808 Battleground exploded with action and excitement in Waipahu tonight as the third installment of this local promotion took to the cage and delivered. There were submissions and TKO's galore which brought the crowd to their feet. From top to bottom, the card was stacked with serious fighters who came out swinging for the fences. All I can say is that if the talent in Hawaii was ever doubted, you need only show them the fights on this card and all doubt will subside.

The second fight of the night set the tone for all that followed. In a main event worthy war, Sitivini Manu and Vincent Aalama exchange blow after bone crushing blow. The two went toe to toe firing off massive shots that would have leveled lesser men. I and most of the people in attendance would love to see a rematch. Congratulations to both fighters for bringing the excitement level to a maximum.

In a fight that most overlooked, Edward Thommes and Randy Kamaiopili kept the electricity flowing through the crowd. Both fighters did a great job as they battled back and forth from feet to the ground. While Randy showed a little more precision in his hands, Edward did what he does. He calmly worked his game plan and once he saw his opening in the second round, he took the victory with a SUPERB Rear Naked Choke.

Bubu Souza took the fight to George Felix with a nice mix of position control and head kicks. This one was a little one sided, but the heart and chin shown by Felix was amazing. Souza threw everything including the kitchen sink and Felix took it. But inevitably the fight was stopped. Though Souza walked away with the victory, George Felix can be proud of the heart he showed in that war.

I think I mentioned in articles past that Max Halloway is a serious contender. His form was not much different tonight. Andrew Costellano did not let the hype get to him as he stormed into the fight throwing powerful kicks and punches that almost seemed to catch Max off guard. The two stood and traded kicks, punches and knees while the fans were in awe. There were a bevy of "ooooooo's" and "AAAAAAAAAAAH's" while both fighters put on somewhat of a kickboxing clinic. It all came down to the amazing evasiveness and precision of Halloway and he ducked and dodged punches only to land a killer shot that would end the fight. As Costellano tumbled to the mat, the crowd erupted. Max Halloway has done it again. It is only a matter of time before the big shows come calling for this kid.

I would also just like to say that Jan Qimoyog is an absolute beast. For those who witnessed his work for the first time tonight, you only saw half of the game. His kickboxing skills are through the roof and he didn't even get a chance to display it. Tonight he decided to unleash his grappling and Jiu Jitsu skills. His opponent took him down and delivered some nice shots. After Jan made it back to his feet again, his opponent took him down again. But alas, Jan lured him directly into a triangle choke that cut the night short. AWESOME!

Ian Dela Cuesta took on the determined young fighter from Guam, Josh Alvarez. Ian came in very strong and diverse in his strikes. His kicks were brutal and ranging. He kicked the legs, the body and the face. His knees were brutal as well and his fists. Ian controlled all of the first round and most of the second until Alvarez saw an opening and took it for the win. Alvarez took Ian's back and sank in an inescapable Rear Naked Choke. " He shocked me. I thought he was just going to box me but he mixed in his kicks and knees. When I saw an opening I took it. I had lost my base but I heard my corner screaming to me and I listened. It was a really tough fight and definitely something I can learn from and grow from" said Alvarez.

Russell Doane took on the other fighter from Guam by the name of Jon Delos Reyes. As soon as the fight started, it appeared to be over for Delos Reyes. Doane threw an INSANE flying submission attempt that almost ended the fight in the first seconds. Delos Reyes managed to escape immediate danger only to never fully emerge from the skillful clutches of Doane. " I was expecting more of a standup battle. I trained for the ground game but I just didn't expect it. Took me out of my game plan. But even though I lost I feel this fight will help me get better" said Delos Reyes.

Thank you to both fighters from Guam who showed so much gratitude and respect. Thank you to 808 Battleground for an amazing event. Both visiting fighters would like to thank the Hawaii fans and fighters for treating them so well. They were so pleased with the atmosphere here that they assure MMA Hawaii that they will return soon. They would also like to thank all the supporters from Guam that helped them reach Hawaii.