Come Friday night November 9th, it’s all about loyalty. This is the opportunity that a lot of Hawaii’s young fighters hope for. In the words of the promoter, “This is the stadium!” Referring to all the young football players’ hopes of playing in the famous Aloha Stadium. The Blaisdell Arena is the “Stadium” of Hawaii’s MMA world.
The roots of the X-1 promotion go back to the smaller venues held at the O’Lounge in Honolulu, Hawaii. Some of Hawaii’s current and future stars have fought in this “feeder” show. Some being the former Icon Featherweight Champion Chico Cantiberos, Deutsch Puu, Kona Ke, Derek Stadler, Shaison Laupola and Makoa Hanaike.
For the fighters who have been working hard in the O’Lounge events, this is their reward for their loyalty. They have the opportunity to not only fight in the Blaisdell Arena, they get a chance to fight on the same card as 135lb Title holder Ed Newalu and 170lb Title holder Mark Moreno, soon to be representing Hawaii in the UFC.
At tonight’s weigh in’s it only seemed fitting that the “drama” between Dirty Curty and Brennan Kamaka continued. After weighing in, both fighters did a little “taunting” building up to tomorrow nights bout. This bout has been the talk on forums everywhere, and after all the media surrounding this bout, the only place to be tomorrow night will be the Blaisdell Arena.
Still a little hesitant about the show? Don’t be, or else you will be missing out on some of Hawaii’s future stars. The fans will be in for some treats with a 140lb Amateur MMA Tournament and entertainment by Ooklah the Moc, B.E.T. and Be-on Paradise.
For an event that had only 6 weeks to come together, the sold out seats speak for themselves. With most of the card made up of amateur talent, the fans got their fare share of action and entertainment. The event started with some pre-fight entertainment as well as more during the intermissions by Oooklah and the Moc, B.E.T and Be On Paradise.
The night started at a blazing pace, with the first few fights ending quickly. In the 140lb tournament the bouts were 1 round. For some it was enough, but for others a second round could have easily changed the tides of some of the bouts. Keola Silva showed strong ground work to put away his 3 opponents enroute to the 140lb Tournament Title.
For the rest of the amateur bouts Sean Sakata, Herman Santiago, Cisco Bringas, Collin Mansanas and Kawika Paul made quick work of their opponents. Most bouts ended near the 1 minute mark. The only bout to make it the full distance was Kaniela Ahnee’s win over Jon Barnard.
Crowd favorite Doug Hiu had the crowd going with his first round domination of Analu Brash. Round 2 proved to be just the opposite, Hiu’s takedown attempt was stuffed early by Brash. Brash ended up on top and worked some great ground and pound before submitting the very tough Doug Hiu. Brash’s efforts won him the vacant X1 Heavyweight Title.
The highly anticipated match between Dirty Curty (Curtis Pedro) and Brennan Kamaka proved disappointing to the fans. Although it was a great win for Kamaka, after all the hype the crowd just expected more.
Kana Hyatt survived a vicious ground and pound attack by X1 champion Ed Newalu, and was able to pull out the win by rear naked choke.
In the main event Hawaii’s own Mark Moreno lost in very hard fought non-title bout against UFC veteran Chad Reiner. Moreno dominated the 1st round landing some huge blows to Reiner, but all those hard shots came with a price for Moreno. Going into the 2nd round Moreno fought with a broken hand and the momentum turned to Reiner who was able to end the night for Moreno with a Kimura at 3:33 in round 2.
Chad Reiner def Mark Moreno - Kimura Kana Hyatt def Ed Newalu - Choke out Analu Brash def Doug Hiu - Brennan Kamaka def Dirty Curty - Non continuance Sean Sakata def Ben Santiago - Rear Naked Choke Kawika Paul def Jordan Patterson - Ref Stoppage William Armstrong def Nui Wheeler - SPlit decision Herman Santiago def Shaison Laupola Collins Mansanas def Steve Farmer def Chris Kutzen - Decision
Winner of the 140 tournament - Keola Silva
X-1: New Bloods! – A night about pride, not profits!!! Story By: Marcus Chapman - MMA Hawaii Member
November 9th, 2007 Blaisdell Arena Honolulu Hawaii! A night that marks the first steps in a world class arena for many of the up and coming fighters on the well balanced card. From excellent live music, uniquely designed seating, and a clever entrance setup, X-1 took a HUGE step up from their last event at the Blaisdell satisfying both fans and fighters! The event consisted of an under card, an 8 man 140lbs tournament, and a main card which many thought would lead to a very long and drawn out show. . . not the case. Once again X-1’s Mike Miller have surprised many by seemingly setting up fights that somehow end quickly, yet are evenly matched and action packed! How? Guess it’s a trade secret, but whatever it is it works!
(I missed the under card, so if anyone has a play-by-play please repost. A few of the fighters are very good, and I would enjoy seeing how they did)
8 Man 140lbs Tournament
This tournament should have been known as the "Endurance Tournament", because these warriors fought just about back to back and always brought their all! The roster was well rounded, and consisted of some of Hawaii’s top tier 140lb fighters!
Fight 1: Willy Dela Cerna VS. Collin Mackenzie
Both of these fighters are know for their striking, Cerna being known for his brutally aggressive _style_ and Mackenzie for his efficient well placed blows. There was no real feeling out here, Mackenzie opened with a wonderful head kick that rocked Cerna’s head and also seemed to wake him up. Cerna rushes in for a takedown and scores, going into Mackenzie’s guard. Cerna attempts a guillotine choke, which Mackenzie escapes while also attempting to stand, which Cerna answers by scoring another takedown. Mackenzie quickly goes for an armbar, which Cerna counters into a seemingly tight ankle lock from which Mackenzie escapes, also gaining the mount. Both keep working until the end of round.
Winner: Willy Dela Cerna via Unanimous Decision – Willy Dela Cerna advances
Fight 2: _______ VS Keola Silva (I did not catch the first fighters name, and I am sorry. The card said it was to be Gary Rabellizsa, but I thought I heard his corner saying Chris. My apologies to the fighter in question)
The bout opens and Silva shoots in with quick with absolutely explosive energy, constantly working from an unorthodox dominant position and landing some crazy GNP (Ground and Pound) from all angles, the crowds “Ooo’s!” could be heard as some of the more powerful blows connected. Silva quickly secures a strong keylock, but instead of tapping ________ uses his free hand to land some well aimed face shots! Although, Silva ceases the attempt, he proceeds with more GNP. Out of nowhere ________ escapes and appears unscathed! ________ proceeds to land some nice body and headshots, Silva shoots as _______ sprawls. Round ends.
Winner: Keola Silva via Unanimous Decision – Keola Silva advances
Fight 3: Jared Iha VS Jay Bolos
Iha came out to the theme song from Japanese anime series Dragonball Z, and right away set himself apart appearance wise with dyed blond hair and a large black Japanese Kanji “Chikara” or “Power” on the back of his head. Both fighters come out and exchange power blows, with Iha landing a heavy right that causes Bolos to slightly stagger which prompts Iha to shoot in causing both to go the ground. Iha achieves dominant position, but Bolos strategically uses ropes, which prompts Ref. to stand them back up. Both exchange, Iha rushes and achieves a takedown which he transitions into an RNC (Rear Naked Choke), Bolos fights it, but eventually taps.
Winner: Jared Iha via Rear Naked Choke – Jared Iha advances
Fight 4: William Armstrong VS. Nui Wheeler
Armstrong rushes pushing Wheeler into the corner, and achieves a takedown landing in Wheeler’s guard. Wheeler scrambles and explodes! Standing to feet and throwing punches, but positioning still has him in corner. Armstrong pushes Wheeler along the ropes and scores a takedown, achieving dominant position. Wheeler explodes again, and strands becoming the aggressor pushing the pace and scores takedown, laying some nice GNP. After prolonged ground time, Ref. stands both up. Armstrong looks tired, but attempts a quick spinning back hand which Wheeler dodges prompting both fighter to exchange until the end of the round.
Winner: William Armstrong via Split Decision – William Armstrong advances
Fight 5: Willy Dela Cerna VS. Keola Silva
Both fighters have a long feeling out process, both no doubt aware of the others abilities. Silva rushes, and achieves takedown, works with some classic GNP while Cerna defends well. Cerna uses legs and kicks off Silva, and attempts to stand, Silva covers well and works to achieve side control. Cerna defends until round’s end.
Winner: Keola Silva via Unanimous Decision – Keola Silva advances
Fight 6: Jared Iha VS. Collin Mackenzie
Due to an eye injury, William Armstrong was unable to proceed in the tournament. While standard procedure grants his position to his last opponent (Nui Wheeler), there was a slight mix up and Collin Mackenzie was chosen to be his replacement.
Both do even exchanges, Iha shoots and quickly achieves a full mount. Mackenzie defends, and attempts to escape. Iha positions for and attempts a RNC, but Mackenzie reverses and works into Iha’s guard. Both attempt to stand, and in the mix up Iha scores a takedown, and achieves side control from which he finishes Mackenzie with an improvised extended arm lock.
Winner: Jared Iha via Submission (Arm lock)
FINAL FIGHT! Fight 8: Keola Silva VS. Jared Iha
Light exchanges between these two muscle bound warriors. Very long feeling out process due to similar _style_s, and builds. Silva rushes in for takedown, Iha defends but Silva uses physical strength to lift and slam Iha to the mat! Iha instantly closes guard. Silva works, passes guard into half guard. Both keep working, but it’s Silva who achieves side control and intiates some GNP. Iha attempts to stand, and Silva holds him until the end of round.
Keola Silva is very, very reminiscent both in physique and _style_ to world class fighter, and former UFC Champion Sean “The Muscle Shark” Sherk. He used his superior strength, and ground game to work his way through a more than able roster of fighters and achieve victory! Congratulations Keola!
MAIN CARD
Kyle Kaahanui VS. Steve Farmer
Both fighters feel each out well, but it is Farmer who shoots in and scores a takedown landing in Kaahanui’s guard. Farmer works and achieves a full mount, Kaahanui attempts to escape, prompting Farmer to take side control. Farmer works as Kaahanui defends, until Kaahanui does an excellent reversal which is quickly reversed by Farmer. Farmer goes for a Kimura, which Kaahanui avoids, but Farmer locks in a neck crank from side control and yells out as puts all his strength in the move. Kaahanui taps and Farmer is declared the victor.
Winner: Steve Farmer via Submission (Modified Neck Crank) RD:1 TIME: 2:55
Collin Mansanas VS. __________ (Once again I did not catch this fighters name, and I apologize to him if he is reading this.)
Mansanas shoots in, _________ sprawls. Mansanas uses a beautiful reversal, and transition to achieve back control. Initiates some GNP, ________ tries to work. Mansanas starts to deliver some very strong GNP, ______ covers vitals but unable to work, Ref. steps in and stops bout.
Winner: Collin Mansanas via TKO (Ref. stoppage due to strikes) RD:1 TIME: 1:58
Sean Sakata VS. Ben Santiago
The bout opens with Sakata shooting in, and Santiago defending. Sakata scores a takedown, and quickly powers his way to full mount. Sakata works in some GNP, and eventually takes Santiago’s back from which he locks in a tight RNC. Santiago holds out, but eventually taps.
Winner: Sean Sakata via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) RD:1 TIME: 53 seconds
This fight was very reminiscent to Sakata’s performance at the last X-1 at the O’lounge. He used his physical strength, and superior ground game to secure a victory. I look forward to seeing more from him in the future.
Brennan Kamaka VS. Dirty Curty
Coming into this fight, many of the fighters and media were visibly excited. The fans may have not known the significance of this bout, but those who follow MMA Hawaii.com or the local fight scene closely know that these two have been a part of a rivalry that has been going on for months!
Both fighters feel each other trying to determine which game they are going to play, Kamaka’s standing or Curty’s ground. Curty shoots in, but Kamaka defends and both end up in a clinch from which Kamaka scores a takedown! Curty slides to the ropes and tries to utilize them to be stood back up, but Kamaka lands several hard shots through the ropes. Eventually the Ref. stands them up, but Curty does not move, and is slow to recover. Kamaka looks down and ask him to get up, but Curty looks dazed. With Curty unable to proceed the match is called and Brenan “The Punishment in Paradise” Kamaka is declared the victor!
Winner: Brennan Kamaka via TKO (Strikes? Non Continuation?)
After the bout, Dirty Curty asked for the mic and addressed the crowd. He explained his distaste at the fact he was allowed to be struck through the ropes, and that he was unable to defend with the ropes in his way. He then made a few humorous statements to show he was still in good nature. This left a lot of people a bit disappointed, but a rematch in a cage would be quite a good idea *hint hint*
Jordan Patterson VS. Kawika Paul
This one took place while I was in intermission so I missed it…which is a shame because I saw Kawika Paul at the weigh-ins and out of feat for my own life I avoided interviewing him! A few male fans in the crowd jokingly called him “The Nightmare Man”, and I would have to agree. This guy looks fierce! The match ended quickly though from what I could hear.
Winner: Kawika Paul via Ref. Stoppage (Dislocated Shoulder) RD:1 TIME: 40 seconds?
Analu Brash VS. Doug Hiu – X-1 Heavy Weight Championship Bout
Analu Brash quickly caught the eyes of many people in the crowd because of his physically monstrous presence. He was truly a beast of a man. His entrance was mixed with cheers and various reactions of surprise in the crowd, his opponent however, Doug Hiu, received the loudest applause of the entire night. The appreciation for Oahu’s Doug Hiu was truly deafening. This was one of the quickest paced heavy weight bouts I’ve ever witnessed.
Round 1 Both fighters exchange with quick blows until Hiu shoots in causing Brash to defend, both fighters scramble and fall out of ring! Back into the ring, fight! Hiu swings wide, Brash dodges and pushes Hiu into the corner, both clinch, Hiu landing knees in the clinch and scores a takedown going into Brash’s guard. Starts working some GNP. Both working, Brash mainly defending. Out of nowhere, Brash uses brute strength and powers his way out, both fighters on feet! Hiu scores another takedown, goes in Brash’s guard again, and works some GNP, utilizing very powerful elbows, the crowd is going crazy! Hiu passes and takes Brash’s back, Brash attempts to buck (lean forward and throw opponent off back) Hiu, but Hiu counters by trying to sink a RNC, 1 min left! Brash explodes and powers out taking a dominant position and delivering some GNP to a tired Hiu consisting of knees to the head. Hiu shifts and escapes GNP, end of Round 1.
Round2 Brash comes out and lands a vicious hook combo, Hiu attempts a powerful punch which Brash dodges causing Hiu to lose footing, Brash capitalizes and lands on Hiu. Brash proceeds with a GNP consisting of knees and punches. Hiu declares he is unable to continue and the match is stopped.
Winner and new X-1 Heavy Weight Champion: Analu Brash via Non Continuance RD:2 TIME: 1:21 or 1:41 (It was a little loud)
CO-MAIN EVENT: Kana Hyatt VS. Ed Newalu - X-1 135lb Championship Bout
Hyatt opens up with a low kick that has some power behind, Newalu shoots in quick and scores a takedown going into Hyatt’s guard. Hyatt goes for a quick armbar attempt from the bottom, but Newalu shakes it off and goes for a crashing elbow which just misses Hyatt’s face and slams into the mat. Hyatt attempt to kick off Newalu, but Newalu continues with very strong GNP consisting of bone shattering elbows and well timed punches, Newalu is relentless in his assault. Newalu stands while still holding Hyatt’s legs and looks for an opening, Hyatt does a surprise reversal and takes Newalu’s back! He quickly works for a RNC, and locks it in tight! Newalu fights it with all he can, but eventually taps.
Winner and new X-1 135lb Champion: Kana Hyatt via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) RD: 1 TIME: 3:??
After this fight such a show of respect was shown by both sides, it truly showed why MMA is different in Hawaii. While Newalu was still down from the RNC, he was in Hyatt’s corner but Mike Malone of the East Sidaz (who was in Hyatt’s corner) instantly came to Newalu’s assistance, giving him water and words of encouragement. After the victor was announced, Newalu being a true champion hoisted Hyatt upon his shoulders and introduced the new champion to the crowd. Excellent sportsmanship.
MAIN EVENT: Mark Moreno VS. Chad Reiner NON-TITE MATCH
The crowd showed their love for the Hawaiian bad boy and current X-1 Champ Mark Moreno as he entered.
Round1
Reiner comes literally running out the corner, rushing Moreno! Moreno side steps and lands a well placed punch to Reiner’s face. Reiner goes in and gets the clinch, both fighters struggle around the ring eventually falling to the ground, with Moreno coming out on top. After briefly working, Moreno backs off and let’s Reiner stand, taking to the match to his specialty. Reiner comes out with consecutive spinning heel kicks in order to close in for the shoot, Moreno defends very well and winds up in the dominant position again! Both fighters stand into a clinch. Ref. breaks them apart. Reiner comes out with more kicks and shoots in, but again Moreno defends and begins to deliver some GNP. After brief inactivity on the ground, the Ref. stands them up. Reiner rushes in, but Moreno side steps delivering a very hard hook which prompts Reiner to shoot in, Moreno defends again and achieves a dominant position. Moreno works and goes for a RNC, but quickly dismisses the idea for some more Moreno _style_ GNP. End Round 1.
Round2
Reiner rushes in close, both fighters clinch. Blows are exchanged, and both begin to struggle towards ropes where they almost fall out. They are stood back up, and both wind up right back in the clinch. Moreno loses his mouthpiece, but Ref. doesn’t notice, Moreno doesn’t care and keeps fighting! Ref. finally sees mouthpiece and stops fighters so Moreno can replace. Both fighters rush and go back into the clinch, this time Reiner scores a takedown and works quickly for a full mount! He achieves the mount and delivers some GNP while Moreno defends well, but Reiner quickly goes for an extended arm lock and secures it tightly! Moreno struggles, and pushes his pain threshold to the max, but eventually taps!
Winner: Chad Reiner via Submission (Extended arm lock)
Hats off to Reiner for a very nice comeback! Although records wise Reiner should not have been the underdog, that is exactly what he was coming into this bout. Primarily because he is unknown on this island, whereas Mark Moreno is very well known, and respected.
OVERALL REVIEW
There is nothing really negative to say about the event tonight! The night was excellently managed as always, the fights evenly matched, and there was not down time in between bouts! The live music was incredible and there were more than one or two heads swaying. The only negatives would be the mix up with Nui Wheeler not being chosen to continue, and a fight that took place out side of the arena, but security was all over that so that actually wasn’t an issue (security was on it last night!). A few anticlimactic battles here and there (BK VS. DK), but other than that the nights fight were very entertaining! Hats off to X-1 for another fantastic showing and especially for giving some of these fighters a well deserved reward for all their hard work!
stadium!” Referring to all the young football players’ hopes of playing in the famous Aloha Stadium. The Blaisdell Arena is the “Stadium” of Hawaii’s MMA world. 