SFC 5 Review and With ALL Fights Photos

Post date: 04-Dec-2011 13:23:36

SFC moved into Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall for their fifth show on Saturday night and any worries that the step up in capacity would be an issue for the promotion which started in Stirling were soon forgotten as what appeared to be an almost capacity crowd filled prestigious venue.

In the main event John Cullen (DNFT - Dumbarton) faced Martin Svensson (Sweden) for the promotions vacant featherweight strap. Cullen had already fought Paul Reed for the belt but that bout ended in a draw and with Reed unable to commit to the rematch at this time the highly regarded Swede was brought in to contest the title.

In a thrilling battle Cullen landed on his feet but was frustrated by the Swede, a giant at the weight, who was able to dominate position on the ground for much of the five rounds. Cullen showed why he is one of the most exiting fighters in Scotland with his continuous attacks and unorthodox attempts to strike his opponent from every position he found himself in. Cullen said before the bout that he was looking to take Svennson into deep water where his cardio, following such a weight cut, may come into question but the tall Swede used his long limbs to thwart most of Cullen’s attempts to get out from underneath him. The fight ended in the fifth round when Svennson locked up a triangle from mount before rolling to his back and delivering elbows whilst tightening the choke. The referee stepped in to bring the bout to a close as Cullen went out due to the blood choke.

In the Co main event Dan Hope (DNFT) took on Jonathan Westin (Sweden) to claim the SFC welterweight title recently vacated by Stevie Ray. Westin showed his hype may be deserved and he has submission skills to match his “Blue Steel” poses when confronted by a camera. He locked up an anaconda choke late in the first and forcing Hope to tap out with around 20 seconds remaining. With Ray moving on and looking towards the UFC John Quinn may fancy a second attempt at getting his hands on the belt and getting back on the winning track.

In a middleweight bout Lycans MMA Neil Laird took on the hugely experienced Shuan Lomas from Sheffield following the withdrawal of his original opponent, Frenchman Vincent Del Guerra. Lomas who has allegedly has had over 60 fights, although not all are recorded, was able to dominate the first round and deliver vicious ground and pound. Unfortunately the young Kilmarnock warrior was unable to come out for the second due to a cut. Laird, who had until this bought had competed in the welterweight division, is already scheduled to face Heavyweight Rab Truesdale in the new year. We look forward to seeing him in the cage again!

In the other pro bouts the highly regarded Muay Thai fighter Ally Smith fighting out of the WOSSOBAMA gym and West Coast MMA in Ayr submitted welsh late replacement Joshua Dennis in nine seconds with a guillotine choke. Adam Stevenson, now representing the Scottish Martial Arts Centre submitted Welshman Craig Allen with an armbar in the first without too much difficulty and Alan McCauley (DNFT) impressed with a dominant performance in all ranges before knocking out Manchester Predators Phil Flynn in the first round. In the evenings first pro bout Lycans MMA Shaun “the disgrace” Taylor avenged an earlier semi pro loss by chocking out EK MMA’s David Hamilton early in the first.

Highlights from the Semi Pro undercard included Lycans MMA flyweight Iain Postlethwaite going 5-0 beating durable Frenchman Abdel Lib by armbar in the second round. Iain was originally due to face Stephen Cusick in a bout which many hope can be made next year.

DNFT’s Andy Burns showed an impressive ground game in his submission victory over Darren Kinloch (Dundee Shooters) and both Paul “Sparra” lopez (Asylum) And Calum Murrie (SMAC) showed great skills in a back an forward fight which ended with a keylock submission for Murrie.

Overall SFC put on a great event with the grappling competition and exhibitions on during the day really building the sense of occasion prior to the evening show which production wise was as good as any event held in Scotland to date. With On Top sharing a venue and many fighters appearing on both shows the friendly rivalry between the promotions and inevitable attempts to outdo each other and bring top fighters to Scotland, there can only be one outcome......Happy days for Scottish MMA fans.

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