danny Mckeever the trainer of Club KO gets Atemi Cast kudos for training Supris on how to limit damage taken and get recovery time when needed.  The Judges rule the fight for Ricardo Supris and another contender moves on in the tournament.

The last fight of the night was an amazingly entertaining dogfight between Myles Gilbert (1-0) 5’7” of Team Popovitch vs. Denis Alzugaray (1-1) 5’6” of American Top Team Kendall.  Alzugaray comes out swinging at the start of round one. Gilbert tried for a takedown but got stuffed by Alzugaray. Gilbert then starts throwing leg kicks to try to soften up Alzugaray and nullify his stand up attack. Gilbert’s leg kicks do the trick and it opens up a beautiful right cross that rocks Alzugaray. Alzugaray starts back pedaling but Gilbert is a finisher and chases Alzugaray down and connects with a four punch combination that finally drops the dazed Alzugaray.  Alzugaray gets a standing eight count but gets back into the fray. Both fighters tie up but Gilbert is able to get off several right hooks as well as an upper cut. Alzugaray weathered the storm and is able to turn the tide and force Gilbert to back track for a few seconds. The round ended with both men dazed and needing the rest before round 2 started.

Myles Gilbert, Howard Davis Jr., and Fred Moncaio

Round two is more of the same insane action. Gilbert throws a front kick that missed and Alzugaray caught Gilbert with a right cross. Gilbert answered with several inside leg kicks. Alzugaray tried to return a few leg kicks but caught Gilbert on the groin. Gilbert takes a minute and then it is back to the engagement.  The inside leg kick was working for Gilbert so he continued the kicks. Alzagaray continues dropping bombs and for the first time the fight hits the mat when Gilbert takes down the ATT fighter.  Gilbert gets side control and makes his Popovitch Team proud by getting Alzugaray’s back and lying in the rear naked choke.

The Atemi Cast has covered many amateur fights but we have never seen such intensity as was experienced at FIGHT TIME PROMOTIONS $25,000 PLAY HARD tournament. The next tournament fight takes place at CLUB PLAY Thursday, September 15^th. It is amazing what motivation a cash prize gives these warriors. Justin Chuven of Omni Combat and Ricardo Supris of Club KO move into the final sixteen but the man to beat so far is Myles Gilbert of Team Popovitch.