"I’m back" roared Marc Goddard from the top of the cage. After a convincing comeback win over Tony Bentley, the big man saluted his ecstatic fan club.
A few minutes earlier, those same fans had raised the roof to welcome Goddard to the ring for the main event. Although he appeared relaxed, there are always question marks next to a fighter returning after a lay off.
Goddard rushed Bentley and, after a brief clinch, the fight went to the ground. Marc raised himself up and unleashed a sustained series of strikes. The ref stepped in and the celebrations began.
An impressive exhibition of controlled aggression which confirmed that Marc Goddard is going to be a major player on the heavyweight scene. He’s back.
Danny Batten vs Kyotaro Nakao
The crowd expected a close fought ground war and they got it and more. The fight opened with Batten trading crisp left jabs for Nakao’s crisp leg kicks. The inevitable happened and the two hit the canvas and began a ground fighting demonstration. For the rest of a close round, Danny Batten was marginally on top.
Round two saw them quickly return to the place they are most comfortable. Control switched from one to the other. Throughout most of the round, Nakao was in top position and landed with some solid strikes. With his back on the canvas, Batten attacked. Against a lesser opponent, his armbar and triangle attempts would have secured victory.
Nakao opened the final round with a spinning backfist attempt. The rest of the round was spent on the floor.
Both men gave everything and needed to be dragged to their feet at the end.
Danny Batten shaded a split decision. I wouldn’t argue with that, but, given the level of skill and commitment both showed, neither deserved to lose. Although they must be sick of the sight of each other, I would pay to see them fight again.
Vaughn Harvey vs John Waite
In the other Featherweight bout, Vaughn Harvey defeated the game, late replacement John Waite. Harvey worked his way into mount. Waite did an excellent job of tying up his opponent, but the “Dragon Boy” is very powerful at the weight. Harvey remained super cool as he picked his shots to force a stoppage. After the fight he showed great respect to Waite, who had come in at fourteen hours notice. Vaughn Harvey is an all round class act.
Lee Austin vs Pete Brake
Lee got to his opponent with a couple of rock solid jabs before delivering the knockout blow. Austin displayed sound technique: I’m sure there’s a very sore heavy bag at his gym.
Joe Whelan vs Scott Clist
A deserved win for Joe Whelan. Despite being under the cosh for most of the time, Clist was always in the fight. He stuck in there when many people would have been forced to submit. A very entertaining contest.
Simon Phillips vs Mick Broster
A bad cut to Broster’s forehead after a minute.
Ashley Smith vs Puzia Kamill
Ashley Smith looks like a real prospect. He is comfortable on his feet (he effortlessly threw two consecutive front leg head kicks) and devastating on the deck. Kamill was not allowed to get into the fight and Smith’s ground and pound forced a first round stoppage.
Jonny Orange vs Alan Lee
After stalemate in round one, Orange went to work with some tidy boxing in the second to force a stoppage.
Eugene Fadiora vs Tan New
Another week, another ultra confident, skilful teenager. Eugene Fadiora gives us another reason to be enthusiastic about the future of UK MMA. Fadiora goes about his business in a state of total relaxation. He seems incredibly assured for his years. Add to that the fact that he can fight and you’ve got a prospect.
Source: hurtbusiness.com
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