Neal holds title, Chandler, Garcia among other MMA winners

Jon Neal (10-0), of Ogden (One Hit MMA) successfully defended his SteelFist 145-pounder title Saturday night in Salt Lake City, but it wasn't easily accomplished.

Skyler Frazier (5-2) (Absolute MMA) who Neal eventually stopped in round three via a shoulder choke tap out, came as close as anyone has to defeating Neal. The challenger dominated in the first round, stunning Neal with strikes and outmaneuvering him on the ground.

In the second round, after failing a low-percentage guillotine choke attempt from the ground, Neal (seen advancing at Frazier above) seemed to settle down and take charge on the ground, slowly wearing Frazier down.

But the challenger seized back control early in round three, hurting Neal with strikes, driving him back and throwing a barrage of unanswered punches. Neal was able to pick off most of the follow up shots. When the fight went back to the ground, Neal stepped up the pressure over his tiring opponent, forcing the tap at 2.40 seconds.

As always, Neal showed the heart and talent to recover from tough spots and use his strong ground game to gradually rough up opponents.

It was an exciting fight and Frazier certainly established himself as a top 145 pounder and a likely candidate to fight again for the SteelFist belt if Neal, as many think, eventually gets to prove himself with a major national/international promotion. The champion admitted afterward that he shares the dream of all MMA fighters, which is a call from the UFC.

Certainly among regional fighters who have not moved beyond state promotions, Neal merits a shot with UFC, or Bellator, or WSOF, etc. But Frazier revealed at least one improvement Neal needs to make before taking a step up -- his striking defense.

CHANDLER STOPS LATTIMER

Ogden's Jordan Chandler (One Hit MMA) got back on the winning track stopping the tough Idaho veteran Kerry Lattimer via a tap out at 1:34 of round 2 with a rear naked choke.

After staggering Lattimer with a strike in round one Chandler (seen on top above) took the bout to the ground and dominated most of round one. Lattimer managed to get on top near the very end of the round.

However, Chandler quickly seized control in round two over his Idaho opponent and managed the rear naked choke tap out win at 1:34 of round two. It was a nice win for Chandler after having dropped three decisions and being stopped once.

Afterwards, Chandler plans to fight again in June and, if he begins graduate school, will then announce his retirement.

GARCIA WINS DEBUT

In a professional bout that was a rematch from amateur days, Ogden's AJ Garcia, who trains out of Foley's gym, scored a three round decision over Rowdy Akers (4-3) of One Hit MMA. It was Garcia's pro debut. He had defeated Akers in an amateur bout as well.

Akers was game but Garcia (seen on top above) managed to get his opponent to the ground and keep him there for most of the bout. Akers rallied early in round three but Garcia regained control by round's end. The decision was unanimous.

In other pro bouts, Carson Gregory (2-0), of X Cite MMA, took a beating for about eight minutes from Absolute MMA's Kade Lindstrom (1-2) before rallying to stop Lindstrom in round three via a tap out (rear naked choke). And showboating Josh Bateman (5-3) Four-7 Training Center "talked the walk" by putting Trevor Cook (5-8) University of Grappling, to sleep via a choke at 1:51 of the first round.

AMATEUR BOUTS

Two SteelFist amateur champs retained their belts. Former University of Utah football star, and NFL player Ben Moa (4-0) One Hit MMA, stopped Curt Liefson (2-2) Factum MMA in 44 seconds to retain his heavyweight belt. Moa was cheered by attendee Ron McBride, former Utes football coach.

Joel Haro (9-1), Absolute MMA, barely retained his 135 pound amateur belt after a spirited 5 round battle from smaller but stronger Austin Strehle (4-1) Tooele MMA. An edge in experience helped Haro to a close split-decision nod.

In other amateur bouts:

125 pounds: Jordan Marshall (3-0), in a see-saw bout, managed to stop Robby Miner (1-3) in round two.

205 pounds: A very tall Zach Cavender (3-0) stopped Thomas Harper (1-4) in round one.

135 pounds: Debuting Joey Revelli won a very competitive fight via decision over Tre McCoy (2-1).

155 pounds: One Hit MMA's Rico Valdez (1-1) stopped Kris Ricks in round one.

170 pounds: Andy Black (0-1) landed the first punch, a jab, against Charles Zimmerman, but Zimmerman (1-0) landed the next several, dropping Black, with the bout halted after 8 seconds.

155 pounds: Bobby Simpson (1-1) outlasted Josh Heath (1-2), stopping him in round two.

125 pounds: Brandon Lemings (2-2) dominated most of round one against Daryl Sullivan (0-2), who was unable to answer the bell for round two due to a foot injury. Winner Lemings announced to the crowd that he's getting married in two weeks.

It was a nice crowd at Riverbend Sports Complex, which has a venue ideal for boxing and MMA. The venue will host the next SteelFist card on June 23. Main event is LJ Schulz (One Hit MMA) against Anthony Miller (Garage MMA). Co-main is Miles Welk (Garage MMA) versus Steve Chan (Victory MMA).

-- Doug Gibson

SteelFist MMA card, amateur boxing on Saturday, April 18

Above are the two events this weekend that Utah Fight Game will be covering on Saturday. We'll have a photographer at Foley's gym in Ogden, 375 31st St., at 7 pm for amateur boxing. Tickets are $12, $6 for younger kids.

At the Riverbend Sports Complex in Salt Lake City, 1085 Winding River Code W, we'll be there at 6 p.m. for the SteelFist card (here). Ticket info is at steelfistfightnight.com or 801-637-7063. The main bout matches 145 pound SteelFist champ Jon Neal (One Hit MMA) of Ogden defending his title against Skyler Frazier (Absolute MMA). Other pro bouts include Ogden's Jordan Chandler (One Hit MMA) meeting Idaho veteran Kerry Lattimer and debut pro, from Foley's gym, AJ Garcia, versus One Hit MMA's Rowdy Akers.

-- Let's start with some boxing results from the amateur card at Legends in Sandy on April 11. They are: Yahir Estrada defeating Javier Gamma; Adriano Benn (All Heart) defeating Mateo Holt; Kai Chiang defeated Gary Bailey; Rene Mendoza defeated Jesus Saldana (All Heart); John Gonzalez defeated Andy Jensen (Foleys); Jesus Garcia defeated Dorian Spencer; Jordan Argyle defeated Alex Treadway (Foleys); and Ramon Lopez defeated Jon Bryant (Lights Out) in a surprise. I watched that bout via FB and Lopez used effective aggression to neutralize Bryant's outside boxing game. After the spring/summer tournament season finishes, this would make a good rematch.

In the pro ranks, Jose Haro is scheduled to fight in Tijuana, Mexico, at the end of the month. If we find out more we'll publish it at the blog. FKP Boxing, which just had a card at Riverbend, plans another pro/am card in May, I've been told.

BACK TO MMA

In previous posts, I have interviewed four fighters, Chandler, Lattimer, Garcia and Akers. We made an effort to get interviews with Neal and Frazier but it just didn't happen. My two cents on the main event is that Neal certainly merits being the favorite. He's yet to lose and he's passed his three toughest tests, wins over Scottie Casey, Jordan Clements and Tanner Cowan, well. Since after his pro debut, a decision win, no one has taken Neal into round three.

Having said that, I'm impressed with Frazier's talents as well, particularly his recuperative powers during fights, finding that second or third wind when necessary. Also, he learns from mistakes and despite some losses has returned a better fighter. As mentioned, Neal is my tabbed favorite but if Frazier can take this past round two and into areas that Neal is not familiar with, it may get more interesting. In any event, can't wait for this bout as well as the whole card. Despite peripheral neuropathy which keeps me home too often, I'm trekking to this card.

SOME MORE MMA NEWS: Davis County professional MMA fighter Sean Powers has signed a contract with Toronto-based Mickey Meyer Management Group. ... Friday, April 21, is a FITCON MMA card in SLC. On April 22 there's a kickboxing card scheduled. We did an interview with MMA amateur Eric Munoz, of Foley's gym recently, who will fight on April 21. Also scheduled to fight is undefeated female amateur Jessica Kruger. More info and the entire card is here. ... Buffy Ogden, a female MMA amateur who has been off a couple of years, announced on social media she may be back in the cage soon. Details will be announced after contracts are set. ... Also on social media, local amateur Brandon Rease (The Garage) said he may fight in Nevada soon.

Just remembered, go to the Utah Fighter MMA podcast of April 9 and hosts Eric Tillotson and Reed Romney analyze all three MMA cards, SteelFist, FitCon and South Valley Slam.

ONE MORE THING: We recently interviewed 46 year old MMA pro John Valentine, who is fighting on the May 13 South Valley Slam card in Hurricane, Utah. John's opponent has switched; he'll be fighting 170-pounder Michael Dillard. John generally fights at a lighter weight. Dillard has a win over Koji Lehman and a loss to Ogden MMA pro Justin Roberts among his bouts.

I chatted with John about the opponent change: "Hey Doug it's interesting I'm fighting a really big guy Mike Dillard. He's been around for a while; his record's about mixed but he's extremely big. I think he's 6 foot 1 inch, walks at 193 pounds it's gonna make for an interesting fight because I know he's going to lose some weight to get down to 170. I walk at 155 roughly but on fight night he's probably gonna have me by 30 pounds so I have to be very tight on my game strategy. I think I got this ... it's gonna be an exciting match up and probably will make for an exciting fight. There's already a lot of buzz and I sold a lot of tickets. People are more curious on whether not a little person can be the big person."

As the South Valley Slams draws nearer Utah Fight Game blog will have interviews with MMA pros Daniel Stratton and James Russell Francis, who are fighting each other on the card, and amateur Bryce Edminister, who will be meeting Nick Estrada on the card. ... Our periodic look a the state athletic commission upcoming fight events.

Boxer Jesse West has important bout Saturday in Washington

Davis County cruiserweight boxer Jesse West has what is arguably his most important fight as a professional when he travels to Lacey Wash. Saturday to meet Marquice Weston. PNW Professional Boxing is the promoter.

While interest in the main event bout is still contained to the western United States both fighters are considered top prospects and the winner will be in a position to entertain more lucrative bouts. West, 8-1, is on a several-bout win streak after losing a split decision in California to a heavyweight a few years ago. He has since decided to fight as a cruiserweight.

Weston, 7-1-1, suffered a majority decision loss in his last bout when he also traveled away from home base to the eastern United States. West will have the task of taking a win in an opponent's home base.

I chatted with West briefly earlier this week. "Day four of the training camp has been OK. Yes, I mean day four," he said laughing. "They gave us a 10-day notice," which is tough, he added. (Here's a photo of West stopping Nick Rossborough in a recent bout, courtesy of Justin Hughes)

Both West and Weston have a common opponent, Price, Utah's David Sanchez (4-2). West stopped Sanchez in Utah, Weston decisioned Sanchez in Washington. Weston also recently stopped Utah boxer/MMA professional Mike Crisman. West and Weston had successful amateur careers. West, fighting as a heavyweight, was the Rocky Mountain Golden Gloves champion.

Earlier in his career, West had relied on his punching power to win bouts. In his most recent bout against previously undefeated Anthony Johnson, he showed strong boxing and defensive skills in earning a decision.

MORE AMATEURS FIGHTING IN BRIGHAM CITY

I talked to a couple of Northern Utah gyms who provided me the names of fighters who will be competing in Brigham City on Saturday:

"Jon Bryant, 152 pounds,  is fighting for a belt. John Daniels, 170 pounds, is fighting his first bout. (Also fighting are) Preston Tiffany, 90 pounds, Chris France, 135 pounds, and Ozmanny Sanchez, 70 pounds," Julian Stevens, of Lights Out gym in Clearfield, said.

"(We) have McKayla Gabaldan, 145 pounds, Kamryn Santiago, 141 pounds, and Santana DeCarlo, 125 pounds, fighting this weekend in Brigham City," Jason DeCarlo of All Heart Boxing in Ogden said.

SOME MMA NEWS

SteelFist's next MMA card is set for April 15. There are three pro bouts that I consider must-see for MMA fans. They are Jon Neal defending his 145-pound pro belt against Skyler Frazier, 155-pounder Jordan Chandler and Kerry Lattimer tussling, and 145-pounders AJ Garcia and Rowdy Akers meeting in a rematch from their amateur days.

We'll be trying to get interviews will all six of these fighters in the weeks ahead.

MMA winners include Whitmore, Guymon, Carlson at SteelFist card

We have the results of Saturday's SteelFist MMA card in Farmington. They are courtesy of the Fighting Out of Utah MMA News Facebook page. Any comments next to results are courtesy of Jeffrey Dutcher, who runs the page. We appreciate his regular updates:

205lbs pro: Trever Carlson def Eric Wallin via 1st round verbal tap to strikes. "Carlson was taking a beating and then turned it around at the very end of the round."

185lbs Pro Belt: Ed Whitmore defeated Carl Dieckmann via 2nd round TKO. "Whitmore timed an amazing kick when Carl went for a takedown."

135lbs Pro Belt: Anthony Miller def Jeremiah Guzman via 2nd round TKO.

145lbs ammy: Ben Guymon (seen below) def Kyle Frazier via 1st round RNC. "Frazier was landing hard shots, Guymon was able to persevere and end up taking Frazier's back finishing the fight with only seconds left."

130lbs ammy: Jordan Marshall def Ahmed Alkhafji via 1st round guillotine. "Alkhafji didn't tap and went to sleep. Both of these guys show promise to be good fighters."

205lbs ammy belt: Cole Shafer def Justin Oswald via unanimous decision. "A HARD fought win. Both fighters overcame being rocked and dropped multiple times. I also believe I heard Oswald say, "you're a tough son of a bitch...keep hitting me...I love it."

170lbs ammy women's: Lyza Hermosillo def Heidi Wollebaek via unanimous decision.

185lbs ammy: Ryan Wilkerson def Jason Horrocks via tap "to what I believe was an injury to his arm?"

170lbs ammy: Mike O'Laskey def Derrick Bates via 1st round RNC. "More of a jaw crusher than choke."

190lbs ammy: Jordan Taylor def Ryan Thaxton via unanimous decision.

150lbs ammy: Nick Birch def Ahmed Kareem via 1st round tap due to strikes.

205lbs ammy: Sean Pollock def Thomas Harper via unanimous decision.

185lbs ammy: Jon Wixom def Jake Memmott via 1st round TKO.

More news: At the fights it was announced that Jon Neal would defend his 145-pound SteelFist belt against Skyler Frazier on April 15 at Riverbend in Salt Lake City. The co-main will match 155 veterans Jordan Chandler and Kerry Lattimer.