Ultimate Combat grows from strength to strength with this, the fourth instalment and the biggest Ultimate Combat show to date. Event organisers, Combat Sports Promotions, had managed to secure the fighting talent of the legend that is Dan Severn for the show, as well as an additional twelve great bouts, including three Superfights.

At virtual sell-out capacity, the venue was packed as close on one thousand spectators took their seats for the evenings entertainment. After a couple of heart-stopping explosions and streamers raining down over the crowd, the action was set to begin…

Leon Howell v. Luke Cole
Lightweight Professional Bout

To start the night off newcomer Leon Howell from the Rough House Submission Gym was to make his debut against Ultimate Combat and KSBO veteran Luke Cole.

Cole was quick out of his corner and first to connect with two roundhouse kicks to Howells thigh. Howell responded with a flurry of punches to Cole forcing him back to the ropes, Cole responded by unleashing a heavy right to Howells head causing the debutant to take the fight to the ground by pulling Cole down into his guard. From here Howell began to punch away at Cole’s ribcage forcing him to pull away, at which point Howell landed a solid punch to Cole opening a cut over his left eye.

At the start of the second round Howell was still looking very fresh and comes out unleashing a flurry of punches at Cole. Cole responded by taking the fight to the ground by pulling Howell down into his guard. Cole was beginning to look gassed and seemed content to stay where he was holding Howell to him. Again Howell begins pounding away at Coles ribcage forcing his grip to break, he pulls back and lands 4 clean punches to Coles face. Both fighters are back standing again, but Cole quickly takes it back to the ground by a double leg takedown.

The bell sounds to signal the end of the fight. Leon Howell wins by majority decision.

David Webb v. Brian Blewitt
Welterweight British Title Semi Final

In the first of the Welterweight Semi Final bouts of the evening, David Webb of the Tokon Academy would take on 2 x UC veteran Brian Blewitt for a place in the final.

The first round saw both fighters try and take matters to the ground as frequently as possible. Webb appeared more comfortable as twice he came close with an armbar and a guillotine and used some good ground and pound work to wear down Blewitt.

Webb is quick to open up the second round with a hard left and right combination to Blewitts head who quickly takes matters back to the ground. Webb again controls matters landing some good shots to Blewitts head and another armbar attempt.

The referee, after a while, brings the fight back to standing due to a lack of activity from either fighter. Once again Blewitt gets a takedown on Webb via a single leg, Webb reverses from here into Blewitt's guard and lands a solid forearm to his head just before the bell sounds to signal the end of the fight.

Judges majority decision for David Webb.

Matt Sperring v. Alex Cook
Light-Heavyweight Bout Professional Bout

The first round began with a furious exchange of blows. Sperring took matters to the ground with a double leg takedown which cook reversed and came into Sperring’s guard. Drawing back Cook lands two solid punches at Sperring's head before the referee pulls the fighters up for being in the ropes. More punches are exchanged with Cook landing on target more often. Again the fight went to the ground with Cook getting the takedown on Sperring, which again puts both fighters into the ropes. Back standing again, Cook starts by landing more solid punches to Sperring’s head. Sperring responds by shooting in on Cook who manages to reverse and get full mount from where he rains down punches on Sperring until the bell.

Round 2 begins with Cook again landing more solid punches to Sperring’s head. Sperring responds by taking Cook to the floor. Cook pulls halfguard and from this attempts an armbar but is unable to hold onto the arm. After this there is little activity and the referee once again brings both fighters back up. Cook comes straight in with a hard right to Sperring’s head causing him to drop to the floor.

Alex Cook wins by KO (1.41 minutes Round 2)

Adam Woolmer v. Pauli Nielsen
Light Heavyweight European Bout

Round 1 begins with a flurry of blows exchanged between the two fighters. Woolmer takes Nielsen to the ropes and quickly breaks away to land a hard right to Neilsen's head causing him to drop to one knee.

Adam Woolmer by TKO (Ref stoppage 0.40 secs)

Speaking to the fighters after the bout both felt that it could have gone on but respected the referee’s decision. They also said that they would both like a rematch to prove to the crowd what they can do.

Neilsen said, “I felt I could go on, I slipped on the mat and got straight back up. But the ref has the final call. A rematch would be good but I’m willing to fight anyone. I want to show what I can do, unfortunately I didn’t get that chance tonight.”

Woolmer had very similar words, “I think it could have carried on, Neilson seemed okay. I’m happy with the win but it’s always better to finish with a KO. A rematch is something I would want and hopefully Pauli does too. I don’t think either of us had the chance to really show what we can do out there.”

John Waite v. Lee Shone
Lightweight Professional Bout

Shone is quick out of his corner in the 1st landing a vicious right hand to Waite's head. An attempt to take the fight to the ground by Shone is quickly stopped after ending up in the ropes. Back on their feet the fighters clinch and go down, Shone attempts a guillotine, which Waite breaks free from and begins to rain down punches. The ref stands things up after Shone remains on the floor with Waite unable to get to him. Again Shone lands a hard right to Waite and takes the fight to the ground and pulls half guard. Waite begins landing shots to Shone’s ribs to break away before the bell sounds.

The start of the 2nd starts with Waite landing a hard left to Shone's nose and taking it to the floor. Shone attempts an armbar from the guard which looks in place until Waite picks up Shone land slams him down twice breaking the hold and landing some solid knees to Shone’s mid-section before again going into the ropes. Back up again Waite takes control landing a good combination of punches. Shone gets a double leg takedown on Waite who manages to reverse and get the mount from where he lands punches to Shone’s head until the bell.

John Waite by Judges decision.

Paul Sutherland v. Gavin Bradley
Freeweight Professional Bout

After a brief session on the ground, which quickly ended up in the ropes, the fight really began with a flurry of blows exchanged with Bradley landing some hard knees. Sutherland takes the fight to the mat where Bradley attempts a triangle but loses the arm. Both fighters bring the fight back standing. Sutherland quickly takes the fight back down where he lands some solid punches in Bradley’s guard. The round finishes in Sutherlands favour.

The second round begins with more blows exchanged before Bradley lands a hard right to Sutherland’s head. Sutherland quickly gets a double leg takedown on Bradley and gets full mount. He begins to land unanswered strikes to Bradley before ending up in the ropes. Sutherland quickly takes it back down pulling Bradley into his guard. The ref calls a time out due to heavy bleeding from Bradley’s nose, which happens again shortly after the first time. When the fight restarts both fighters exchange punches with Bradley appearing to get more on target. Sutherland takes Bradley down and gets his back looking for a choke. Bradley manages to escape and get back to his feet just as Sutherland comes in with a solid knee.

At the end of the fight Sutherland still looked very fresh.

Paul Sutherland wins by judge’s decision.

Paul Jenkins v. Paul Williamson
Welterweight British Title Semi Final

Jenkins began entertaining the crowd before the fight by emulating a certain UFC and Pride veteran, Dan “The Beast” Severn (fighting later in the night) by wearing a fake moustache, much to crowd’s amusement.

Round 1 began with Jenkins unleashing hard roundhouses to Williamson’s leg and mid section to which he responded with some leg kicks and punches. Jenkins was clearly the aggressor early, controlling the centre of the ring. Williamson unleashes a hard right to Jenkins’ head who smiles back at his opponent in acknowledgement. Jenkins attempts to pick up the pace with a hard right to Williamson’s face followed by two roundhouses to his legs. Williamson responds by shaking his head at Jenkins indicating he can’t hurt him. Jenkins follows up with a hard right that stuns Williamson to end the round. Neither fighters seeming very aggressive in the opening round.

Round 2 begins in the same fashion with an exchange of blows between the two fighters before Williamson gets a guillotine on Jenkins who uses the ropes to force the ref to break the pair. Almost like a repeat the same happens again with Jenkins getting caught in another guillotine who gets the takedown on Williamson to break the hold and stand back up. Back on their feet, Jenkins lands a hard left-right combination and begins to take the fight to Williamson. Williamson’s corner begin to shout instructions to their man to which Jenkins turned to them and gestured for them to shut up, much to the crowds amusement! He then lands another hard right, which rocks Williamson. Williamson again tries to bait Jenkins by dropping his hands just before the bell sounds.

Difficult fight with both being counter fighters. Jenkins shakes his head in disappointment before the result is read.

Paul Jenkins by judge’s decision.

After the fight I asked Jenkins about his performance, he said,
“I wasn’t happy. I’m a pressure fighter, I respond to how my opponent comes at me. He (Williamson) didn’t come for me so it makes it difficult for me to attack. I also think that the possibility of a 2 minute overtime should be added to championship fights, tonight for example was too close.”

Andy Foreman v. Pierre Guillet
Light-Heavyweight International Superfight

All credit to Andy Foreman who at the age of 39 came into the ring with a point to prove that he could still do the business.

Round 1 began with a flurry of blows between the two fighters, Foreman appearing to land more on target. Guillett responded by taking Foreman to the ground by a double leg takedown and managing to get a side mount where he lands two punches to Foreman’s head who is forced into turning his back on Guillet. Guillet takes Foreman’s arm into a keylock and forces him to tap.

Pierre Guillet by submission (2.49 Round 1)

After the fight Foreman addressed the audience and was quick to praise Guillett and said “This is a young mans game!”

Well done to Andy for coming back for one more shot.

Ian Cross v. Colin Lewis
Heavyweight Professional Bout

Both fighters from Team Warriors had a score to settle on who was the best from Andy Foreman’s gym.

Round 1 began with a scrappy start, Cross landing more blows that Lewis. The fight falls to the ground where Cross then attempted a choke on Lewis who
evades. After some rolling around Lewis lands an illegal knee to the head of Cross. Both fighters are stood up and more blows are exchanged. Lewis wrenches Cross to the ground and attempts a guillotine but can’t secure the lock. After much inactivity the fighters are stood up where both fighters continue to take wild swings at each other with neither of them connecting until the bell sounds.

Round 2 begins in the same manner with both fighters coming out scrapping. Again Lewis wrenches Cross to the ground from a headlock but is quickly stood up due to inactivity. Cross immediately lands a solid right dropping Lewis to the canvas.

Ian Cross by KO (2.02 Round 2)

Mark Chen v. Dave McLaughlin
Lightweight British Title Semi Final

Chen opens the 1st round quickly with two roundhouses to the head and leg followed by a hard left to McLaughlin’s head, who responds by taking Chen to the mat. Chen gets guard and McLaughlin picks up and slams Chen to the mat who impressively still holds the guard. McLaughlin then pulls away and lands a hard left before being broken up by the ref to refit his gloves. At the restart both fighters exchange more shots with Chen landing good punches and knees in the clinch. Chen breaks away and lands a hard right to send McLaughlin to the floor.

Mark Chen by KO (4.34 Round 1)

Joe Gonzalez  v. Pat Carr
Lightweight European Superfight

Carr set the tone for the fight with his ring entrance involving some flashy acrobatics to which Gonzalez was not impressed.

Round 1 began with both fighters exchanging punches and the fight going to the ground a couple of times but being pulled up for being in the ropes. Carr found an opening and caught Gonzalez with a hard right to which he responded with a hard left hook to Carr. Carr then attempted a spinning backfist causing him to loose his balance and fall to the mat, Gonzalez attempted to take advantage of the situation but Carr recovered and came close to securing an armbar.

Round 2 again began with a wild exchange of punches between the 2 fighters. The fighters clinched and Gonzalez landed some solid knees to Carr. After being broken up for ending up in the ropes, Carr secured a double leg takedown on Gonzalez and gained the full mount landing solid right hand shots to Gonzalez’s head forcing him to turn his back. Carr capitalised on this and secured a rear naked choke to end the fight.

Pat Carr by submission (1.52 Round 2)

Gonzalez’s corner were unhappy with Carr as he held on a little while longer after his opponent had tapped. One of Gonzalez’s corner was quick to get on the wrong side of the crowd flexing his bicep in a show of arrogance. The French, they always know how to get the crowd going!

Sol Gilbert v. Lars Besand
Middleweight European Superfight

I’m sure that the majority of the crowd at the event would agree that this was THE fight of the event. The home favourite Gilbert receiving a standing ovation when entering the ring. Both fighters looked in incredible condition and entertained the crowd by Gilbert tweaking Besand's nipple during the ref’s instructions.

Round one began quickly with Besand getting the takedown and side mount landing a forearm blow to open a cut on Gilberts forehead. Gilbert reverses into Besand’s guard where Besand attempts an armbar. Gilbert managed to break the hold with a heavy slam on Besand and brings the fight back to standing. After some stints of heavy blows and takedowns Besand gains a side mount. After some solid knee shots he gains the full mount raining punches down on Gilbert to the bell.

Round 2 begins in the same fashion with an exchange of blows before Besand gets another takedown on Gilbert. This time Gilbert is ready and catches Besand in a guillotine. Besand gets the takedown on Gilbert to break the hold and gain full mount where he begins to rain punches down on Gilbert. Gilbert manages to escape further punishment by working into the ropes causing the fight to be broken up. Back standing, Gilbert catches Besand with an accidental low blow just before the end of the round.

As this is a Superfight, the match goes to an automatic two-minute overtime round - much to the crowd’s approval who have been electrified by the performance of both fighters.

The overtime begins with a solid exchange of blows from both fighters. Gilberts corner are shouting him to box Besand in an attempt to gain the upper hand. Gilbert catches Besand with a low spinning kick to the groin forcing a time out. Gilbert paces in the neutral corner still looking very fresh. Back to the action and Besand is clearly the aggressor working solid knees from the clinch. Besand attempts a takedown but Gilbert again catches him in a guillotine just before the bell sounds to end a top quality bout.

The fight was declared a draw by Judges decision, much to the crowd’s approval.

Mike Ward v. Dan Severn
Heavyweight International Special Bout

The main event of the night would see ‘Buster’ from Team warriors in Portsmouth take on UFC and Pride veteran Dan Severn.

Dan made his entrance to huge applause from the audience, as well as a huge explosion as a glitter bomb went off high above the heads of the crowd.

Straight from the bell Severn takes the fight to the ground to signal the start of round 1. ‘Buster’ attempts a guillotine on Severn, which he breaks free from with methodical working of knees and punches. Severn begins to search for the keylock on ‘Buster’ who manages to hold his arm out of position with his brute strength. Severn again begins to land knees and punches from the side and gaining the full mount but is unable to capitalise as the bell sounds.

Round 2 begins with ‘Buster’ rushing from his corner and landing a solid right leg kick to Severn who replies with a double leg takedown and into side mount. The fight is stood back up due to inactivity. ‘Buster’ attempts to land some punches in on Severn who again is very quick to take the fight back to the mat. Gaining side mount he has another keylock attempt foiled as the bell sounds to end the round.

‘Buster’ is beginning to look gassed at the start of the 3rd but comes out landing another solid leg kick to Severn who takes ‘Buster’ straight down again. This time though, ‘Buster’ catches Severn in an attempt at a choke. Coming back to his feet, Severn rolls ‘Buster’ back onto his head to attempt to break the hold and comes back down into side mount where again he works the knees. ‘Buster’ responds to this with his unique brand of humour, laughing and blowing a kiss at Severn. Once again Severn attempts the keylock on Buster who manages to slip his arm out only for Severn to attempt the lock again. Unsuccessful, Severn works his knee blows and punches into ‘Buster’ to the bell.

A two-minute overtime period is announced and begins in the same fashion with ‘Buster’ landing a hard kick to Severn's leg before being taken to the mat and Severn gaining side mount. This time however, ‘Buster’ is the one to get the submission attempt, getting a solid grip around Severn’s neck he begins to tighten the hold and looks as though he may get the submission. Severn then manages to break the hold using knee strikes and quickly moves to secure the full mount. Sinking in a front naked choke he forces ‘Buster’ to tap out with only mere seconds remaining.

Dan Severn by submission (1.42 Overtime)

After the fight I caught up with ‘The Beast’ to ask him about his fight and his future plans.

Coming into this fight, how much did you know about ‘Buster’.

I have never really done any research on my opponents before a fight. I don’t feel it makes that much of a difference. Believe it or not, I only saw my FIRST UFC event last week! I was doing some commentating for a sports channel but even then I found it difficult to watch. It’s a lot different to when you’re in there doing it.

What are your future plans now?

I’ve got 5 fights lined up for next year, I’m planning to stop in about another 18 months. I just enjoy pleasing the crowd and that is what gives me the most satisfaction, not tonnes of silverware and belts. I’m doing these final fights so I can hit the 100 mark for State National/International titles or records, it’s the one achievement I want to complete. The nearest guy to me is on about 30! That’s a lot of catching up! (laughs)

There are a lot of fighters who stay in the game past their prime. What’s your view on this?

Well me for one, I know I’m not the same as I was 10 years ago. Who would be? I’m starting to spot things now like on my first takedown tonight. I felt my back a little after taking buster to the mat and thought ‘man, that doesn’t feel right’. I mean I’m 44 now, I have to finish at sometime. As for other fighters, well as long as they want to keep going who’s to tell them any different?

Any thoughts on Ken Shamrock after his loss to Tito Ortiz?

Honestly, if I had a way of contacting Ken I would to offer my admiration to the man. Yeah, me and him have not exactly got along over the years but to see the punishment he took against Tito, my opinion of him has grown.

Dan, many thanks for entertaining us all tonight. We all hope to see you again in the UK soon.

Hey, no problem. I had a very enjoyable time here. Thanks to all of you guys!

Well done to promoter Dale Adams for providing another quality show, the ring girl for managing to split the crowd in two with the cheering and booing and the ring announcer Phil Walker for his unique brand of MC’ing. But most of all thanks to all of the fighters: without you, events like this wouldn’t be possible.