Night of the Samurai 2
Title:
Night of the Samurai 2
Venue: Sanctuary Arena, Milton Keynes, UK
Commentary: Neil Adams & Phil Norman
Running time: 60mins (approx)
Number
of fights: 7
Company: Total Fight Forum with Spearhead Productions
Available
From: Regular video outlets (HMV, Blackstar etc)
Rating: 7 out of 10
The
tape
This is another well-produced tape from Lee Hasdell with professional
sound and picture quality. The bouts are shown from several angles giving
a clear view of the action along with the occasional slow motion replay.
Additionally, the fighterÕs names appear onscreen as they enter the ring
with a clip of a previous fight appearing in a small window.
The commentary by Neil Adams and Phil Norman is ok with Neil sounding
much more comfortable in front of the microphone.
The
Fights
Vale Tudo
1. James Zikic (London Shoot) V Scott Goddard (RINGS UK)
Billed as a grudge match this fight pits two of the UK's future stars
against each other. After a brief exchange of strikes Goddard clinches
and scores a foot sweep taking it to the floor but is unable to pass the
guard. Scott gets posture attempts an Achilles lock but doesn't finish
it and both combatants are back on their feet. More strikes and Zikic
drops Goddard with a right hook and follow him to the canvas. James breaks
away and lets Scott get up but this proves to be a mistake as Goddard
lands a big overhand right which ends the bout.
Goddard by TKO R1 1:55
2. Phil Norman (JKD) V Tony Somers (Geoff Thompson Academy)
British title bout.
Right from the off Somers was looking to clinch and take it to the mat
while Norman wanted to work his stand up. Somers lands some good punches
while they are in a corner but is unable to bring Norman down. Norman
pushes his opponent away and follows him into the centre of the ring where
he unleashes a brutal left roundhouse kick to the head lifting Tony off
the floor.
Norman by KO R1 1:50
3. Gerrard Coville (UK) V Ciro Gallo (Italy)
Both fighters look sharp coming out swinging with Coville getting the
better of the exchange landing some good knee strikes. After a break by
the referee Gerrard lands another knee which drops Gallo. Gerrard takes
Gallo's back and slips in a choke. Despite being caught Gallo doesn't
tap and goes out.
Coville by KO R1 0:50
4. Justin Gray (UK) V Matheiu Nicourt (France)
European title bout.
Gray comes out of his corner throwing bombs before clinching and pulling
Nicourt into his guard and immediately going for an armbar. Unlucky in
not getting the lock Gray returns to the guard and most of the round is
spent in this position with Gray attempting sweeps and armlocks while
Nicourt opts for G'n'P. Round 2 starts with some nice stand up Justin
once again going to his back and the round continues in much the same
way as the first.
Gray wins by Judges decision
RINGS rules
5. Chris Watts (Milton Keynes) V Lee Threlfall (Manchester)
The fighters tie up in a corner before Watts attempts a guillotine and
pulls Threlfall into his guard. Lee passes to the mount and frees his
head but the fight gets stood up. Back to floor and Threlfall takes Watts's
back causing him to use a rope escape. Most of round to is also spent
on the mat with Threlfall using to rope escape to avoid a choke and an
armlock. Both fighters look pretty sloppy.
Watts wins on points
6. Lee McGuiness (Milton Keynes) V Paul Cahoon (Liverpool)
Time and time again during this bout Cahoon nails a leg tackle, passes
the guard and mounts but is unable to finish due to McGuiness holding
him round the body. Despite dominating the whole fight, near the end of
round two Cahoon grabs the bottom rope as he is bridged towards it and
it's counted as a rope escape.
McGuiness wins on points.
7. Lee Hasdell (RINGS UK) V Kanehara (RINGS Japan)
Fought over one 15 minute round this is a rematch with Hasdell having
lost in their previous encounter. Despite dominating the standup with
some impressive striking Hasdell looks out of his depth on the floor and
it is here that he has to use two rope escapes to avoid tapping to armbars.
Kanehara wins on points
Weighing in at only sixty minutes running time this is a short, but still
enjoyable, tape that's a must see for any fans of the UK scene.
7 out of 10
Links
-
SFUK Vision - Levo's MMA photo site
-
Leicester Shootfighters - Levo's club
