My most recent MMA fight!

**strikistanian** · Posted On: 7/26/2011 12:24am

I don't recall if I posted it on this forum or not, but several months ago I lost my title fight (and #1 amateur ranking in NE) via TKO.

If you have facebook, you can watch that here.

Even though I wasn't unconscious or even rocked so bad I couldn't think, that loss has phased me pretty badly. That sense of confidence I had before, where I thought I could just take shots impunity was shattered. When I got back to the gym, I was so gun shy in sparring it was ridiculous.

But overall, I think that its made me better. I've decided that I don't want to take ANY hits at all, if possible, from here on out. Furthermore, it reminded me that I have more options than just striking. My most recent fight, this one, was against a kickboxing specialist, who was coming off of a big win against the #5 ranked amateur 135 lbs fighter in New England. As such, I made it a point to fight like a mixed martial artist -- not a wannabe kickboxer!

That is to say, after getting that head kick KO and outstriking a highly regarded Muay Thai artist from Sityodtong, I started to see myself as just a striker. But in reality, while I'm not bad at striking or grappling, my greatest strength is my versatility and I was completely overlooking that. This fight reminded me to use all the tools in my arsenal, 'cause I'm not good enough at any one thing for it to carry me all of the way.

(PS: Matt Doherty's record was actually 3-2, having lost only to #5 and #7 ranked 145ers in New England.)

**shotfghter** · Posted On: 7/26/2011 1:08am

Thanks so much for posting these man! I'm in the New England Area myself, I'm always happy to see fighters out of here in the ring.

So you're a amateur fighter? Hows that work? How do you get into amateur MMA? How old are you?

I've been looking to do amateur MMA, but I'm scared that my grappling and Striking experience is so minor. Glad to see you're realizing your strengths man, when is your next fight? Is there any plan in terms of going pro?

**Soldiermedic** · Posted On: 7/26/2011 7:36am

I was at Cage Titans, it was a good card and an excellent fight. I really thought that overhard right at 10:02 was gonna be it, but he held on. You attacked smart and it paid off.

**Tom .C** · Posted On: 7/26/2011 8:13am

Awesome! Both fights. You fought a lot smarter in that second match. The first fight was pure heart on both sides and was wild as hell. Without a doubt that fight was going to be finished with a knockout from either one of you. The luck just fell the other way. You also have some damned fine coaches and look pretty well rounded. Keep it up man, you're doing great.

**Mannetosen** · Posted On: 7/26/2011 2:11pm

That was a really good performance. You should feel very proud about that.

**The_Beak** · Posted On: 7/26/2011 5:54pm

We have a new contender for Best Kin beating Matt video.

That fight commentator sucked by the way. He could commentate his way out of a wet paper bag. If I ever get to call a fight I going to do it like a soccer commentator from Mexico.

**money** · Posted On: 7/26/2011 10:17pm

Originally Posted by The_Beak

That fight commentator sucked by the way. He could commentate his way out of a wet paper bag.[/video]

I liked him. He seemed to have a good grasp of what was going on the whole fight.

Also, count me a fan of the smaller fighters - it gives me hope. Strikistanian, what's your normal walking around weight?

**strikistanian** · Posted On: 7/27/2011 1:55am

Thanks guys!

Shotfighter, to be an amateur MMA fighter all you need to do is talk to a promoter and arrange a fight.

I just turned 21 the day after my fight. That's two in a row that I've fought right before my birthday, and I've won both times! :D

I intend to go pro after I finish school. I have two semesters left before that happens.

Tom C, I don't feel like it was luck so much as me not fighting my fight. He's damned good at slugfests -- me, not so much. My gameplan for that fight was pretty much identical to the one I used against Matt Doherty. Unfortunately, I kinda forgot about it in the heat of the moment.

Money, I agree about the commentator -- I like Mike Polvere on the mic. He's not super-exciting, but he does know his stuff. I've heard FAR worse commentary from local MMA shows.

Also, I walk around at 150. When I have a fight coming up, I diet down to a little above 140, then cut 5-6 lbs of water. To make life easier, I'm now trying to walk around at 144-145.

**Krijgsman** · Posted On: 7/27/2011 8:55pm

That big dropping overhand during the 3rd round ground 'n pound reminded me of Hendo's big bomb on Bisping.

I know very little about what it takes to fight in the cage, but I have heard "stick with the game plan" enough times that it seems pretty important. You seemed to do just that.

Very well fought. Much respect.