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Merthyr Mayhem 2: Review
13 Sep 2009
By Ricky Wright
In most grass roots MMA shows the heavy weights dominate the main event slot, this was the case at Merthyr Mayhem 2. Both Liam Ronan and Hywel Knight showed a very high level of skill during the fight. uncharacteristic of a heavy weight bout....this was not two gargantuan freaks swinging for the fences, gasping for breath after the first minute. No these fighters could grapple, and grapple good. In the first round we saw many submission attempts, escapes and skilful transitions by both men, leaving the first round to finish up fairly even with Knight just edging on the judges score cards. In the second round Knight began to build momentum and take control of the fight, bullying the bloodied up Ronan. In a desperate attempt Ronan clutched on to the estranged neck of Knight, tilted his head back and looked up at the lights above hoping to feel the tap, which came awarding Liam Ronan the submission victory by guillotine choke.
Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro is known for his trademark Arm-Triangle choke, Cro-cop is famous for his left high kick and Cardiff MMA fighter Anthony Johnson has laid claim to reverse triangle, yes that's right.....the reverse triangle. Not the most common of submission manoeuvres used. In fact this was the first time I had witnessed one in active combat. After taking his opponent Callum O'Neil down with an unorthodox throw (which was another first)it was only a matter of time before O'Neil suffered the same fate as Johnsons previous opponent. yes, you guessed it, with a reverse triangle. Will Anthony Johnson share the same success as his UFC name-sake, only time will tell, but mark my words he is defiantly one to watch.
For me the most anticipated fight of the night was the bout between Tillery Combats Jack Marshman and Gracie Barra Swansea's Stuart Tyrie. Both men tipped for success when they eventually turn pro. Tyrie appeared to be in a very tense state in contrast to the relaxed Marshman. From the off it looked like Marshmans game plan was to put Tyrie on his back and take him out of his comfort zone.....his stand up. But Tyrie's cat like reflexes sprawling on top of every attempt Marshman made to take the fight to the floor, forcing Marshman to engage in stand up battle. To the suprise of everyone in attendance Marshman got the better of the exchanges dropping Tyrie with a straight punch. Marshman took a step back and called the dazed Tyrie back to his feet only to put him right back down again forcing the ref to stop the contest awarding Jack Marshman the KO Victory.
In other Semi pro bouts Tillery Combats Chris Edwards scored a rear naked choke victory over Nottingham's Jay Hanton during the second round. Jacks younger brother Mark Marshman arm barred Active Bodies student Lee Robins in the first round to mark the beginning of a very successful night for the Marshman family.
In amateur Bouts Dtec MMA Fighter's Scott Sawyer and Gavin Lord both picked up victory's over their opponents, Sawyer won a decision over active body's fighter Ryan Williams and Gavin Lord forced Tillery Combats Ben Brumby to tap with a guillotine choke half way through the Round. Late replacement Steven Lewis scored a decision over Tillery combats kyle prosser in a light weight contest.
In a grappling showcase Nathan Meek scored a rear naked choke over SSJJ's Ricky Jones.
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