On Top 2 by Tom T

Post date: 19-Jun-2011 17:32:50

Following a successful debut earlier this year On Top Promotions made the move to their new home in Bellahouston leisure centre for their second instalment “On Top 2”on 18th June.

Topping the bill in an all pro card was the 4 man tournament to crown the promotional champion in the welterweight division. Top Scottish prospect Stevie “fucking” Ray of Edge MMA faced off against Irishman Mervyn Mullholland of IFR in the first semi final and earned victory by way of a triangle in the second round. On the other side of the bracket Cathall Pendred continued SBG Irelands impressive run of form by taking a decision victory over his Swedish opponent Nicholas Musoke. However, an injury sustained during his victory prevented Pendred contesting the final and his slot was filled by Musoke. The Swede dominated Ray and earned a submission Victory in the dying seconds of the first round. Musoke, who looked like a different fighter in the second bout, invited Pendred to a rematch and I’m sure On Top would love to have the Irishman, who controlled the eventual champ during his victory, back to Glasgow again.

In only his third fight Marcos Nardini, Scotland’s adopted Brazilian submission wizard, faced a tough test in the form of one of Europe’s top featherweights, Lithuanian Sergei Grecicho. Nardini, clearly looking to take the battle to the ground found takedowns hard to come by and often sat to guard following Grecicho’s impressive sprawls. Unfortunately for Nardini the capable and experienced Lithuanian made few mistakes and managed to avoid the submission threat and Ground and Pound his way to a decision victory.

Mataleon Lightweight Graham Armstrong was looking to continue his recent run of good form against Swedens Claes Beverlov. However, a well executed Triangle choke in the first round ensured victory for the Swede.

Underdog Rob McCrum looked impressive and dominated the more experienced and higher ranked Greg Knapp in the first round of their Bantamweight bout. Regrettably for the Scotsman Knapp landed a knee in the second round which left him unable to continue. Although the eventual outcome may have been that expected by many McCrum gave a good account of himself and impressed those in attendance.

Dinky Ninja fight team lightweight Sean Wright earned his third MMA victory in an impressive stoppage over London based American Richard Edwards. Wright used his impressive Muay Thai skills to stop his opponent early in the first earning a bonus for KO of the night.

In the earlier bouts DNFT fighters Bryan Hislop and Martin Delaney looked impressive earning victories over Irish opponents. Having only recently turned pro both have bright futures in the sport. Teammate Allan Johnston, also new to the pro game, drew with Alex Montagnani and a move down to welterweight may suit in the future. In the sole heavyweight encounter Ayrshire MMA’s John “Slugger” Mcgurk stopped Griphouse fighter Andy Hillhouse through Ground and Pound in the first Round. Ultimate fighter veteran Mick Bowman (Wolfslair) showed good takedown defence in the first round against DNFT’s Kerian Malone before forcing the Glasgow fighter to submit in the second round with a guillotine choke. Darren Gray (DNFT) outpointed independent fighter Ryan Quinn and Mark Platts (Faktory) defeated Fighters Hive’s Darren Gilchrist in the first forcing the referee to step in following undefended strikes.

Along with SFC On top seem to be raising the bar for MMA in Scotland and with the next instalment set for September things are looking bright for the fledgling brand.

TOM T