VICTORIA, TX, September 10, 2011 (Written by: Jeremy Long, Team Merikan) – The first mixed martial arts event to be held in sleepy Victoria, Texas surpassed all expectations with two undefeated fighters stealing the show.
The Riverside Multiplex played host to Texas Rage in the Cage 12 and a standing room only crowd who bore witness to a fast paced chess match between Full Contact Fighting Academy fighter and local favorite, Josh Rios, and Gracie Barra-Beaumontʼs Joel Scott. The fight, which won Fight of the Night honors, featured powerful slams by Rios and an intense pace with each fighter gaining the upper hand only to quickly have the tables turned. Only ten seconds into the third round, Scott connected with an uncontested looping left hook that landed flush and wobbled Rios. Scott pounced looking for the quick finish but the always tough Rios held on trying to regain his composure. Scott slipped free from Riosʼ grasp and landed a quick flurry of punches that went unchallenged by Rios causing the referee to stop the fight.
A new 135lbs champion was crowned in the main event as Adrian Vallejo defeated Ysidro Vega by rear naked choke in the very first round. Vallejo and Vega quickly tested each otherʼs stand up abilities in the main event before the action hit the canvas where Vallejo seemed to pass Vegaʼs guard at will. The polished Vallejo began a ground and pound campaign forcing Vega to give up his back and allowing Vallejo to sink in the choke and claim the 135lbs belt.
The co-main event featured 155lbs champion Jordan Morgan in an exciting back and forth bout with very tough challenger, Ryan Rivera. The match was originally scheduled to be a title fight, but Rivera missed weight so the belt wasnʼt on the line. Rivera came out aggressive mixing accurate striking on his feet with good defense while on the canvas. The third round, Morgan, a Gracie Barra-Beaumont fighter and Gracie jiu jitsu practitioner, came into the match with six of his seven victories decided by submission, saw him quickly reverse a judo throw by Rivera to secure the mount while eventually taking Riveraʼs back, and sinking in a rear naked choke to end the contest.
Afterwards Morgan stated that this was his last amateur match as he will be making the jump to the professional level.
“Iʼve talked to my coach, Patrick Head,” Morgan stated, “and weʼve decided that I should go pro. Itʼs going to be hard work, but Iʼm very excited.” Morgan leaves the amateur ranks with a record of eight wins against one loss.
Quick Results: Texas Rage in the Cage 12 – Victoria, TX
Vallejo – 1st Round – RNC
Jordan Morgan VS Ryan Rivera
Morgan – 3rd Round – RNC
Joey Montiel Vs Jason Cantu
Montiel – Unanimous Decision
Joel Scott Vs Josh Rios
Scott – 3rd Round – TKO (Ref Stoppage)
Laramie Gildon Vs Kevin Johnson
Johnson – 3rd Round – RNC
Casey Jones Vs Danny Flick
Flick – Unanimous Decision
James Lenten Vs Dominique Robinson
Robinson – 1st Round – RNC
Geoge Pena VS Matt Herrera
Herrera – 1st Round – TKO (Doctor Stoppage – Cuts)
Ricardo Palacios Vs Marshall Mooney
Palacios – Unanimous Decision
Leroy Sanchez Vs Josh Lazarte
Lazarte – 1st Round – RNC
Photos from Texas Rage in the Cage 12 courtesy of Jeremy Long.
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