With the dust settling on Samurai Fighting Championships 3, here is what went down after another action packed night of mixed martial arts!
Ebbw Vale leisure centre opened its doors for the third instalment of Samurai Fighting Championships, and it did not disappoint. SFC continues to up the levels in production value. With Jack Shore, Brett Johns, and Jo Robins on commentary this added a great layer of expert knowledge and great play by play calls. The Combat Co also had a stall at the venue, providing fans and fighters with high quality athleisure and fight kit. VIP tickets sold out prior to the show, with only a few standard tickets left for sale at the door. These quickly sold out also.
It’s difficult not to include every fight in this piece, as all impressed! Below is a breakdown of the fights that impressed the most. Look out for a further piece which will specifically include break out stars from last night.
What Went Down at Samurai Fighting Championships
Rio Paparrigas vs Kyle Richards- With both fighters having just one fight under their belt, both were coming with something to prove. Both fighters active on the BJJ scene, this really was a battle of the grapplers. Round one begins with some solid striking exchanges from both. It was clear to see each fighter was looking for an opening for a takedown. Richards shot and landed a takedown on Paparrigas, which was soon reversed with a textbook sweep from the Draig fighter. Rio then sunk in a deep Darce choke which was well fought off by Richards who showed grit and tenacity. Round two begins with a similar story, excellent grappling from both fighters, Richards attempted an rear naked choke which turned the tables momentarily. Scramble after scramble leads Paparrigas to a guillotine choke, ending the fight. Both athletes showed great heart and sportsmanship post fight. This fight was a beauty to watch for all grappling fans out there.
Dan Kitchen vs Matt Howarth- With the SFC lightweight title on the line, this fight was not one to miss. Round one begins with some good striking and movement from Howarth. This was answered with some heavy cage wrestling from Dan Kitchen, followed by a takedown. It was here where a clash of heads likely took place which opened a deep cut above Kitchen’s eye. Cut man Andy Bridges did an excellent job fixing up this nasty cut, which allowed the fight to see the second round. This round saw a lot of grappling, and many submission attempts by both fighters. Round two ends with Howarth in top position. The final round saw Howarth pushing the pace and leading the exchanges, landing the majority of takedowns. Dan Kitchen could be seen striking from the bottom and constantly looking for submissions. The fight goes the distance with both fighters leaving it all in the cage, covered in their own blood. Matt Howarth wins via decision and takes lightweight gold. This was an excellent display of mixed martial arts.
Fight of The Nights
Ioan Thomas vs Theil Edwards– Undefeated prospect Ioan Thomas took on Renegde’s own Theil Edwards for the Middleweight strap. Round one opens with some excellent striking from Thomas, landing a mixture body and head kicks. This was answered by a takedown attempt from Edwards, which was soon reversed by a Thomas into a takedown of his own. Edwards did well to get up each time he was taken down. Round two begins with some more striking and wrestling from both fighters. Edwards gets to his feet and engages in heavy cage wrestling with during this round. Edwards defended takedowns well throughout this round. But Thomas persisted. Round three begins and stays on the feet for quite some time. This was until Edwards throws a body kick, which is caught and swept Thai style by Thomas into yet another takedown. This time, he was sure to keep Edwards pinned. From here, he took mount position and rained heavy blows on Edwards until the final bell. Thomas displayed cage IQ far beyond his years in this fight, and showed yet again why he was named “the future”. Ioan wins via unanimous decision.
Harrison Coventry vs Eoghan Masoliver- Another title fight with two young prospects in a battle of Ireland vs England. Both fighters begin round one with calm confidence in their striking. However, Masoliver gets the better of Coventry in almost every exchange. This is answered by a takedown attempt which is stuffed by Masoliver. Round two begins again with more striking, Coventry returns off the stool sporting a nasty swelling on his eye. Masoliver utilises his range and targets this swelling again and again. Coventry attempts many takedowns in this round, with little success. Masoliver truly looked to be on another level in this fight. Round three saw a similar story. Harrison Coventry dug deep but it wasn’t enough. A takedown attempt was revered where Masolvier decided to end this on the ground. He sunk in a violent modified guillotine choke from the back of Coventry. He clinically picked apart his oponent and went for the finish when he knew it couldnt be well defneded. Remember the name. Eoghan Masoliver wins via round three submission in spectacular fashion. This young man would not look out of place in the pro ranks. He impressed and silenced any doubters last night.
What’s Next?
SFC opens it’s doors again in May. This card is likely to be stacked once again and isn’t one to miss! Gone are the days of amateurs looking amateur. Last night displayed that the next generation of fighters are truly lethal. Fans are in for a real treat watching these young stars climb their way through the ranks. Stay tuned for a coming piece on breakout stars from last night!
