Fight Game 1 was truly an impressive show and one that showed a lot of promise that is certain to add even more quality to the ever-growing Texas MMA scene.
With roughly four shows tentatively scheduled for the area within the next year, look for Dallas MMA to explode in the near future if this initial Fight Game show was any indication regarding what to expect in 2012. As a teaser of things to come, we’re proud to announce that none other than UFC legend Tank Abbott will be making his return to the cage with Fight Game at an event soon. Tank hasn’t fought since 2009 but fans will always remember him for his brutal knockouts in the dawn of MMA – such as his brutal knockout of Steve Nelmark at the Ultimate Ultimate ’96. It’s safe to say that the old warrior is well past his prime but they also that strength is the last thing to leave a fighter so it will entertaining to see him back in the cage and who promoters end up matching him up against. Could we see him face another of the sport’s legendary figure? Or maybe an up-and-coming fighter from right here in the Lone Star State. Time will tell what comes to fruition so stay tuned here to TXMMA.com for more on that news as it comes. For now, let’s get to the night’s results from Fight Game 1.
Fight Game 1 – Quick Results
• 170 lbs. – Sean Spencer over Derrick Krantz by unanimous decision.
• 135 lbs. – Joshua Montoya over Jason Sampson by split decision.
• 185 lbs. – Bubba McDaniel over Eric Schambari by unanimous decision.
• 145 lbs. – Douglas Frey over Tim Snyder by submission in RD2 (guillotine choke)
• 170 lbs. – Charles Byrd over Robert Agee by unanimous decision.
• 145 lbs. –George Pacurariu over Michael Lytle by unanimous decision.
• 185 lbs. – Sean Holden over Wes Linsey by unanimous decision.
• 205 lbs. – Neal Ewing over Jabari Shakur by submission in RD2 (rear-naked choke)
Fight Game 1 – Detailed Fight Summaries
170 lbs. – Sean Spencer (6-1) versus Derrick Krantz (10-4)
The main event of the night showcased local favorite Sean Spencer (Guy Mezger Combat Sports) against Marshall, TX fighter Derrick Krantz (Team 515). The spry Spencer would showcase why he’s referred to as “Black Magik” in this bout by displaying some phenomenal takedown defense against D-Rock, who continued to come forward for all three rounds while never giving up an inch. In the end, the difference would come down to Spencer’s hand speed and striking ability as he was able to beat his challenger to the punch while bloodying him in the process. Krantz was gutsy in defeat while Spencer would go on to win the unanimous decision to improve his record to 7 wins against 1 defeat.
135 lbs. – Jason Sampson (8-0) versus Joshua Montoya (9-7)
The event would see a surprise result in the co-main event of the evening as Joshua Montoya (Jackson’s MMA) would come into his opponent’s backyard and leave with the split decision in a rematch of their last bout which Jason won in New Mexico by submission this past August.
The bout saw a ‘fight of the night’ performance for all three rounds as both fighters gave it their all while trying to one-up each other using their respective strengths. True to his “Wild Thing” nickname, Jason would come out like a fastball in the beginning while showcasing his ever-improving striking skills to take the early lead. Montoya would come back in the second round with his own striking prowess with deftly defending his opponent’s grappling in an impressive display of takedown defense. As the fight wore on, it would turn more and more into a standup battle as the two traded shots on the feet. The fight would seemingly come down to the third round with Sampson threatening a rear-naked choke at one point on the ground while Montoya would try and score points on the feet. In the end, two out of three judges saw it in favor of the visiting fighter, 29-28, 29-28, and 28-29 in favor on Montoya to give Sampson the first defeat of his career and Montoya his 10th win.
185 lbs. – Eric Schambari (13-4) versus Bubba McDaniel (18-6)
This battle of the two most-experienced fighters on the card was another close fight that resulted in another close decision. It was a rather technical exchange of advantages on the ground in this chess match as both men, known as grappling specialists, traded submission attempts versus takedowns for the duration of the fifteen minute contest. Schambari would come out in trademark form with a relentless output of takedown attempts while McDaniel would counter on multiple occasions with both triangle and guillotine chokes. Ultimately, it was McDaniel who gained favor with the judges for the unanimous decision, bringing his record to 19-6 while giving him his fifth win in a row. Also of note and a credit to his opponent, this bout marks the first time Bubba has gone past nine minutes in any bout and also becomes the first decision on his record; Certainly a remarkable feat on its own considering this veteran from Wichita Falls have 25 professional fights worth of experience.
145 lbs. – Douglas Frey (9-7) versus Tim Snyder (12-7-1)
This battle between Arlington’s Douglas Frey (Mohler Jiu-Jitsu) and Houston’s Tim Snyder (4OZ Fight Club) ended quicker than expected as many pundits, including this writer, had this one pegged as a pre-fight fight of the night candidate. After a brief feeling out process after the opening bell, Frey would secure a takedown against the fence and immediately attack his grounded opponent’s neck with a guillotine choke that left the Houstonian with no other choice to tap at the 2:59 mark of the opening round. This bout now brings Douglas Frey to 10-7 overall while also snapping a 3-fight losing streak.
170 lbs. – Charles Byrd (3-2) versus Robert Agee (2-1)
In a battle of Texas vs. Lousiana, Charles Byrd (Saekson Janjira) showcased an impressive array of skills against tough Robert Agee (Gladiators Academy). Byrd would take control early and never relinquish it in a very workman-like unanimous decision victory. The Muay Thai stylist would start the bout with crisp leg kick-punch combinations that would quickly bloody the Lafayette native. It was more of the same in the second and third round minus a brief rally in the third that saw Agee threaten with a guillotine choke. Close was no cigar though as Byrd now moves to 4-2 while Agee dropped to .500 (2-2) after this bout.
145 lbs. – Michael Lytle (1-1) Vs. George Pacurariu (6-1)
This was an entertaining battle between two fighters we’d characterize as up-and-comers on the Texas MMA Scene.
Austin’s Michael Lytle (Austin Extreme Sparring) would come out strong with an assortment of wild strikes but George Pacurariu (Octagon MMA) would maintain exposure in withstanding the flurry and deliver his own well-placed strikes. The Romanian sensation would eventually take control of the bout on the ground, looking for several armbars and delivers aggressive blows on his turtled opponent. He’d prove to be the more aggressive fighter overall as his opponent faded down the stretch – giving the impressive Pacurariu the victory, 29-28 on the judges’ scorecards.
185 lbs. – Sean Holden (0-0) versus Wes Linsley (0-1)
Making his pro debut, Sean Holden (Guy Mezger Combat Sports) cruised to a unanimous decision over Wes Linsley (Wylie Boxing Club). Holden would control the tempo in this one by taking his opponent to the ground to nullify the perceived striking advantage over the course of all three rounds as all three judges scored this one 30-27 in favor of the Guy Mezger student to give him his first win at the pro level.
205 lbs. – Neal Ewing (1-0) versus Jabari Shakur (0-1)
In the opening bout of the evening, Neal Ewing (Octagon MMA) showcased size and skill with a second round submission victory over Jabari Shakur (Phalanx MMA). Proving himself to be the stronger fighter early, Ewing would secure several takedowns in the opening round while Shakur defended. The bout saw an end in the second as the advancing Ewing slipped in a rear-naked choke at the 1:52 mark to earn his second professional win.
TXMMA Fight Night Awards
► 
► Knockout of the Night – none
► Submission of the Night – Douglas Frey over Tim Snyder (guillotine choke)
Fight Game 1 – Event Photos
We’ll be adding a comprehensive collection of photos from Fight Game 1 to the TXMMA Photo Albums later this weekend and also to our TXMMA Facebook Page so make sure to follow us there so you can tag and share them at your own accord.
Also make sure to tune in to our friends and partners at CombatSportsTV on YouTube for Fight Game post-fight interviews conducted by Sean Malone, Lisa Lamb, and the always exciting Roland Gamez!
Great night at Fight Game, Dallas! We’ll see you at the next one!
LIKE TXMMA on Facebook for more in-depth news and coverage of the MMA & grappling scene along with fan contests to win great prizes courtesy of TXMMA.com and much more. Also feel free to check us out on Twitter and Google+ for even more in the world combat sports!
