By Dean Weir

"Battlestars", the sixth installment of Chris Zorba's ever popular OMMAC promotion was again held at it's natural home, the Liverpool Olympia.The Featherweight and the Welterweight titles were on the card and both contests turned out to be very close encounters.

 
Wayne Murray and John Maguire battled it out for the Welterweight championship in the nights main event. After a tentative and slow first round, the fight really started in the second with Maguire gaining the first takedown and dominant position. Numerous transitions between the two followed with some excellent escapes but neither was able to gain the upperhand and finish his opponenent. The third round started very much like the first with both fighters feeling out the other. Eventually, Maguire went for the shoot and gained control on the fence, the battle for suprmacy against the fence continued before Maguire eventually forced Murrie to the floor. The fight remained there for the remainder of the fight with Maguire controlling his opponent for the majority of the round. The judges decision went to Maguire and he walked away as the new OMMAC Welterweight Champion.

The first title fight of the night was for the Featherweight belt between reigning Champion Ashleigh Grimshaw and the challenger Dave Hill. The contest lived up to the pre-fight hype as the two battled out an excellent and exciting bout. All three rounds were extremely close as the two exchanged punches, kicks, takedowns, submission attempts and transitions throughout the duration. A fast and energetic pace was kept throughout and the audience were treated to one of the most entertaining fights that they will see for some time. At the end of the three rounds it was an extremely close, resulting in the judges awarding the belt to Dave Hill.

A big disappointment to the audience was the extremely late cancellation of the return to the cage of promising heavyweight Adam Parkes. Unfortunately, his opponent, Roy Hales had to attend an emergency family situation which meant he could not compete. Adam was very gracious and our thoughts and best wishes go out to Roy and hope that all is well.

Ronan McKay kept up his record against opponents from Liverpools own "Kaobon" gym with a second round submission of Jay Manning. McKay controlled the centre of the cage with Manning circling looking for an opening. Short combinations from the two and Mannings shoot attempts were the main storyline of the fight. Unfortunately for Manning his final attempt was anticipated by McKay and he ended up on his back with McKay in his guard. The Irishman was patient and maneuvered to side control as Manning turned and gave up his back. McKay was quick to act and sunk in a deep rear naked choke to hand Manning his first defeat in the professional ranks.

The remaining professional bouts saw the Wolfslair's Tony Moran make very quick work of Steve Wright with a devestating knee to the head. Next Generations Mick Solomons ground out a decision over Steve Behan despite receiving a nasty cut on the the crown of his head.
Athertons Chris Hoban gained victory with a late first round submission over Kevin Reed via arm triangle. Craig Allen made the long journey from Swansea only to lose to Danny Withington's ground and pound in the first round.

Chris Fishgold from Next Generation, again, gave an impressive performance with a guillotine victory over Jules Willis.
Uche Ihiekwe was victorious in his long awaited pro debut over last minute stand-in Mark Jones and Avi Jack also made a winning start to his pro career over Naseef Alganga following a deep anaconda choke.

Both the semi-pro bouts on the card ended in the first round with victories for debutants Greg Severs and Matt Wise over Jamie Barrett and Darren Gleed, respectively.

MMAHITPIT Awards :-

Fight of the Night - Ashleigh Grimshaw (Team Titan) v Dave Hill (Elements MMA)

Submission of the Night - Avi Jack (Predators)

Knockout of the Night - Tony Moran (Wolfslair)

Fighter of the Night - Mick Solomons (Next Generation)

FULL RESULTS :-

Semi-pro:
u93kg  Matt Wise (Blood Sweat and Tears) def. Darren Gleed (Swansea Independent) - R1 (2:49) - G 'n' P
u68kg  Greg Severs (Kaobon) def. Jamie Barrett (Swansea Independent) - R1 (0:57) - Knee Bar

Pro:
u77kg  Avi Jack (Predators) def. Naseef Alganga (Blood Sweat and Tears) - R1 (3:52) - Darce / Brabo Choke
u70kg  Uchie Ihiekwe (Kaobon) def. Mark Jones (Swansea Independent) - R1 (0:48) - Armbar
u70kg  Chris Fishgold (Next Generation) def. Jules Willis (Manvers Fight Factory) - R1 (1:34) - Guillotine
u77kg  Danny Withington (Next Generation) def. Craig Allen (Swansea Mayhem) - R1 (1:07) - G 'n' P
u77kg  Chris Hoban (Atherton Submission) def. Kevin Reed (Dogs of War) - R1 (4:59) - Arm Triangle
u84kg  Mick Solomons (Next Generation) def. Steve Behan (Gods of War) - R3 - Decision
u84kg  Tony Moran (Wolfslair) def. Steve Wright (Swansea Independent) - R1 (0:29) - KO
u77kg  Ronan McKay (EFR) def Jay Manning (Kaobon) - R2 (2:22) - Rear Naked Choke

British Featherweight Title :
Dave Hill (Elements MMA) def. Ashleigh Grimshaw (Team Titan) - R3 - Decision

British Welterweight Title :
John Maguire (Tsunami Gym) def. Wayne Murrie (Manvers Fight Factory) - R3 - Decision