Cage Rage Contenders 7 held at the Troxy in the heart of East London on Saturday November 10 saw 11 action packed fights. The show had everything under one roof as the beautiful cage babes lived up to the hype, dancing the crowd into a frenzy. The atmosphere was fantastic and the booming sound system seemed to lift the crowd between the fights. The night began with two up and coming fighters who on paper seemed evenly matched at the weight:
Both fighters approached one another with caution but Giorgio pushed for the takedown and was able to dominate almost at will. Giorgio stopped Danny Beevor via Ground and Pound 2.46 of Round 1.
Edgelson came into this fight making his mixed martial arts debut and for the first round he seemed uncomfortable on the ground as Jack Mason moved well dominating the fight.
In the second round Edgelson did a great job of defending, and began to impose his strength and confidence on Mason who seemed to change his strategy, winning the takedown again, but this time he had a submission in mind, and was able to make a smooth transition from mount to side control, forcing Edgelson to tap to an arm triangle/Side choke in 45 seconds of Round 3.
Sami Berik approached this fight in his usual unpredictable style launching himself into a full blown flying knee the moment the fight started but Danny Fletcher stepped to one side and dropped Sami with a picture perfect left hook. He instantly went into top position where he was able to take side control. From there it became a battle of wits as they changed position constantly moving. At one point both fighters seemed to be fighting their way up when Sami threw an uppercut that caught Danny flush, knocking him to the canvas. Sami quickly followed up, only for the ref to step in and stop the fight. Sami Berik back to winning ways via TKO 2.43 of Round 1.
Mark Smith came out instantly looking to dominate his opponent with strikes, but it was Dave Woods who proved to have the sharper hands as he threw a shot straight down the pipe, splitting the nose of his Mark Smith. Smith knew that he was damaged as the blood began to run down his face, so he fought the smart fight taking Dave Woods to the ground where he showed his Jiu-jitsu skill quickly submitting Woods via rear naked choke in 48 seconds of Round 1.
This fight was to be a quick one as Scott Janason showed his devastating striking skills by knocking Jody Cottham down and out with a vicious shot, quickly followed up by several more. Scott claimed victory and a place in the Cage Rage record books for defeating his opponent in only 9 seconds of Round 1.
This was to be an explosive bout from the outset as Young began to throw his right leg into the body of King, forcing him to back up. This is where Young took advantage, releasing his hands and throwing an awesome combination of punches that cut Kings mouth and nose. King showed great durability and was able to weather the storm while Young continued his assault seeming almost disappointed that he had not knocked his opponent out.
Going into round 2, Young’s corner had obviously advised him to take a different strategy which he put to plan, taking King to the canvas where he moved to the crucifix position unleashing a barrage of strikes that saw the referee stop the bout in 48 seconds of Round 2.
This was to be an interesting match as both fighters were making their Contender’s debut. Saied came out strong in the first, taking the fight to ground early. Saied exhibited good control striking his opponent at any given opportunity but Sutherland did a good job defending, and was able to reverse the action for a short while.
The second round played out differently as Sutherland realised that to win the fight, he would have to keep it upright. He did a great job defending the takedown attempts of Saied, firing shots Sutherland caught his opponent with a sweet combination that hit home, putting Saied down and out giving Sutherland a KO victory in 1.52 of Round 2.
Charlie Francis was in great shape and instantly showed his striking pedigree, doubling up on his jab and shocking Winslade with fantastic accuracy. Winslade is a man that likes to throw kicks, but Francis had done his homework and did a great job of checking the kicks and counter firing a shot off. The fight briefly went to ground on few occasions and Francis showed he also had a strong ground game unleashing big punches from every position.
Round 2 continued the same, with Francis dominating every aspect of the bout until he secured a position from which to strike and forcing Winslade to tap at 4.19 of Round 2.
This turned out to be a one sided fight as Michael Pastou showed his technical ability, taking Dimitri to the ground instantly. Pastou began to strike, blasting his opponent with big shots forcing him to cover up. This strategy proved the end for Dimitri as Pastou moved comfortably into position to take the arm bar forcing Dimitri to tap at 2.28 of Round 1.
This was to be one of the most exciting fights of the evening as both fighters set about striking, both seemed comfortable then Bostwick knocked his opponent to the ground landing in top position where he continued to throw strikes that saw Elson cut. Elson showed great durability and was able to reverse position finding himself on top and in mount. He then began to throw big shots of his own that forced Bostwick to roll to his stomach. Elson wasted no time and quickly sunk a Rear naked choke at 4.17 of Round 1
Tommy McGuire came out strong and showed a good defensive game but it was not to be his night as “The Hitman” showed his accuracy from the outset striking his way in where he controlled a frustrating clinch against the cage. but Hathaway took the fight to ground where controlled and dominated his opponent.
Round 2 was much of the same with Hathaway taking the fight down early. He began to throw a barrage of strikes, one of which gave Mcguire a nasty cut above his eye and blood soon began to distract him as he was clearly struggling to see. Hathaway took the advantage, striking his opponent until the ref stepped in to stop the fight at 3.17 of Round 2
