Fighters Only

Issue 021

January 2007

Sunday 12th November, Hammersmith Palais, London

Written by Jim Page & photographed by Lee Whitehead

Following their two successful Cage Rage Contenders shows at Caesars nightclub in Streatham, the Cage Rage promotional team moved the show to the more glitzy and spacious venue of the Hammersmith Palais. The home of dodgy club night ‘School Disco’, White Collar boxing and more was in for a slight shock with the arrival of this night of mixed martial arts action.

Top of the bill once again following his loss to Jess Liaudin at Contenders 2, Lee Doski came through some tricky moments to show the gulf in groundfighting skills between him and up-and-comer Dean Bray. Lee suffered early in the clinch as Dean landed some hard knees, but Bray slipped attempting a high kick and gave up side control. From that point, Lee looked in total control, moving quickly to rear mount and finishing with a rear naked choke.

Fights of the Night

Two fights from the card stood out due to both their intensity and the reaction they drew from the packed house. In the first, Marvin Arnold Bleau took on Jake Bostwick in a ‘winner takes all’ grudge match, brought on by Marvin’s knockout victory over Jake’s father Terry on the previous show. Jake began the second round with some shady sportsmanship, kicking Marvin as they touched gloves; Marvin didn’t seem flustered and soon shot for another takedown. Again, Jake sprawled beautifully and pinned Marvin to the floor, pounding his unprotected head until he forced the grappler to call it quits.

The second barnstormer of the night was the clash between veteran Sami Berik and the latest product of the Roughhouse gym, Andre Winner. After some ferocious exchanges Sami took the fight to the floor but found himself trapped in a triangle. The hold seemed to be fully locked on and at one point Sami looked to be unconscious. Andre transitioned to an armbar which he cranked to breaking point, and finally smashed his way to a hard earned stoppage victory in the third round.

Paul Taylor had a rough break in his fight with Ch’e Mills, submitting to a rear naked choke. After some competitive early stand up, Paul was on the bottom in turtle position when a hooter sounded in the crowd. Both fighters immediately stopped; but, unfortunately for Paul, the round was not finished and Ch’e quickly took advantage by sinking the choke.

Michael Johnson showed some fantastic counter-wrestling in his second round victory over Andy Walker. Knocking his man down twice in the first round, Michael sealed the win in the second round forcing a submission with ground and pound.