Big weekend for both our grappling and striking teams with “Rebellion Muay Thai 20/Roots 8: Stir it up” locally and “Kasai Pro 3” internationally in New York City. Our Absolute MMA Thailand team also represented the gym, with fighter Erhan Gungor getting in a KO win in the 3rd round in his Muay Thai bout at Bangla Stadium on Friday night against an experienced American opponent.
We had three fighters on the daytime amateur show at St Kilda Town Hall,”Roots 8: Stir it up”- Kevin Jousset, Fei Yen and Darren Gn. Kevin Jousset kicked things off for the team on the second fight of the card, dominating his opponent and taking home an early win in round one, TKO by leg kicks! Having already made a name for himself in the Judo world, it’s great to see Kevin branching into Muay Thai. Keen to see you fighting Muay Thai again soon Kev!
Fight number 4 on the card rolled around, with Fei Yen stepping into the ring against opponent Robert Wiley in a 3x2min 67kg bout. Going the full three rounds in his bout, the fight went to the judges with Fei sustaining a loss via split decision. Not the result he wanted, but plenty to take away experience wise and to learn from. Looking forward to seeing you continue to hone your skills Fei!
Darren Gn was up next from the team against opponent Vish Mitra in a 3x2min 61kg bout. After a well executed fight camp, Daz was on weight and well-prepared for his bout. After getting caught by an overhand right to the head, the referee called an eight count, Darren shaking off the blow. Showing great spirit to get back in there and give more in a few exchanges, the ref called the fight after noting the damage sustained. While we’re shattered for Daz, we couldn’t be prouder of how he handled himself post fight, showing great sportsmanship in congratulating his opponent- all class! Thank you for being such a great representative for the gym, we know you’ll take this experience and apply what you’ve learned in your next fight.
Finishing up for the team on Rebellion, Smokin’ Joe Coverdale was first up on the pro card against a tough opponent in Cody Owens in a 3x3min war at 62kg. In this clash between two aggressive fighters, there was a lot of trading back and forth with heavy shots ringing out across the Rebellion arena. Joe got through the first round, unfortunately sustaining a loss via KO in the third round. Couldn’t be prouder of your resilience Joe- you always show great heart and you’ll come back stronger for experience gained.
Our grapplers were also hard at work last weekend, with Kasai Pro 3 taking place at the famous Hammerstein Ballroom of the Manhattan Center in New York. The main event of the stacked card featured our very own Coach Craig Jones facing off against Rousimar Palhares.
The match up had all the ingredients necessary to make it one of the most exciting contests of the year, but after 15 minutes of actively stalling, Palhares was penalized and the decision went to Craig Jones.
Craig was definitely the aggressor, trying his best to off balance and get underneath his opponent, but a huge size difference and an overly cautious Palhares made forcing the issue difficult.
Congratulations to Craig not only for getting the win, but also for getting on the mat versus a competitor at least 28 pounds larger than originally agreed upon!
Coach Mikael Yahaya of Absolute MMA St Kilda also made the journey to New York to compete at the Kasai event. Mikael left it all on the mat, fighting a tough, technical match at 140lbs versus JM Holland (10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Bethlehem). While Mikael sustained a loss via points, every match is an opportunity to learn and grow and we know Mikael will take everything he has experienced on board here and be stronger for it!
We’re all glad you both got out of there in one piece, and can’t wait to have you home again!
Photos: Erhan Gungor, W.L Fight Photography and Kasai