RFC 2: CALL TO ARMS
The opening fight between Cal McCluskey, a seasoned boxer, and Tashiro Katsumoto, a Yokozuna Sumo Wrestler, was a spectacle to behold live and it did not disappoint. Despite being undersized and outmatched by the massive Katsumoto, McCluskey used his experience and quickness to outmaneuver the sumo wrestler. That’s a sentence we’d never thought we’d say about Cal.
The bout started off with Tashiro using his massive size and strength to overpower Cal, who was significantly smaller in comparison. Tashiro tried to utilize his sumo techniques, but Cal’s footwork and boxing experience allowed him to dodge and avoid most of Tashiro’s offense. As the fight wore on, McCluskey began to find his rhythm, landing quick jabs and combinations on Katsumoto.
Despite being in control for most of the fight, McCluskey found himself in trouble when Katsumoto was able to close the distance and take the fight to the ground. Katsumoto used his massive frame to try and pin McCluskey down, but the boxer was somehow able to wiggle free and get back to his feet. As the fight continued, the crowd cheered on Cal as he regained control of the bout. Tashiro, visibly exhausted, tried to grab hold of Cal in an attempt to clinch, but Cal was able to slip past him and Katsumoto dropped to the mat.
With Katsumoto on his knees, McCluskey pounced on the opportunity and caught Tashiro off guard with a powerful soccer kick to the face, knocking him out cold! The crowd erupted in cheers, thrilled by the unexpected turn of events. Despite being undersized and the underdog, McCluskey had pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the heavily favored Katsumoto in a thrilling freakshow fight. While the fight was not the most technical or polished, the crowd enjoyed the entertaining and exciting matchup between two vastly different styles of combat.
Winner: Cal McCluskey by KO (Soccer Kick) at 3:10 Round 1
Statistics: Cal McCluskey
Punches 32/49 (65%)
Kicks 2/2 (100%)
Clinch strikes 4/4 (100%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 7/7 (100%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 42 s
Statistics: Tashiro Katsumoto
Punches 7/14 (50%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 2/3 (67%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 4/4 (100%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Time on the ground 46 s
Elliot “The Villain” McMillan and “The Black Knight” Xabier Belazco faced off in a high stakes mixed martial arts fight that featured the classic young up-and-comer against the seasoned veteran. McMillan, a skilled high volume boxer, was the favorite going into the match, despite coming off a loss to Roscoe Robinson, but Belazco, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, is coming into this fight off an impressive win and was not to be underestimated. We see it all too often in the world of mixed martial arts, though, where the aging veteran is fed to the hungry prospects, but as we’ve all come to know, Xabier Belazco isn’t a man who’s gonna just lie down and let his fate be dictated for him.
The bout started with both fighters sizing each other up, looking for any openings. McMillan, known for his powerful punches, threw a few jabs to test Belazco’s defense. Despite eating some big shots, Belazco was unfazed and stayed patient, waiting for the right moment to strike.
As the fight wore on into the second round, McMillan began to take a commanding lead, landing several clean shots on Belazco. He was quick on his feet and his punches were precise, causing Belazco to retreat on several occasions. However, Belazco never lost focus, and continued to look for an opportunity to take the fight to the ground.
By the third round, McMillan started to show major signs of fatigue. His punches became less powerful and his movement slowed down, allowing Belazco to gain the upper hand. Seeing an opportunity, Belazco took the fight to the ground and quickly gained a dominant position. From there, he was able to catch McMillan with a deep Rear Naked Choke, forcing him to tap out, giving Belazco a wild come from behind victory.
It was a thrilling fight that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. Belazco’s persistence and skill in BJJ proved to be the deciding factor, earning him another big win as a heavy underdog.
Winner: Xabier Belazco by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:47 Round 3
Statistics: Elliot McMillan
Punches 74/101 (73%)
Kicks 2/4 (50%)
Clinch strikes 19/26 (73%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 16/33 (48%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 91 s
Statistics: Xabier Belazco
Punches 38/80 (48%)
Kicks 4/6 (67%)
Clinch strikes 7/16 (44%)
Takedowns 3/7 (43%)
GnP strikes 24/36 (67%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Time on the ground 109 s
The Co-Main Event fight between Zion Momo’a and Tapp Addams was a blood feud everyone had been waiting to see unfold in the MMA arena. There have been rumors swirling around that these two have been in some heated exchanges off camera that will finally be settled once and for all. This isn’t the first time they have officially met, as Addams is one-up on Zion when they met at an event in King’s Road Pro Wrestling. But now, this is Zion’s world, and by the looks of him, he’s ready to properly introduce the grappling icon to it.
The fight was as intense as you could imagine for as long as it lasted. From the opening bell, The Buzzsaw was true to his nickname as he came out fast and furious, looking to assert his striking dominance. He landed several big strikes, including a powerful right hook that sent Tapp stumbling backward into the ropes. This looked like it was about to be stopped early, but the grappling guru Tapp Addams weathered the storm and caught Momo’a with a much needed takedown to calm things down a bit. Once on the ground, Tapp was able to control the action, showing his expertise in this area despite the lack of true MMA training.
Zion, however, was not deterred. He used his strength and power to muscle his way back up to his feet. From there, he regained control of the fight, using his superior striking to batter Tapp with a relentless barrage of punches and kicks. Despite Tapp’s best efforts to take the fight back to the ground, Zion was able to keep the fight standing and continued to land powerful strikes. Tapp, clearly on the defensive, was unable to find an opening to take control of the fight. Zion’s relentless pressure and striking eventually proved to be too much, and the referee stepped in to wave off the fight.
In the end, it was a dominant performance by Zion Momo’a, who showcased his striking prowess and power to earn a well-deserved victory. Tapp Addams, despite putting up a valiant effort, was ultimately unable to overcome Zion’s impressive striking ability.
Winner: Zion Momo’a by TKO (GnP) at 6:42 Round 1
Statistics: Zion Momo’a
Punches 42/50 (84%)
Kicks 9/12 (75%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 8/8 (100%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 67 s
Statistics: Tapp Addams
Punches 11/28 (39%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/4 (25%)
GnP strikes 2/10 (20%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/2 (0%)
Time on the ground 67 s
ISAAC COHEN: “As you can see I’m standing here with the former UGP Heavyweight champion Kennard Rozier. How’s it going Pluggz?”
KENNARD ROZIER: “Feeling good brodie. It’s a pleasure to be here. My first time at a Ryujin show and the atmosphere here is different here my guy. The fights haven’t disappointed and I’m pretty sure the Main Event is gonna be fiye.”
ISAAC COHEN: “Speaking of the Main Event, who do you have winning tonight?”
KENNARD ROZIER: “I like Roscoe in this one. He’s clearly the best fighter in the world and has been competing in championship fights for a long time now. For me, I just don’t think Supa is quite ready for this fight, but I do think she gives Scoe a run for his money. She isn’t gonna be a easy outing, but I see Scoe staying retaining in this one for sure.”
ISAAC COHEN: “Recently you’ve been releasing videos on your Instagram about 9th Wrld Miami. Showing us the facility and giving us glimpses of the daily grind that’s been going on down there. How’s Miami been treating you?”
KENNARD ROZIER: “It’s been great man. It’s a real different vibe from KC but I love it. I got some guys down there who are ready to make some names for themselves and I’m more excited of getting those guys on a bigger scale. Ninth World is always home. I just wanna see it grow even bigger and add some more championships.”
ISAAC COHEN: “Just some months ago you announced that you are retiring from mixed martial arts. I’ve been told that…that’s not the case anymore and you are looking forward to returning to the cage sometime next year?”
KENNARD ROZIER: “That’s a fact bro. After coming off three losses I questioned if I still had it. I’ve only been doing mixed martial arts for like four years, but before that I was a professional kickboxer…and even though I’m twenty five I just felt like maybe it was time to hang them up. I don’t move like I used to, I don’t have that pop like I used too, felt like everything was catching up to me fast. Like why me? But my spirit won’t allow me to sit back and watch like that. I feel like I’m still one of the best fighters in the world…and next year I’m coming to show just that.”
ISAAC COHEN: “Any fights you really wanna book next year?”
KENNARD ROZIER: “A couple. Of course I wanna get back in there with Owen again. He’s up two against me and you would think I have no answer for him, but I’ve been as you know and I’m looking forward to some get back. Gauge has been doing his thing and I’d love to fight him too…also Roscoe Robinson. That was a fight I looked forward to for a couple years only to get my ass kicked. I feel like I have to even things out. I feel like I have another five years to try and claim that spot as the world’s pound for pound fighter and he’s that so a W over him would help with that fasho.”
ISAAC COHEN: “Does this mean we’ll be seeing you in Ryujin?”
KENNARD ROZIER: “Most definitely. I like the violence here. This atmosphere is crazy and I think I should be fighting here in Ryujin… Twenty Twenty Three is all about the get back. Getting back to where I was. Rising up again, I’m really looking forward to doing that. I’m putting the pressure on myself to get that top spot in the world. That’s the goal right now and I’ll die trying to get it.”
ISAAC COHEN: “Looks like we’re about to get set for our Main Event tonight. Appreciate the time Kennard and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to seeing you compete here in Ryujin and UGP next year.”
KENNARD ROZIER: “For sure brother. Thanks for having me and let’s look forward to a special twenty twenty three.”
The much anticipated Main Event fight between the Ryūjin FC Champion Roscoe Robinson and former Everest MMA Featherweight Champion CC Flynn is finally underway. These two have run parallel in creating headlines for quite some time and have been somewhat civil toward each other, but ever since the fight was signed for these two to compete, they have been extra chirpy as they get closer to their inevitable clash. There have even been some bold claims in the lead up consisting of putting their careers on the line, but this isn’t some big time wrasslin’ event, so those alleged stakes will remain amongst themselves. It wasn’t surprising to see the VIP crowd turn their backs against CC Flynn as she made her way to the ring, and be fully behind The Shooter as he made the final walkout of the night.
Robinson, the taller of the two fighters, used his reach advantage to keep Flynn at bay in the early part of the first round, landing a series of powerful kicks to the body and legs. Flynn, however, refused to be intimidated and showed off her impressive speed and footwork, constantly moving forward and looking for openings in Robinson’s defense.
As the fight wore on, the action only intensified, with both fighters landing heavy blows and refusing to back down. Robinson continued to use his superior kickboxing skills to control the distance and pick his shots, but Flynn’s relentless pressure and accurate punching kept the Champion honest with his setups. In the final seconds of round one, the two fighters went back and forth, exchanging blows in a dramatic, all-out war.
The second round saw both fighters exchange blows, but it was Robinson who seemed to have the upper hand. The Shooter continued to mix up his kicks, and landed several brutal head kicks that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Despite the filthy shots, Flynn was able to continue to land punches in bunches. In the final round, Robinson managed to knock Flynn to the ground not once but twice, but Flynn quickly recovered and continued to land punches, despite the heavy artillery being launched at her.
When the final bell sounded, the crowd was on its feet, believing they just witnessed another classic title defense from The Shooter. However, the judges’ scorecards were announced, and in a controversial split decision, CC Flynn was declared the winner and new Ryūjin FC Champion!
Chaos ensued as fans began to shout and throw beer bottles, ash trays, shot glasses, and even chairs into the ring. The mayhem and tension from the crowd spilled over inside the ring as both of the fighters’ corner crew erupted in a wild brawl, with punches and bottles flying everywhere. The security team was forced to step in to try and calm the situation down. It took several minutes, but once order had been restored, Flynn was finally able to celebrate her victory to the tune of a chorus of boos.
In the aftermath of the chaotic and thrilling fight, many fans and pundits are already calling for an immediate rematch between Robinson and Flynn. Only time will tell if these two will meet again, but one thing is certain: the first fight was a classic that unfortunately may be overshadowed by the unruly pandemonium that ensued.
Winner: CC Flynn by Split Decision
Statistics: Roscoe Robinson
Punches 66/93 (71%)
Kicks 36/42 (86%)
Clinch strikes 14/20 (70%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Statistics: CC Flynn
Punches 110/224 (49%)
Kicks 2/8 (25%)
Clinch strikes 33/48 (69%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 2/8 (25%)
Time on the ground 38 s
Venue: The Rumble Room
Location: Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
Attendance: 300
Date: December 18, 2022
Fighter Payouts: $8,000,000
Gate: Undisclosed
FIGHT OF THE NIGHT
Roscoe Robinson vs CC Flynn
PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT
Xabier Belazco, Zion Momo’a, Cal McCluskey
MOST VALUABLE PROMOTER
CC Flynn
DISCLOSED EARNINGS
Roscoe Robinson ($3,000,000)
CC Flynn ($1,000,000)
Elliot McMillan ($1,000,000)
Tapp Addams ($1,000,000)
Zion Momo’a ($750,000)
Xabier Belazco ($500,000)
Cal McCluskey ($500,000)
Tashiro Katsumoto ($250,000)
QUICK RECAP
Cal McCluskey def. Tashiro Katsumoto by KO (Soccer Kick) at 3:10 Round 1
Xabier Belazco def. Elliot McMillan by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:47 Round 3
Zion Momo’a by TKO (GnP) at 6:42 Round 1
CC Flynn def. Roscoe Robinson by Split Decision
