Cage Wars 24 Recap

With Cage Wars 24 in the books we wanted to reflect on the night of the fights. The card was stacked with eleven bouts that were so well matched we couldn’t even make our early predictions on Tapology like we usually do. With a lot of new fighters(fighters new to us) we had to do research to learn about the fighters and still no early predictions from our team. So off to the event we go. We meet a lot of new fighter and fans and of course meet up with a ton of old friends, family, fighters and fans. This was going to be a great night of fights we could feel it as we walked to the Governor’s Ballroom at the Albany Hilton. Not only was it a great venue but it was well orchestrated as soon as we walked through the door. Our team was given our spot to set up and our night had started.

As some may already know Cage Wars 24 was sanctioned by the ISKA and even though this was the first time the ISKA sanctioned a promotion in the Capital District they did a great job! From the fighters meeting to making sure our needs were meet they did a great job period. Any questions we had they were answered immediately by either the ISKA, Cage Wars Fighter Relations spokesperson, Cage Wars Owners to Cage Wars Event Coordinator everyone was there to help and was on the same page. The judges were familiar faces, as well as the referee and others that worked the cage, and even though we have all worked together in the past they made sure we had everything we needed as well as letting us know if we were in the way at all. We even seen the return of Shihan James Bruchac as the announcer for Cage Wars as well! All we can say it was a well oiled machine.

Now it’s time for the fights to start. A sold out crowd was in attendance to see the best of the best step into the cage to do battle, and the crowd got just that! The first fight ended in the second round with Asi Somburu submitting Drew Nolan via rear naked choke. The first round had the crowd on their feet it was a great first round tough to judge, both fighter were prepared for this battle and it showed.

The second fight went three rounds that ended up with a split decision. This was another battle that both fighters gave their all in the cage for the fans to see. Mike Guynup won the decision against Ben Fredkin and both fighters left it all in the cage with honor and respect.

This brings us to a very technical third fight that ended in the first round via a rear naked choke. Kerry Boughton took the win against a well matched Brice Burns. This was one of the few fights that ended in the first and these men came well versed and both showed just that in the cage. Kerry Boughton did receive accolades from Cage Wars as Submission of the Night.

Bobby Wheatly vs Justin Fraim was the fourth fight of the night that went the distance and left to the judges to score. Justin Fraim took the win via split decision and a win that was well worth all three rounds, great job fighters!

Now it was time for the big boys to step into the cage. Matt Boyce faced Alex Brace and the crowd was electrified to see these two warriors face-off. Alex Brace came out victorious in the second round by scoring a KO. Now even though Alex won both of these fighters won that battle. Alex Brace showed not only sportsmanship, but compassion for his opponent and we salute you Alex as well as Matt. Both great fighters with huge hearts and talent. Alex did receive the Cage Wars KO of the Night.

Now for a title fight. Patrick Lafortune faced off against Andre Belcarris for the 140 title. This fight ended in the third round via TKO crowning Andre Belcarris the 140 Champ. Both of these fighters are well trained and this fight could have gone either way left to the judges. Andre was a graceful winner as all were, but Andre shouted out his son and the win was for him. Some may not know but April is Autism Awareness Month and Andre’s son is autistic. Class act Champ! This fight was also crowned Fight of the Night. Not only did this fight receive fight of the night but Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara was on hand to wrap the belt around Andre’s waist and let the crowd know he is in MMA’s corner when it come to legalizing MMA in New York State!

What a great night of fights thus far and we were wondering if this pace could keep up and we have to say yes it did. The Pete San Antonio vs Darryl Martinez fight was another that went three rounds and the judges came back with a unanimous decision naming Pete San Antonio the winner. This was another great fight that went the distance and we attribute that to the outstanding match making by Cage Wars.

Next up the Super Heavyweights took to the cage. Guy Hammond vs Pat Bishop was electrifying! These big boys came out swinging with some heavy hands and huge kicks. The crowd was on their feet and Guy Hammond took the win in the first round wia TKO. Both of these fighters once again were well matched and gave the crowd something to talk about!

The next bout was supposed to be a title match but was not due to unforeseen circumstances with that said Rob Best and Tyler Jacques fought like it was a title fight. They battled it out for all three rounds and Rob Best won via unanimous decision. This one was tough to judge as both fighters gave it their all.

Just as we thought it couldn’t get any better the Super Heavyweights took to the cage again, but this time for the Cage Wars Super Heavyweight title! Bob Rose III vs Paul Randall had our team a little scared as they were on perches capturing the fight for the fighters, but the crowd had now lost their minds with excitement. Two well respected fighter facing off for the SHW strap! This one ended in the second round via TKO crowning Paul Randall the SHW Champ and this larger than life man is a humble father, husband and athlete. Congratulations to a well deserved win Paul!

To end the night, Cage Wars had one more title fight, this time for the 170 title. Pete McGraw stepped into the cage and faced Paul McDonough. This was another well matched fight that went to the judges to score and crown the new 170 Cage Wars Champ. The three judges came back with a split decision making Pete McGraw the new 170 champ. This fight was another technical match by two well versed athletes. Congrats to Pete on the win.

That was the end of the night for fans and fighters, but not for Cage Wars because even before the cage was being torn down they were planning Cage Wars 25 that is set to take place at the Glens Falls Civic Center May 17, 2014. This is going to be one hell of a card and another awesome venue. We will keep you up to date with the fight card as it is released.

We want to take this time to not only thank Cage Wars for making us feel like part of the CW’s family, but to the fans for always sticking behind us and making us feel welcomed were ever we are. To the fighters, because without you we do not exist, period! Our family continues to grow at each event we attend, be it in Albany, Saratoga, Poughkeepsie and even Vermont, well love all of you and thank you for reading!

Cage Wars 24 Recap