MMACanada's TKO 32 Coverage and Report by Adam Reid

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MMACanada's Adam Reid..

02.28.08 TKO 32 is Back with an ULTIMATUM...

On a freezing cold night, people from as far as Ontario, Quebec, and the outskirts gathered at the world famous BELL CENTER to witness history in the making. With fighters from as far away as Brazil, and local heroes going toe to toe the event promised to be one of the best yet, and it delivered the bone crushing, high octane entertainment the fans wanted.

As the Bell Center slowly filled up, everyone has so many unanswered questions.....Gauthier or Galipeau? Gassaway or Pele? The answers would only come as the clock ticked one round at a time.

The three opening fights were a warm up of what was to come, and surprisingly the caliber of these "warm up" fights was impressive. Knockouts in most of them, "TKO MMA" is sending a clear message....The caliber of their fighters is exponentially growing and the the fight quality is nothing short but spectacular, all the way through.

With an extensive background in wrestling, Tim Wadsworth is my pick to be watched in the short future. He trains at TRI-STAR, he's patient, and he's in full control of his techniques. There were a couple of moments where he could of went for the easy kill, but he didnt.....PATIENCE should be this kid's middle name.

Stephane Patry aggressively advertised on local tv, and did it ever pay of! All sorts of age groups, from early adults to older men, to their girlfriends and wives, everyone was here to have a great time, and enjoy a great night of mixed martial arts.

Alright guys, enough talking, let's get into the ACTION shall we?

Tyler Jackson vs Jeff Harrison

North American Champion of Muai Thai, Jeff Harrison only had a 1-0 record, compared to his more experienced opponent, Tyler Jackson. Would experience beat technique, or would it be the other way around? Right at the beginning of the fight, it was clear NONE of these two men were going to back down. So confident, that within seconds Jeff Harrison did not waste anytime and brought him right down to the floor which is exactly where he wants to be. Slowly working and tiring Tyler out, Jeff Harrison was in full control of the fight. Unleashing blows to his head, shots to the stomach and pinning him up against the cage, Jeff gave him no room to counter. Round 1 was ALL Jeff Harrison.

What does Round 2 have in store? MORE Jeff Harrison, floor specialist, he brings Tyler down within seconds and ensures the legs are wrapped into a lock. Inch by inch, Jeff worked Tylers legs. After one and a half rounds, it's clear that this fight isn't one of the most spectacular I've ever seen, but hey, Jeff is doing his thing, and that's why he's champ. After almost 2 rounds or complete domination, round three begins with the crowd expecting more of the usual, BUT NO, Jeff Harrison brings him to the floor, creates a choke hold and ITS OVVVVVVER ITS OVVVVVVVERRRRRRRRRR. Wow, what a move, what a F##@%#$ move!!! The crowd is shocked, stunned, flabergasted. He hung in there with a guy worth of experienced, he tired him out, and capitalized, that's what MMA is all about!

Johan Croes vs Mark Fraser

Montreal's favorite golden boy Mark Fraser makes a comeback after the first time in 8 years. His last fight was back in 2000, will that affect his senses, his style, his technique? Or has his rigorous training paid off, keeping him into fighting form? THE PANTHER is back, but will it be short lived? The roar of the crowd was OFF THE CHARTS and it's CLEAR he's a local favorite. 8 years is a long time, and at 39 years of age, can he keep up? Is he physically fit for this type of fighting? Let's not forget he was scheduled to fight at TKO 31, but couldn't make it due to injury! I'll tell you this, at 39, this guy is in incredible shape! Alright, let's get to the fight.....

Mark's stance was very solid, he was ready for this fight. Not backing down, he throw a few punches to feel out his opponent out. A burst of energy, Mark decides to take Johan down to the floor. One thing that people missed was a subtle smile to Johan's corner when he was on his way down. Almost symbolising, "We've got him where we want him, now let me go to work". We'll see if it pays off. With Johan to the floor, Mark keeps throwing punches, carefully waitin for his oppurtunity to strike. However Johan, has in locked into a great counter position. The catch is, everytime Mark was throwing a punch, Johan would throw one at the same time. The crowd can sense the next big punch, will be the deciding one. The round comes to a close, both fighters, saved by the bell.

Round 2....ONE WORD...Total explosion, both sides come out firing, Mark lands a HUGE punch knocking Johan off balance and right when he moves in for the kill, JOHAN lands a devastating blow to the head sending Mark to the floor. AND ANOTHER BLOW, at the same time!!!! What a fight, Mark charges Johan to the floor, Johan reverses, and starts pummeling on Mark Fraser. The entire crowd knows it's over, and more punches are thrown, and referee finally calls the fight. A disapointing return for the "Panther" Mark Fraser, however this wasn't a lack of conditionning, this was purely a mental mistake. Coming out the way he did in ROUND 2, spelt disaster. A huge victory for Johan 34 seconds into the 2 round will propel him to a good placement in the rankings.

Syd Barnier va Adrian Wooley

Adrian Wooley doesn't stop impressing everyone! 3-0 record, he's shown many characteristics as well as winning 2 of his 3 fights by TKO. He's won countless awards, trophies and finished an impressive 3rd place at the PAN-AM games in wrestling. The master of the floor style of fighting, vs a strong stand up fighter Syd Barnier, OPPOSITES in MMA always make for interesting fights, do they not? Okay People it's FIGHT TIME! Here we go......

Syd is moving quick and almost as if he's feeling his opponent out. One of the fighters in the stands, keeps yelling "Don't ENTERTAIN SYD, DON'T ENTERTAIN" almost to make a reference to the fact he always does. Off the start, it seems Adrian is feeling him out, now to the floor, it's clear who the BETTER fighter is. Out of nowhere, SYD reverses the the floor hold. They both stand up, and within seconds, ADRIAN PICKS HIM UP, the crowd holds their breathe, and BOOOOOM slam to the floor. It's not pretty, Adrian is in the driver seat, it's clear that ADRIAN is WAY too good to be fighting Syd Barnier. Blow after Blow, knee to the ribcage, blows to the head, to the temple, you name it, ADRIAN is pounding him! The fight is called, ADRIAN is declared the winner and rightfully so. In my proffesional opinion, this was probably one of the most UNBALANCED fights ever in the history of TKO. Adrian shouldn't celebrate, he should spend his time preparing for his next fight. Adrian is asked at the end "Who would you like to fight next?" His answer...very simple......"Whoever TKO puts in front of me". He's got character, I can tell you that much.

Justin Tavernini vs Guillaume Lamarche:

Two young talents are facing off against each other in the hopes of dominating the 145 pound category. Both having trained hard for the fight, PAGE is on both of their minds, and they want a piece of him. They both realize however that they can't get that fight UNLESS they win tonight! Aged 22 and 24 years old respectively, it's rare that we get to see two fighters this fit, this young, and this hungry go at it. Tavernini comes out to DMX reving up the crowd, and I've got to admit, he even has me dancing!!! By the way, you don't want to see that! Alright, now to the fight.

Justin "Houdini" Tavernini.......Houdini unh? Let's see if he can create some Magic.

Round 1 opens with a furry of shots. However to much of the crowds displeasure, Lamarche keeps countering his every shot. The crowd is chanting "Guillaume, Guillaume", and shot after shot the beginning of the round goes to Guillaume. A take down occurs, and Justin is now in the driver's seat. He's calm, although he's losing the fight so far, he is thinking straight, making the right moves, and inching his way on top of Guillaume. It will be interesting to see how Guillaume recovers from the usage of his energy, JUST to keep Justin off of him. At this stage of the fight, it's ANYONE'S FIGHT. It can turn on the dime, yet Guillaume still holds on. It's a well balanced fight compared to the previous fight and the excitement of not knowing who this fight will go to lurks amongst all the fans. If Justin wants to win this, he'll have to counter Guillaume's counter punches.

Round 2 begins with an exchange of punches and kicks. A beautiful combinaison is landed, and Justin feels the pain of it, but still stays strong, focused and determined to stick to his game plan. Nobody is giving nobody a chance for a take down, and Justin is now bleeding. It's clear that these two felt they came out too strong in the first round, and ROUND 2 was a more conservative round.

Round 3. The first round 3 that the crowd has experienced. Both tired, both injured, Justin a bit more, it's clear one of these young guns will fall this round. JUSTIN lands a beautiful right kick to the head, and right away GUILLAUME starts working his punches and lands a few. The crowd can sense that something is about to give. "Chanting, Guillaume, Guillaume" it's clear that they believe in this new kid on the block. If there was ever a moment, it's now for JUSTIN, he's got to land a kick or bring him to the floor, because boxing wise "HOUDINI" is stronger. What a move! Justin goes for a kick to the ribcage, and at that exact moment Guillaume catches his leg, kicks his other, sending him collapsing to the floor. This doesn't look good. Justin has now taken over the driver's seat, and is punching away to a BLOODY JUSTIN'S face. 10 seconds left, he's taking a beating, he's STRUGGLING, but he's a MMA fighter. That's what MMA fighters do, they go till they can't NO MORE. He survives the beating and the round and fight is called!!! What a technical fight! Too close to call.....Honestly, too close to call..My gut feeling is "Houdini" takes it!

The announcement is made.."By decision, the winner of the of this contest is.......GUILLAUME LAMARCHE".

28-29, 29-28, 30-27 are the final points awarded.

Daniel Ferguson vs Stephane Vigneault

Vigneault as we know is on a mission. After a 2 year absence he lost to the tough BEN GREER on TKO 31, made the necessary changes, and is now back on track for victory. This has to be one of the most important fights. Another loss, means possible retirement. If you know Vigneault personally, you'll know he won't let this chance slip away. This is the moment he's been training for, it's REDEMPTION time. The crowd voted and has spoken........75% of the people in attendance believe Vigneault will find victory. Are they simply voting for him because he's a local favorite, or are they voting based on the TRAINING he's put together?

Daniel is quick off the draw, lands multiple punches, and even connects it with a KNEE to the face. This is going to be an EXPLOSIVE fight. Brought down to the ground by Stephane, Daniel is now in a tough spot, pinned up against the cage, however he is in control with a BEAUTIFUL choke hold. Stephane doesn't give up, positions himself a bit better, and starts pounding away. Nothing is connected, Daniel is incredible with his counter...With a blink of an eye, Daniel is now on top in control, but needs to get out of a arm lock that stephane still holds. He does, and still in control. 1 minute left in the round. Both fighters look tired, and it's clear, that they will both re-fill on their energy, stick to their gameplan and make it happen.

Punches are exchanged and a HUGE right hand is landed by Daniel. This could be the turning point of the fight. After falling to the ground, Stephane reverses it, he's in total control! he locks in the arms with his legs, exposes DANIEL'S face, and a POUNNNNNDING follows! Without looking, it seems STEPHANE knows where Daniel's head is at all times. The ref moves in and calls the fight.

STEPANE VIGNEAULT IS BACK PEOPLE! He seemed to be 10 times more in shape then he was when I witnessed him here at TKO 31!

Jordan Mein vs Samuel Guillet

Alright, I'll keep the intro for another fight, because I've got this feeling this fight isn't going the distance. They are both in great shape, and it's going to be a short fight. The fight starts with EXACTLY what I thought, huge shots to the face, huge knees, impressive speed, and take downs. Question can they keep up the pace? Reversal after reversal, this fight is EXPLOSIVE, and both fighters are taking beatings.....Although this fight is all about floor techniques, they are displaying impressive striking skills. Notice I am NOT singling out any of these two fighters because they both are head to head, toe to toe, they seem evenly balanced, and it looks like this can go any way. A theme song for fight would be "CHOKE ME ALL NIGHT ALONG". It seems both feel that choking the other can lead to victory. It's not working for either camp.

Round two begins, they both rush each other to the floor, Samuel Guillet seems to be in a predicament. He's caught in a tough spot on the floor, Jordan is applying energy withdrawing moves one after another. UNELSS Samuel makes a move now it won't be pretty. Tired, Exhausted, incapable of fighting are the words I feel for Samuel right now, but he keeps on ticking.... An arm lock!!! An arm lock for Guillet out of nowhere....Can he hold on? Can he hold on!! slowly but surely the arm is getting extended to the TAP OUT........TAP OUT!!! TAP OUT!!! SAMUEL takes the match! Wow, what an impressive comeback win.

The winner by "Kymona", ladies and gentleman, Montreal's local talent, SAMUEL GUILLET!

Derek Gauthier Yannick Gallipeau

Alright....MY PICK OF THE NIGHT.....Yannick Galipeau, 8 time Kyokushin Champion, Yannick is by far one of the most impressive fighters that this organization has. They were promoted as "The Next George St-Pierre". The winner of this, will definetely make a name for himself, and this crowd is GOING crazy. TWO QUEBECOIS FIGHTERS WHO ARE BEING CONSIDERED THE NXT GSP going at it? Marketing did an amazing job, and everyone SHOULD believe the hype, because this fight is for real. If you ask me my personal opinion, I go with Yannick Galipeau with a TKO. Derek Gauthier even looks LIKE GSP it's hilarious!

Oh my god here...we go....THE VIKING vs the WAR MACHINE........!!!!!

OH MY GOD...total battle.....This is OUT OF CONTROL.....You can't imagine a better fight, out of nowhere GAUTHIER gets Galipeau into an arm lock, the crowd is going crazy. Galipeau flips twice, and gets out of the arm lock, the crowd is even louder, punching each other FULL FORCE this is unbelievable.. GALIPEAU with the choke hold, reversal after reversal after reversal, it can GO ANYWAY!!!! Gauthier works his way on top of Galipeau, slowly elbowing, hitting Galipeau, he's working him and Galipeau now has the chance to LOCK the arm, Gauthier hugs Galipeau, locking his arms around his waist, out of nowhere, Galipeau slams him to the floor, and at the exact same moment.......WAIT...WAIT!!!!! ARM LOCK!!!!! GALIPEAU IS THINKIN ABOUT A TAP OUT......CAN THIS BE!!!! CAN THIS BE!!!!! CAN IT END LIKE THIS???????? The fight is OVER!!!!! GAUTHIER IS THE REAL DEAL 4-0. This kid is strong, and Galipeau is completely devastated, he doesn't look happy at all. WOW.....This was a classic fight that represents why we ALL watch MMA. The rivalry, he adrenaline, the skill, the technique, the everything. This is MMA at it's finest!

Tj Grant vs Jesse Bongfeldt

Tj Grant has to be one of the most dangerous KNOCKOUT fighters, with a 9-1 record. He's dreamed of being champion, and TONIGHT, right here, right now, were going to witness an incredible fight. A chess match is the best way to descrive this title fight at 170 pounds. Jesse Bongfeld with a bigger heart then the BELL CENTER, Bongfeld loves to dominate his opponents at their own game! Proud of his 14-3 record, he can win a fight in anyway shape and form, and NEVER has a fight gone the distance. 5 knockouts, and 9 tap outs. He's dangerous. He's dangerous I tell you.

The first title fight of the night....HERE WE GO....

Just when I thought, the GALIPEAU fight was intense, this is even more amazing! This is SIZE, this is speed, this is passion, and this is for a title! Both fighters, are determined, they are landing so many punches. These aren't 18 year olds these are fighters with class, with a huge repertoire of skills, and they have put it all on the line.

The fight has made it's way to the floor. Grant has seem to taken control of the fight, and the CHAMP right now, doesn't look like he is deserving of keep the title. However as a CHAMPION, you always know anything can change. Jesse is working his way up, giving it his all....Grant however welcomed him back to reality with DEVASTATING blows to the head.....Saved by the bell, both fighters take a minute to breathe and re-focus. Round 2....Coming Up!

Both fighters are not breathing heavy, they are focus, and JESSE comes out flying, and just lands a HUGE kick to the right temple of GRANT. Incredibly, GRANT is still on top, still in control, and still delivering blows, everytime JESSE has a connection going and a streak he seems to be able to counter it. I say VOTE GRANT FOR PRESIDENT, this guy has guts.....(Unlike Bush)....Back to the fight.......For the entire second round, Jesse has been pinned to the floor. He just hasn't been able to muster anything up, and his title is on the line. He's got to make a move NOW if he wants to make anything happen for himself. Finally a REVERSE 1 minute left in the round, JESSE has the chance now to leave this round with a bit of confidence. 23 Seconds left, GRANT IS IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT...Saved by the bell...BOTH fighters, I would say were saved by the bell. Is this going the distance? Is this going 5 rounds?

The most devastating knee to the face ALL night comes from GRANT on BONGFELT at the start of the third round. Bongfeld looks tired he looks, run down, and GRANT looks poised, like he can go another 10 fights tonight. LADIES AND GENTS, I have a feeling this is the night where a NEW CHAMP is born. We'll have to wait and see..........A LOCK AROUND the body, GRANT picks him up, his ARM SLIPPED!!!!! SLIPPED I TELL YOU!!! This is his chance for redemption.....BONGFELDT LOCKS THE ARM......he's going to tap out.......PEOPLE after being completely dominated.........BONGFELDT has a chance to redeem himself in the most LOP SIDED title fight I've ever seen......ITS OVERRRRRR!!! ITS OVVEEEEEEERRRR!!! TJ GRANT HAS TAPPED OUT!!! What a SHOCKER!!...JESSE BY ARM BAR, and STILL WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION.......

My predictions aren't doing too well here tonight........;)

 

 

Brian Gassaway vs Jose (PELE) Landi-Jons

Anderson Silva trains with him. PELE is one of the most feared fighters in the world. One of the only ATHLETES to have upset one of the best fighters in the world MATT HUGHES except for GEORGES ST-PIERRE. Above the status of legend, tonight in CANADA is where were going to notice a legend at work with MORE passion then ever......

It's time, you've probably read this ENTIRE document, or you've skipped it all to read this ONE segment of the fight. The future is now, sticks out, and it's time for a FIGHT for the ages. Let's not forget we are in Montreal, Quebec and we've got PELE right here with us. How exciting! The MMA world is coming here people, that's always a good sign.

Pele, has his hands open, waiting for the blows and so far, EVERY blow that he has GASSAAY keeps pummeling back. Okay, the fight is now to the floor, this is where "BRAZILIANS" kick some serious ass, it's going to be interesting to see a proffesional, a legend like him work the floor. WHERE IS ROYCE GRACIE DAMN IT! Alright back to the fight..

PELE has Gassaway in a compromising position. Elbowing him in the head, slowly tiring him out. Pele has NOW gained FULL advantage and is completely on TOP of him! His area of expertise I hear.........Because of how technical this fight is, the crowd is now "BOOING", yes ladies and gentleman, they are "BOOING" the ref steps in and to break it up...OH MY GOD, the HARDEST SHOT OF THE NIGHT, PELE KICKS GASSAWAY in the head and COMPLETELY pummels him, goes for a ROUND HOUSE and misses......At least they are up now the crowd was being a little inpatient. I don't know who this is going to. Both are playing safe, both are taking chances, both are moving quick, for 34 and 35 year olds. It's like chess in motion, and PELE has so many kicks in his ARSENAL, straight to the head, fakes, to the chest, stomach you name it, he's got it!

Round 2

I have a feeling someone is coming out big this round, and ALL RULES will be broken. RULES OF THEIR COMBAT STYLES that is. Pele is remaining far and always kicking.....OH MY GOD...something I never wanted to see.....I don't know if it's HIS LEG or his ankle! The fight has been stopped. OH NO...OH MY GOD NO, his ankle is broken....it's hanging in such a awful way....OH NO...He's totally in shock, he's lying there out cold, I think the shock of the BREAK has caused serious damage. People, this isn't someting you EVER want to see, you talk about it, you joke about it, but THIS GUYS LEG OR ANKLE IS BROKEN.

The fight has been stopped the people crowded around the OCTOGON, it's an ugly scene.

It's sad that I have to end my reporting here like this, and on such a SOUR NOTE, however, this is MMA. This is what you sign up for, this is what you get when you put your life and body on the line. Those who say that MMA changed and is NO longer a sport, I'd love for you to be here right now and witness the pain

An incredible event, a great showcase of talent, have we found the NEW GSP? Vigneault is he back? BONGFELDT REMAINS CHAMPION!!!!!! Pele the legendary fighter comes to Montreal, and breaks his leg or ankle in the process! HISTORY IN THE MAKING!!!!

TKO 32...IS DONE..

AFTER PARTY TIME......THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT

ADAM REID

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