I’m sure that if you were to look at the mission statement of Cage Rage, then you would see nothing less than a promise to deliver the very best mixed martial arts show in the UK. Speak to anyone in the UK scene about Cage Rage and the phrase “The UK’s UFC” will soon be bandied about. Whatever you think of Cage Rage, the facts are as follows; they consistently put on shows that contain the highest production standards, feature the biggest names and pay the best purses.

In a relatively short amount of time, Cage Rage has grown from humble roots to become without doubt the UK’s leading MMA promotion. Beginning life in famous boxing venues such as the York Hall they took a temporary residency at Caesars Nightclub, then surprised everyone by taking a huge leap forward and booking the 2500-seater Wembley Conference Centre.

Many wondered if MMA was able to function at that level in the UK- the mixed bag that was Extreme Force had appeared at the same venue to muted responses (save the catapulting of Lee Murray’s career with his KO of Pele) and proved a costly lesson to the inexperienced promoters. The advantage that Cage Rage had over their predecessors was that they had steadily been building their brand of party atmosphere mixed with adrenaline fuelled fighting in smaller venues, but had reached the stage when they were ready to expand.

Armed with a loyal fan base, bolstered by some hefty financial backing and wielding an unprecedented SKY TV deal, Cage Rage were ready to take on the world. After the success of their last two shows at Wembley, they once again raised the bar for UK MMA by putting together a card that included five UFC veterans (more than some UFCs!) and a few of the biggest international names side by side with the cream of UK talent.

Fights

Main Event - Heavyweight Title Fight Ryan Robinson vs. Ian Freeman Even though he’s not been in action for over a year, Ian Freeman is still ranked among the top UK HWs, never leaving the top spot in many people’s eyes. Diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, he has taken time out of the ring to focus on promoting his own show Pride and Glory and dabble in other business ventures, one of which is the announcement of his new magazine Ultimate Fighter (more on that later).

Cleared fit to fight, he was obviously hungry to get back in action after such a long lay off and many saw this as nothing more than a warm-up fight. Sweepstakes were going around the press area as to how long it would take for Freeman to roll over Robinson, a clear indication of how many saw the outcome of this fight.

Robinson clearly wanted to be more just than a easy win for The Machine, and must have decided the best course of action was to take the fight to the more experienced yet notoriously slow starting veteran by pushing the pace. Letting off two eager leg kicks he soon shot in for a single but was met by a fast sprawl from Freeman.

Driving through the big man, he managed to get Freeman on his back but was taken straight into guard. Using his hooks Freeman lifted Robinson from the mat and popped back to his feet, driving Robinson against the fence in clinch. Scoring an easy if unspectacular takedown Freeman took little time in passing guard, securing a tight side control and keeping Robinson locked down by trapping his near elbow with his shin.

The short shots that started landing on the young Londoner forced him to turn into Freeman, and with nowhere to go against the fence he unwittingly exposed his back. In textbook style Freeman slipped in his hooks and stretched Robinson out, opting to drop those trademark heavy hands into the side of his opponents head for the stoppage rather than attempt a submission. Winner: Freeman by TKO (ref stoppage) 2.44 Rd 1

While not the walkover many predicted, it was certainly a measured performance from The Machine and one that helped get rid of any ring rust. Announcing he would instantly vacate the title due to his decision to fight at LHW, it leaves the HW division wide open for Cage Rage. A notorious division to provide satisfactory matches, it will be hard to supply two worthy fighters who could fight for the belt.

Freeman’s next step is to drop to his new fighting weight and to fight Paul Cahoon in February at Cage Fighting Championships in Liverpool. Facing what many perceive to be a younger, fitter, hungrier version of himself, Freeman will have his work cut out for him, but this fight proves he has not allowed his training to slacken during his inactivity.

Middleweight Mark Weir vs. Matt Lindland (USA) Striker vs. Grappler. This is a match that is drawn time and time again, yet we never tire of it, especially when the fighters are of this calibre. A world-class wrestler facing a striker of Weirs talents would most likely mean one of two outcomes. In Scenario A, Weir would launch Lindland’s head off his shoulders with a punch or kick that would play on highlight reels over and over. In Scenario B, Lindland would take down the gangly Weir with his trademark clinch and administer a bona fide Team Quest beating.

Unfortunately for Mark Weir, tonight it was Scenario B that played out before us. Dodging the advancing Weir’s kick, he methodically worked his clinch against the fence before capitalising on Weir raising his knee to sweep him to the mat. Calmly working from inside Weir’s guard, Lindland peppered him with short punches and forearms, beginning the process of what many expected to be a “typical” Lindland decision victory. He looked a little more eager to do some damage tonight though, and was soon avoiding a desperate arm triangle attempt from Weir after over-reaching with an elbow. Lindland easily rode out to the end of the first round in clear control. A bloodied a frustrated Weir was further disappointed when the doctor waved it off due to a cut over his right eye. Winner: Lindland by TKO (Doctor’s stoppage) 5.00 Rd 1

A predictable outcome, it was clear from the moment Lindland took Weir down that it just wasn’t his night. Weir looked upset over his loss, yet while he should obviously examine what he did wrong, he should be concerned over the cut. It was situated in the same spot as where David Lousieau and Jorge Riveria caught him, the latter being another stoppage loss due to the laceration.

While Weir nursed his wounds, Lindland had a little something to say to whom many regard as the UK’s top MW, and the jewel in Cage Rage’s crown, Lee Murray. Displaying some impressive mike skills Lindland challenged Murray to face him in February, telling him he’d shut him up once and for all. An irate Murray rushed into the cage and a memorable smack-talking contest ensued with Lindland clearly emerging the winner. Drawing repeated laughs from the crowd, he poked fun at Murray calling him a monkeyboy and taunting him with a little monkey dance. “Want some peanuts, Monkeyboy?” he sang, prompting a peeved-looking Murray to launch a bottle of water over him. A showdown is pencilled in for February; keep an eye out for further details.

Light-Heavyweight Mark Epstein vs. Michael Bisping Epstein and Bisping had the dubious honour of being the only fight all night that actually went into a second round. A stand-up war of epic proportions, it was a rematch of their earlier encounter this year, when Bisping had stood victorious. Both men favour their striking, so this fight was a repeat performance of their first, but this time far more drawn out and bruising. Bisping used his fast jab and cleaner boxing skills to constantly tag Epstein with flurries, moving in and out of range of the stocky street fighter’s hooks.

Epstein is not a counter fighter, and had major difficulty in landing anything of substance on the quicker Bisping. Though Epstein has a granite chin, Bisping managed to stun him a few times and even made him turn once or twice. Though Epstein was constantly on the back foot, he never seemed in too much trouble, but that was until suddenly finding himself on his back after a lightening fast right hand from Bisping. Not wasting any time Bisping jumped on and smothered Epstein in mount, posturing up to drop huge bombs, and severely rocking Epstein. Moments away from being stopped, the iron-willed Londoner rolled Bisping to his back, seeing out the rest of the round by laying and praying in Bisping’s guard.

The second round passed much like the first, but with the absence of any real clinch and zero groundwork. Bisping had found his groove and Epstein seemed to be nothing more than a walking punching bag for the Nottingham-based fighter. How Epstein still stood after one particular flurry of about 8 or 9 punches that all seemed bang on the button is beyond me, but he made it into the third still standing and more importantly, still fighting.

As the third round began Bisping’s style became more ragged around the edges, and as his techniques opened up, so did Epstein. Finding his range with an until-now unused leg kick, Epstein actually began hurting Bisping. That was until Bisping went back to basics, using his footwork and fast hands to land more and more shots.

Epstein no longer looked as in quite so much trouble, still hammering in those leg kicks. Bisping finally remembered his shin block though, and though his timing was off his right hand counter to another of Epstein’s leg kicks was on target and Epstein went down for good with only 19 seconds left in the fight. Winner: Bisping by KO, 4.41 Rd 3

In a veritable clinic on how to out-box a brawler, Bisping put the tough Epstein down twice with that hard right hand, but at times looked one dimensional, relying too much on the same techniques. Using the layback far too much and guilty of punching with his chin up in the air, he would have found himself in trouble against a better boxer. He looked gassed and hurt in the third, but his heart is all there and he is definitely a natural athlete.

An interesting development was the challenge laid down by UFC veteran, professional boxer and London Shootfighter James Zikic. Bisping said he was happy to fight, but his manager announced they would want “sexy money” to take the fight. Cage Rage seem to planning their match-ups well in advance, as these announcements coupled with the various rumours floating around mean the Cage Rage 10 card is getting more and more interesting by the day.

Light-Heavyweight Cyrille Diabate (Fra) vs. Renato Sobral (Bra) I’ll admit it straight out; I am a fan of Babalu. I like his style, I like his tattoos and I think he is generally underrated. I think I must have been alone last night though, as no one wanted to join me in the “Ba-ba-a-lu, Ba-ba-lu” chant, most likely due to the large contingent of French hangers-on milling around in the press area (more on them later- see my summary).

Wearing a fetching pair of pantaloons emblazoned with sponsorship logos, he looked like an old-fashioned strong man or carnival wrestler, daring the punters to last five minutes and claim their prize. If anything, he had the same lazy confidence, as well as that sadistic glint in the corner of his eye. This man was cool, but don’t be fooled- he could hurt you.

While Cyrille certainly looked game and on paper had the skills to do well, Babalu put in a flawless performance that gave no inch to his opponent. Utilising the old fashioned jiu-jitsu front kick, he successfully baited Cyrille into countering it and shot in for a single upon the response. Passing Diabate’s guard he maintained a low knee ride while looking for full mount, but got stuck in half guard on the opposite side as he tried to work his way over.

And this was where the brilliance began- a trap was laid that led to Diabate effectively submitting himself. Locking down Diabate’s far arm, Babalu snaked his arms under and acquired the position for a keylock. Cyrille knew what was coming and defended perfectly by placing his hand on his hip and not allowing the arm to go anywhere. Sensing Babalu’s weight come off him, he bridged into him to roll him and take top position, but halfway over Babalu had gotten his hips out of the way and a front choke was in place as Diabate got to his knees. The guillotine was tightened and a sweep to mount put Babalu in top position, leaving no escape for the Frenchman. Winner: Babalu by Submission (Guillotine) 3.38 Rd 1 Easy fight, easy money. Babalu employed a perfect strategy to dominate Cyrille throughout.

Lightweight Jean Silva (Bra) vs. Samy Schiavo (Fra) This was a match between two fighters who always exciting, yet fans were guaranteed a blistering fight as both men were coming off lacklustre performances of late and had something to prove in tonight’s second rematch. Having faced each other a few years ago, Schiavo had put in a tremendous performance but got choked in the third round by the wily and unpredictable Brazilian.

This time out, the LW champ came out hard and fast, using his unorthodox spinning kick attacks to try and faze the Frenchman. Sammy was well prepared though, and closed the gap with punches, prompting a lengthy battle in clinch. As they traded position and knees, Silva got caught with a low blow and took time to recover. A second, this time debatable, low blow saw another short break for Silva, but on the restart both men came out firing. Dodging Silva’s sloppy punches Schiavo shot in and took Silva to the mat, but spent a furious few minutes defending the infamous anaconda choke. Maintaining good base he would not be rolled and escaped, but upon starting another beatdown from inside Silva’s guard he inadvertently dived into a triangle and was left no choice but to tap. Winner: Silva by Submission (Triangle) 4.40 Rd 1 Both these guys are livewires, and given time literally anything could have happened during this fight. I’d say it was a case of an eager Schiavo making a mistake than Silva taking the win through a clear game plan- hey, its MMA, not snooker and anything can happen. Silva restores his credibility after a dodgy draw against Ollie Ellis last time out, and looks ready to defend his belt against another top lightweight. Who is actually left to face him is a tricky one, as his record speaks volumes- he’s fought damn near everyone in the country. Phone calls need to be made, someone new needs to be brought in.

Middleweight Sol Gilbert vs. Ridas Vivada (Lith) For those of you living under a rock for the last two years, Gilbert is one of the UK’s MW rising stars. Full of charisma and presence he brings a fight or die attitude with him and loves to bang. Vivada was a total unknown quantity, as he was a last minute replacement.

Predictably Sol came out firing off combos, and two or three of these saw the Lithuanian closing the gap lest he get KO’d. Bad move, as Sol has a ground game too you know, and he used an outside trip to take mount almost immediately. If Vivada hadn’t managed to keep hold of Gilbert’s head you can bet he’d be in queer street, but lucky for him Sol couldn’t get any shots off. As soon as his head was free, Sol postured to hit but Vivada had turned, giving his back. Going first for the choke then switching to an armbar, Gilbert looked close to getting his second submission in as many matches, but the Lithuanian shook him off and stood away. Sol leisurely rose to his feet, and once in range dropped Vivada with an overhand right from hell. The ref got in the way as he dived on, protecting Vivada from any more harm. Winner: Gilbert by TKO (Ref stoppage) 3.42 Rd 1 Sol was seen nursing a broken hand later, a direct result from that KO punch. “He had to go down off that one,” he said.

Featherweight Robbie Olivier vs. Dave Elliot A new weight category beckoned for both fighters tonight, as previously they had fought only at LW. The new fighting weight of 65.8kgs did not seem to unduly affect their performance though, as both came out looking exactly as they did at the usual weight class.

Olivier initiated proceedings with a cracking leg kick, drawing a low/high kick combo from the former kickboxer-turned-submission specialist Speedy. No punches were landed as they met in clinch, and as they moved as one towards the fence Elliot made the mistake of jumping guard. Olivier shook off the first attempt, maintaining his footing and staying in a clinch. Elliot tried again, but this time Olivier slammed him down, visibly winding him. Speedy’s legs opened, and his eyes glazed- while he was still conscious, he wasn’t quite all there. Olivier patiently stood out of guard, soccer kicking to the body and legs before suddenly diving in with a huge left hook. Snapping Elliot’s head back, he popped up possibly looking to do so again, but this time Elliot had gone for good- turned on his side and clutching his head, no more was needed for referee Grant Waterman to call the stoppage. Winner: Olivier by TKO (Referee stoppage) 0.57 Rd 1 Olivier looks fit and healthy at his new weight, even if it took him three goes on the scale to get there. The next step is said to be a match with Leigh Remedios for the now-vacated FW title. If so, he’ll have his hands full, but either way the fans will get a great match. Two of the UK’s most experienced fighters finally facing each other will answer a lot of questions.

Welterweight Paul Daley vs. Jess Liaudin Back from a hefty training experience with the American Top Team, Paul Daley has been making a name for himself as one of the most explosive fighters on the UK WW circuit. Young, hungry and frighteningly talented, he’s got serious power in his hands, hence the nickname “Semtex”.

Liaudin has never had great luck in competition in the UK, but is a very experienced guy with shootboxing experience in Japan. He’s fought top names, and while he always gives a good account of himself, he never quite comes up trumps. Tonight he’d be out to claw back some respect by beating Daley, but as they say, the best laid plans…

Everyone thought it would be Jess taking the fight to the floor, but as the two swapped punches and met in clinch, it was Daley who took the initiative and scored an outside trip. Landing in guard, he used the cage to control Jess’s hips and began his offensive. Liaudin was in no bother though, and soon scooted his hips out. Climbing his legs up, he seemed to have a triangle but Paul cannily defending both the choke and the subsequent armbar. Settling down into a sedate pace, the two seemed locked in a grappling match, and just as I was checking my watch Daley switched gears and exploded down with three or four big left hooks (his signature weapon).

The two got back to their feet and once again traded shots, but this time as they clinched Paul took crucifix-style double underhooks and started popping knees to Jess’s head. Sensing serious danger, Liaudin pulled guard, and as they again settled down he exploded his hips up and swept Daley into a mount. The call of ten seconds left came, and Liaudin could do nothing before the bell. Upon inspection from the doctor, it was clear that during his earlier flurry on the mat, Daley had more or less completely shattered the bridge of Liaudin’s nose. A halt was called to proceedings and what looked to be a classic was stopped somewhat prematurely. Winner: Daley by TKO (Doctor’s stoppage) 5.00 Rd 1 Don’t let the result fool you, it was closer than you might think, but believe me when I say Paul couldn’t have been beaten tonight. Save for the sweep whatever Jess had, Paul was able to deal with and answer with something just a little more of his own. Daley is fast maturing (and not only his age) into a versatile fighter capable of doing great things. His fight in three weeks against Abdul Mohammed will be another tough test, but one he will no doubt relish.

Middleweight Alex Reid vs. Tulio Palhares (Bra) Forget the Hollyoaks connections. Forget the pretty-boy looks and forget anything not connected to fighting, for Alex Reid is a man all about business. His fight tonight with Tulio Palhares was one that had some fans scratching their heads- “who is he?” they asked, and a look at his record saw encounters with such luminaries as Semenov and Vovchanchyn. One might expect a tough time for Alex then?

Not so- though a noted striker, Alex possesses a ground game that matches his years inside the various Vale Tudo arenas he has graced. Launching a swift two-kick combo, Reid was quickly taken to the mat by the soft-looking Brazilian (now resident in Spain). Utilising great hip movement, Reid used his long legs to push his way off the cage and out of danger, and to everyone’s surprised took a triangle in just over a minute. Palhares looked distraught, as if he had never seen the move before. I assume he had, I expect he had just never been caught by one quite so easily. Winner: Reid by Submission (Triangle) 1.17 Rd 1

Prelims

Welterweight Abdul Mohamed vs. Sami Berik CageWarriors WW champ Mohamed has recently jumped teams and now trains with Ian Freeman. An Afgahnistani monster with a wrestling background, he seemed easily equipped to deal with the guy who lists himself as a Tai Chi fighter, Sami Berik. In fact another sweepstake was running the press area, this time how long before Abdul put Berik’s head through the mat via a suplex. Indeed, it took no more than a blink of an eye before Abdul had shot in and hoisted Berik into the air. Forcefully slamming the young Londoner to the mat, he found his head trapped in a desperate guillotine. Picking Berik way up from the mat, he slammed his way out and scrambled to take the back.

The awaited moment came and we in the audience had a flashback to how we felt when it seemed Randleman was slamming Fedor to the hospital. Abdul had lifted Berik high and launched him over in a belly-to-back suplex that had half the crowd cheering, the other half going “ooooh”. Somehow, Berik’s neck remained in one piece, but he found himself picked up and dumped again. I was thinking of WWE and considering exactly how many of those slams a human being could endure before serious injury occurred, and while doing some quick calculations in my head saw the Ref pulling the two apart.

Some confusion reigned, and we saw blood- but unexpectedly, the blood belonged to Abdul. Berik had elbowed him above the eye while on his back in guard, and re-opened an old gash. Winner: Berik by TKO (Doctor’s stoppage) 2.41 Rd 1 Well, wow. I mean, wow. WOW. Berik didn’t get killed, and somehow managed to win in the process? Freaky stuff.

Heavyweight Fereidoun Maghizadeh (Iran) vs. Mustapha al Turk The big boys took centre stage in this HW tussle. Al Turk is a London Shoot fighter, and the benefit of having such a well-established team proved invaluable in facing such a formidable wrestler as “Freddie”.

Controlling the stand-up and never letting Freddie get close enough to use his wrestling, Al Turk dropped bomb after bomb over the low guard of the Iranian. Staggering him with his first few punches, Al Turk used a Thai clinch to keep Freddie on the outside and prevent him using his base art of Greco. Wisely not risking a single leg by kneeing, Al Turk hit off neck ties well, forcing Freddie to shoot in desperation. Forgetting his basics, he didn’t change levels and just rushed forward, and using good footwork Al Turk darted away as Freddie ended up face down. Taking the back with both hooks in, he dropped a few shots much like Ian Freeman had with Ryan Robinson and won by stoppage. Winner: Al Turk by TKO (Ref stoppage) 2.23 Rd 1

Featherweight Brad Pickett vs. Stuart Grant I really can’t say anything about this fight other than Brad ended it with one punch. He swung for it a few times, missing with each one, but as soon as his left hook had landed, it was pretty much over. A few shots went followed as Grant was out of it, but the damage had been done and the fight won. Winner: Picket by KO 17 secs Rd 1 I assume he has more than one punch. If he does, I didn’t see it; I was too busy watching the legions of Titfer* wearing friends and family singing along with the Chas and Dave-style entrance tune. (*Tit-for-tat: Hat. Cockney Rhyming Slang, apparently.)

The auditorium was healthily packed, if not full. The fighters were all more than complimentary about the backstage goings-on, and everyone seems financially satisfied.

As for the big name fighters, well a favourable exchange rate with the weak dollar and the absence of a phone call from the UFC means Matt Lindland’s diary is free for a while- with the exception of February, where he will face Lee Murray in the Cage Rage octagon. A possible match with Anderson Silva down the line means Cage Rage have suddenly got themselves a stacked MW division. Matt’s more than happy to return to the UK, why not get him to bring one of his boys over? Is Dan Henderson busy? A match with Anderson Silva would be mouth watering to say the least.

Freeman seems happy to return, at his new weight of LHW of course. A match with his teammate Mike Bisping is out of the question, however there is one other notable LHW who just won… I think his name began with a “B”.

In conclusion, I’ll say it again. Mention Cage Rage and the words “UK’s UFC” aren’t far away. Dave O’Donnell and Andy Geer have done a top job in dragging MMA in the UK kicking and screaming into something resembling a professional sport. With the names mentioned for their next show, it seems we’ll be getting more of the same.