Samurai Fighting Championships closed out the year with a stacked card from top to bottom, here’s what went down!
Samurai Fighting Championships: A New Eara
Once the home of Cage Warriors Academy Wales, Samurai FC has expanded its horizons and entered a new era. The overall promotion of the event has been upscaled. Fighter training footage and montages of previous crowd reactions to big wins has given the event a new and fresh feel. Jack Shore also joined Brett Johns on commentary last night-two pioneers of Welsh MMA. The addition of professional bouts headlining the card kept the energy high in the crowd for the whole night.
Standout Performances:
Ethan Hardisty – Ethan Hardisty (representing Impact Gym) opened the night squaring off against Renegades Abdifatah Hasan. Hardisty made quick work of this fight displaying some excellent striking skills in the first round. During a striking exchange between the pair, Hardisty landed a solid lead hook sending Hasan to the mat in brutal fashion. This was Hardisty’s debut MMA bout, if he continues on the trajectory, he will be one to watch at 170lbs!
Ellis Richards- Ellis Richards notoriously brings a huge crowd at these events, and last night didn’t disappoint. It was clear to see who the favourite was heading into this bout. He faced off against Kavan Evans. This fight was dominated by takedowns and grappling by Richards. It was here where he put Evans in a deep triangle choke and began to land some vicious strikes, ending the fight in the very first round. Ellis now moves to 5-1 and continues to make a name for himself on the MMA circuit.
Sam Hill- Sam Hill faced off against burgeoning prospect Josh Sinnet in the second title fight of the night. Round one begins with a short striking exchange but quickly goes to the ground. Sinnet locks in his signature triangle choke but this is reversed. Sam Hill counters Sinnets triangle choke with a kimura, ending the fight in the first round. Hill gave the crowd one of the biggest upsets of the night, defeating the hometown hero for the title. A great display of determination and skill from the Renegade fighter.
Josh Reed- With two cancelled bouts in 2023, there was question marks surrounding Reed’s inactivity heading into this bout. He squared off against 10-4 Corrin Eaton in the headline fight of the evening. The first round saw some engagement in striking, followed by a takedown attempt from Eaton. It was here where Reed sunk in a guillotine choke. Rolling from guillotine, to mounted guillotine, constant adjustments and commitment to the submission forced the tap from Eaton, showing everyone watching exactly who Josh “crazy horse” Reed is, ending the night with a showstopping performance.
The Future:
The future is looking bright for this promotion. Heading into 2024, the event looks to debut in Cardiff, where fans can expect a larger space to scream and support their favourite fighters. With amateurs and pros leaving it all on the line on these shows, they’re not one to miss! Samurai Fighting Championships 3 will take place in March. After last nights results, it looks to be an exciting one.
Stay tuned for updates, and let us know your thoughts on last nights show in the comments below!
