Friday Night Fights 5/19 Recap

May 19th was a boiling and humid Friday, but the inside of Lucky Strike on 42nd Street was about to get a lot hotter. New York Fighting was on the scene with journalist Pari Aryafar reporting and photographer Keevan Lakhan capturing the action. Friday Night Fights was holding an important event—the headliners Elijah Clarke and Brad Mountain were battling to be placed on Glory’s upcoming Madison Square Garden card. The venue was overflowing with excited fans and a hyped-up crowd, and they were not disappointed at all. Among the many highlights, James Guccione and Chris Tapia went to war in a bloody and insane fight that had both men embracing at the end. Muay Thai aficionados recognized some of the scene’s most dedicated and regular facets—newly-published author Christopher Romulo stopped by to mention his own Muay Thai journey, which had played out many times on Friday Night Fight events and detailed in his new book “Champions Uprising,” while the always lovely Phoenix Carnevale provided live commentary for the bouts. The fights went live at 10:00 PM and garnered over a hundred thousand views online. Needless to say, it was a very successful show.

FNF Full Rules Welterweight Title

James “Guch” Guccione–Sitan NY 12-6 vs. Chris Tapia–Weapon’s 9 10-10-1

Guccione started the fight with a head kick but Tapia pressured with a few body kicks. Guccione threw another two body kicks but Tapia was able to land a low leg kick. He continued to attack Guccione’s legs but Guccione went high with his kicks and then landed an uppercut-cross combo. As Guccione threw another high kick, Tapia overwhelmed him with punches to the face. Guccione was able to respond with his own punches but Tapia still controlled the ringcraft of the round. Guccione, however, landed more significant strikes. In R2 Guccione came slightly off-balance as he threw a few more head kicks and Tapia pressured him again with punches, causing Guccione to shell up. As Guccione walked forward, he threw a strike that landed down Tapia’s face. However, Tapia worked strikes and elbows while Guccione continued to kick high. For a moment, Guccione dropped his hands and stuck out his chin, allowing Tapia an elbow that dropped Guccione straight on the ground. R3 Guccione came aggressively wii a barrage of punches but Tapia worked back and cornered him. Guccione continued to shell up as Tapia threw his strikes but would work forward with his own punches and a headkick. Tapia would then kick Guccione’s leg as soon as it landed. Tapia started to throw low kicks and a cross, as Guccione was backed into a corner. Guccione moved in and landed a headkick but his hands were dropped low. He threw one more headkick as the rounded ended. In R4 Guccione looked more calculating but it looked like a brawl as the two worked through their fatigue. Tapia his hands up and and continued to work head and body with punches. Guccione kept him at bay with his elbows and punches, landing knees and teeps. Guccione picked up his aggression landing an uppercut and cross, but Tapia threw another elbow that knocked him to the ground. He then answered with a teep to the face that sent Guccione’s head back. The two friends hugged at the beginning of R5 but Guccione looked for a knockout as he caught Tapia’s kick and hit him with a cross to the face. He landed two more head kicks and elbowed forward. Tapia threw a cross that set Guccione back but he continued forward. Tapia landed a headkick of his own and kept his feet active. Guccione went forward and continued to hit with hooks and elbows to the head. He threw a hook that Tapia swerved, but in the last few seconds of the round, the two threw their most powerful punches. As the bell sounded, both men fell to their knees and hugged one another.

Winner: Chris Tapia by Unanimous Decision

135 lbs

Bart Tabaszewski–Diamond Heart Muay Thai (2-0) vs. Aaron Rhodes–Stay Fly Muay Thai (3-2)

Rhodes threw the first few strikes as Tabaszewski moved actively on the canvas. Tabaszewski circled around as Rhodes landed and searched for low kicks, pulling him in briefly for knees. Tabaszewski worked the body and pressured Rhodes backwards into the ring. Despite being pressed back and working out of the corner, Rhodes used his striking to keep Tabaszewski at bay. For many seconds the two seemed hesitant to strike, as Tabaszewski circled and Rhodes seemed to search for an opening. The two worked in close range at the beginning of R2 as Rhodes worked knees and Tabaszewski threw punches. Rhodes was able to throw Tabaszewski off-balance before the two reentered clinch. Tabaszewski landed several punches to Rhodes faces before landing a head kick. Rhodes seemed to search for ways to enter the clinch and work his knees, but didn’t react well when Tabaszewski would engage in boxing. Tabaszewski pressured forward with punches but would get caught in Rhodes’ clinch. As Rhodes walked forward once more, Tabaszewski landed a cross right before the bell rang. In R3 the two exchanged a few combos before Tabaszewski really upped the pressure. He landed many 1-2s on Rhodes, and kicks as well, but Rhodes was able to recover and land a cross and kicks in return. He teeped Tabaszewski, pushing him backwards, and engaged his knees. However, Tabaszewski would create distance and then set up his punches once more. Despite Rhodes’ clinch, Tabaszewski continued to do a 1-2 and then body kick.

Winner: Bart Tabaszewski by Unanimous Decision

FNF Full Rules Cruiserweight Title

Rod “Rodzilla” Williams–Rebel Muay Thai (3-4-1) vs. Kenny “Juggernaut Jones” Jones–Stay Fly Muay Thai (10-6)

Jones rushed in with a few strikes but Williams was able to answer with a cross that knocked his opponent’s head back. The two worked in clinch as Jones increased the pressure. Williams was able to dump Jones from clinch. The men found themselves in a clinch once more and Williams kept Jones on the ropes. Both reversed control in the clinch as they looked for ways to attack one another with their knees. Jones came in very powerfully and aggressively in R2 as he alternated between body kicks and punches to the face. He was looking to create the most damage, as Williams tried to work out technically. Jones pulled Williams into him as he worked knees but Williams looked like he was working his technique to try to dump Jones. Jones came in with elbows and knees as he kept Williams in a corner, keeping control of his opponent. Jones continued to be the aggressor, starting R3 with jabs as Williams tried to press forward. Williams moved around to set up strikes but Jones aggression overpowered what he was trying to accomplish.  During the clinch, Williams came with an elbow but Jones continued to press in. Williams was able to dump Jones but once they were standing, Jones was controlling the clinch again. Williams utilized more distance at the beginning of R4, catching Jones’ kicks. However, he backed up in a straight line, allowing Jones to close distance and get him into a clinch. Williams teeped and then elbowed but it didn’t seem to be effective as Jones closed distance once more and they entered the clinch again. Jones elbowed again and landed a few strikes but Williams was able to sweep him to the ground. The final round began with Jones working a jab to find distance, but Williams came with a knee. Jones was able to catch another one of Williams’ kicks and retaliate with a body kick, but Williams swept him immediately after. The two worked clinch but it was Jones’ elbows that looked like they were doing damage. Williams teeped and low-kicked but Jones continued to pressure forward and put him on the ropes.

Winner: Kenny Jones by Unanimous Decision

WKA Men’s Professional New York State Glory Rules Title

Elijah “The Mayor” Clarke–Renzo Gracie NYC (6-1) vs. Brad “Machinegun” Mountain–Kaizen MMA (4-5)

Clarke’s started the fight in southpaw and attacked Mountain right away with low and body kicks. He landed a few head kicks while Mountain tried to kick low. Clarke entered the clinch and kneed his opponent painfully but Mountain was able to escape. Clarke’s kicks sounded throughout the ring and he landed several body kicks. He landed another head kick, leading Mountain to try to close the distance from Clarke’s longer legs. Mountain appeared hesitant, allowing Clarke to answer with several kicks to the head and body. Mountain used more striking, but Clarke was able to use his knees to cause damage. Mountain was able to catch one of Clarke’s kick and land a cross, but as the bell sounded for R1, Clarke landed the final punch. To start R2 the two touched gloves once more. Clarke danced around the ring, baiting Mountain in to go after his legs. Clarke landed a 1-2 and then a body kick ,and then landed a cross down his opponent’s face. Mountain continued to appear hesitant before he closed the distance, and went into a knee by Clarke. Clarke teeped the face and body, and Mountain responded with teeps to his body. Mountain rushed in to close the distance but Clarke was able to extend and kick once more. He landed another powerful knee and 1-2, then a body kick, causing Mountain to fall to the ground. With his mouth bloody, Mountain tried to evade Clarke’s kicks and landed a hook to Clarke’s face, seemingly the only moment that he was able to stun him. The crowd exploded with cheers as the men entered the final round. Clarke came with a hook and body kick, and was able to step out of distance for Mountain’s kicks. He continued his powerful body kicks and and punches to the head. Mountain tried to pressure in but continually dropped his hands and was swinging, telegraphing where his strikes would go. He managed to place Clarke in a corner but Clarke evaded and moved him around as he continually threw his punches and teeps, utilizing his length and skill. Mountain searched for the knockout punch as he tried a spinning backfist but Clarke moved out of the way. Clarke continually teeped and landed crosses down Mountains face as Mountain continued to walk forward, almost punchdrunk and exhausted. Clarke continued to circle and evaded Mountain’s final strike, with Mountain losing balance and falling as the bell sounded, signaling the end of the bout.

Winner: Elijah Clarke by Unanimous Decision

WKA Men’s Amateur Northeastern Regional Full Rules Muay Thai Title Defense

Mike “The Machine” Chirico–Westchester Fight Club (8-1) vs. Quinton “Lion Slayer” Rossouw–Alex Wilke Martial Arts (12-1)

Rossouw pressured Chirico back, and landed a head kick and back kick. Chirico pressured forward and got him into the clinch, kneeing him and landing a cross before he disengaged. Chirico landed several brutal low kicks and crazy powerful jabs and uppercuts. Rossouw walked forward into his punches and attempted two spinning back kicks to the head that didn’t land. Chirico landed an inside leg kick that dropped Rossouw and then continued to attack his lead leg. In R2 Chirico pressured forward but Rossouw tried to kick high. Chirico landed several kicks and punches, one after another, dropping Rossouw to the point where he needed a count. Chirico would start by attacking the lead leg several times and then hit the back leg when Rossouw went to check, dropping him to his knees over and over again. Rossouw would pressure forward but was no match for Chirico’s aggression. Blood came down Chricio’s nose, leaving blood on Rossouw’s chest, but Chirico managed a knee to Rossouw’s face as the bell sounded. Rossouw came swinging in R3 but Chirico managed to move him around the ring and catch him in a clinch. He landed several knees and crosses to Rossouw’s face as Rossouw walked into his punches. As blood dripped down Chricio’s face, the crowd shouted his name and he continued another attack tocRossouw’s face, dropping him once more. Rossouw appeared punchdrunk and fell another time to his knees after a brutal body kick. This caused the doctor to call the fight in favor of the defending champ, Mike Chirico.

Winner: And Still Champion, Mike Chirico by TKO

165 lbs

Pablo “Blink” Ocampo–Extreme Gym (1-1) vs. Akeem Sanford–Coban’s (1-0)

To start, both men threw 1-2 combos and landed with a kick. Ocampo pressured forward with punches to get Sanford on the ropes. He worked the clinch often until Sanford was able to turn the pressure around and drop him in the corner. In R2 Sanford was able to knock Ocampo into the ropes and then sweep him after pulling him into clinch. The two exchanged punches but Sanford was much more aggressive in this round and worked to control Ocampo in the clinch. He teeped Ocampo back as Ocampo came forward into his line of attack. The two briefly fell out of the ring during their clinch and only managed a few more punches before the bell sounded. Ocampo came back to take control in R3 with his punches but Sanford utilized his kicks to keep him back. The two found themselves in the clinch once more. As Ocampo came with a low kick, Sanford answered with a punch. He was able to bring Ocampo down to the ground, necessitating a count. Sanford teeped him back, not allowing his opponent to come forward, and then answered with a right hook that knocked Ocampo back, who appeared stunned. The bell sounded as the two tried to work one last clinch.

Winner: Akeem Sanford by Unanimous Decision

135 lbs

Ricky “Manos de Piedra” Mora–Rebel Muay Thai (2-1) vs. Josh “El Jefe” Santos–Stockade Martial Arts (2-4)

Mora threw the first punch, a cross, that left Santos to come back swinging. Mora managed to catch his first kick but following that he would merely try to catch the low kicks that went to his body. Santos closed the distance and grabbed him in clinch but would leave his hands low, allowing Mora to come in. Mora telegraphed his punches, as he would step forward before throwing a cross. At the beginning of R2 Santos telegraphed that he was trying to close the distance, which Mora responded to with a powerful step. Mora seemed to have ringcraft as he moved Santos around the ring, despite Santos punches to the body and head. Santos’ left hook would come from far behind, giving Mora enough time to block it. Mora teeped Santos once more, pushing him far in the ring. Even when corned, Mora was able to block, but Santos became more aggressive as the round closed. R3 was a brawl as the two traded punches. Santos landed many more strikes to Mora’s head but would walk into his punches and kicks. Mora wasn’t defending as well as he had been before, and responded by jumping into the clinch. Visibly tired, Mora dropped his hands and seemed to wind up before throwing a punch. His teeps and knees were still excellent as Santos was unable to defend but Santos pressured forward and got Mora in a corner. Mora relied on his knees and teeps to finish the round.

Winner: Ricky Mora by Unanimous Decision

158 lbs

Daniel Ramos–Anderson’s Martial Arts (2-1) vs. TJ Hernandez–Weapon’s 9 (2-2)

Ramos seemed to thrive in close quarters, grabbing Hernandez’ knee and kneeing him while he landed strikes on his face. Hernandez was able to sweep and came in to pressure his opponent with strikes and knees of his own. Both caught themselves in clinch but Hernandez would attempt to catch Ramos’ kicks to his lower leg, leaving himself open. Hernandez landed a kick to Ramos’ unguarded face, leaving Ramos to retaliate with brutal knees and a head kick of his own. In R2 Hernandez pressured forward with punches and kicked him back but Ramos was able to catch his kick and pull him to the ground. It appeared that Ramos was dominant in the clinch and he controlled Hernandez’ body and kneed him while Hernandez worked to get out. Ramos worked Hernandez on the ropes and moved him around the ring. To start R3 the two respectfully embraced and then immediately went in to clinch. Ramos worked more boxing as Hernandez tried to use his kicks, but both were in the clinch once more. Ramos maintained control for another round as he pressed Hernandez against the ropes and kneed his body for most of the final minute.

Winner: Daniel Ramos by Unanimous Decision

132 lbs

Angel Dermanski–Sitan NY (2-1) vs. Calvin Au–Stay Fly Muay Thai (2-0)

Both fighters were gauging distance with their kicks until Dermanski came in aggressively with punches to the head. Au attempted to keep distance by kicking but Dermanski was determined to close. Several times he leaned over with a punch while Au kicked to the body. Dermanski’s punches were quick and aggressive, pressuring Au back. Both men maintained the center but near the end of R1 Dermanski pressured him back. Au teeped him back to keep distance as the bell ended the first round. In R2 Au came forward and it turned into a boxing match as the two threw hooks at the same time. Dermanski landed several kicks including a head kick and a body kick that Au managed to check. Dermanski landed another head kick, and as he went for one more, Au caught his leg and swept him to the ground. Both were able to pick up on each other’s tendencies as Dermanski continued striking slightly out of distance while Au landed body kicks, and Au was not checking Dermanski’s kicks to the head. R3 emphasized more kicking as Au worked on Dermanski’s legs and Dermanski continued shooting high. Another fight without very much clinch, and when they did enter, it appeared frantic. Dermanski landed a jab down Au’s face and then a knee as the fight ended.

Winner: Calvin Au by Split Decision

143 lbs

Zev Schtroks–Church Street Boxing (2-4) vs. Eddy “Taino Warrior” Torres–Rami Elite (4-0)

R1 immediately began with a bang as Schtroks touched gloves and then immediately came with a kick. Torres then swept Schtroks twice within the first minute. The sound of the two men kicking each other’s chests sounded through the ring as Torres landed a jab on Schtroks. His left eye beginning to swell, he tried to change his distances as he moved around the ring with Torres. Torres came in with several hard body and low kicks as Schtroks tried to time and catch them. In R2 Schtroks was able to time Torres’ kicks in order to catch or check but he continually dropped his hands, allowing Torres to strike. Torres landed a few overhand lefts and crosses, pressing Schtroks against the ropes. Both had a good combination of boxing and kicking, as the two went back and forth with their strikes. Schtroks seemed to tire, step out of distance to drop his hands and reset, which allowed Torres to close the distance and land a punch to his face. R3 Torres came in very aggressively and pressured Schtroks against the ropes with his boxing. The two didn’t engage in clinching very much throughout their bout, but an accidental knee to Torres’ groin stopped the fight for a few seconds. While Schtroks continually caught Torres’ kicks, Torres was able to recover quickly and utilize his boxing to gain points. Schtroks came with a spinning roundhouse kick but Torres teeped and landed several punches and knees as the bell ended the fight.

Winner: Eddy Torres by Unanimous Decision

147 lbs

John Williams–Sitan NY (0-1) vs. Serpico “Goku” Arriaga–Coban’s (1-0)

Amateur debut between these two, as they start in very close range. Arriaga comes in at a close distance with striking but Williams is able to catch his kick and sweep. Arriaga is pressuring forward but Williams works low kicks to push back. R2 begins much like R1 as they both stay engaged at a close distance. Arriaga continues to pressure and gets Williams in a clinch. He lands a few left hooks as Williams continues utilizing low kicks and clinch work. Arriaga lands a head kick but Williams pushes him back on the ropes. Both men come out aggressively in R3. The two come in punching but Arriaga works his strikes to Williams body. Williams catches him in the clinch and knees him on the ropes. Williams pressures forwards in the end of the round and comes in with strikes. Arriaga ends the bout with a hook to Williams’ head.

Winner: Serpico Arriaga by Split Decision

 

Writer: Pari Aryafar (@pariunderthesea)

Editor: Kyle Antonelli

Photos: Keevan Lakhan (@keevan_lakhan)