By Jonathan King, The Clinch Report
The term “Proving Grounds” first came to use as a phrase to describe the site or facilities the military would use to test new weaponry. These clandestine locations were often remote, and shrouded in secrecy. Many of these weapons ended up on the scrap pile of obscurity, but a few, the ones who survived the proving grounds, became destructive forces that ended up defining their existence.
Mixed martial artists are, in a way, similar to these unproven weapons. CXF: Proving Grounds is the place that separates the wheat from the chafe. If you can’t win here, there is no reason to even think about going any further. It may seem harsh, but it is not.
CXF is the mirror all young fighters need to look into. There are no excuses here, only performances. The Proving Grounds is an unforgiving environment for fighters. There are no easy wins here. There is no padding the record. Each win is earned. Each fight is designed to test the fortitude of both of those involved.
This unforgiving environment results in some of the best fights the State of California and the sport of MMA have to offer. Producing fighters from the best MMA gyms in California into weapons that hope to become destructive forces and carry themselves to the next level.
Here is a preview of the 3 Title Bouts for this Saturday’s CXF: PROVING GROUNDS at the World Famous Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, California.
Alfred Kashakyan (6-2) vs. Anthony Perales (5-2)
CXF BANTAMWEIGHT (135 LBS.) TITLE BOUT
Glendale Fighting Club’s Kashakyan is an electric striker and has fought here many times before. Another impressive win over a tough opponent in Pacific Martial Arts’ Perales will go a long way to ensure Kashakyan’s graduation to the next level. Already on a short list of prospects ticketed to the UFC, this may be the last time you get the chance to see him fight on the regional scene.
Overcoming tough challenges is nothing new to Anthony Perales. The Madera, California native found marital arts as a way to avoid the troubles he so often witnessed growing up. As a young MMA fighter on the rise, Perales utilizes a well-rounded game plan with an emphasis on grappling, as evident in his submission win over current UFC Flyweight Willie Gates.
Dominick Clark (8-6 MMA) vs. Emilio Chavez (11-7 MMA)
CXF LIGHTWEIGHT (155 LBS.) TITLE BOUT
The lightweight title will be on the line when Dominick Clark takes on the always game Emilio Chavez. Both of these young warriors have fought under the Lights Out Promotions/Bash Entertainment banner in the past. And based on their prior engagements, this matchup is certain to entertain.
The last time Dominick Clark was inside our cage, he needed only 1:09 to put former UFC fighter Chris Saunders to sleep with what he dubbed as the ‘All Dayotine’. Since then, ‘All Day’ picked up an impressive KO win over Charles Diaz dispatching him in just under a minute with strikes, however he has lost a few tough bouts as well. Now he finds himself back in familiar surroundings fighting for a title. Equally dangerous on his feet or on the mat, Clark is capable of winning wherever the fight goes.
Emilio Chavez has also fought here before, earning two wins under the ‘Chaos in The Casino’ series. The always durable and crafty Chavez is a jack of all trades. Extremely well rounded, his experience is perhaps his best asset. With almost 20 fights as a pro, Chavez has shared the cage with some talented young fighters, picking up wins over Derion Chapman, Dmitry Gerasimov, and Armen Bakanyan. With the title on the line you can expect both of these young warriors to be primed and ready for battle.
Casey Greene (4-1 MMA) vs. Curtis Millender (8-3 MMA)
CXF WELTERWEIGHT (170 LBS.) TITLE BOUT
The CXF Welterweight Title features two of the most dynamic strikers on the west coast. Bellator veteran Curtis Millender is set to take on recent Glory Kickboxing contender Casey Greene in what is certain to be a standup war for the ages. Greene will have the edge in the clinch, possessing some of the best knees and elbows in the game. However, at range Millender may have the advantage. The owner of a nasty jab, Millender scores really well as a counter puncher.
Both of these fighters are extremely creative strikers that move incredibly well, so on paper, this is easily a candidate for Fight of the Night. Normally you would expect a striking matchup like this to produce a highlight reel KO. However both of these young men have granite like chins. Expect a close back and forth war that could go the distance.
CXF: PROVING GROUNDS is presented by In Sync Productions, Lights Out Promotions, and Bash Entertainment, takes place on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at Sportsmen’s Lodge Event Center located at 4234 Coldwater Canyon Ave. (cross street Ventura Blvd.) in Studio City, California.
Tickets from $50 can be purchased online at www.valleyfightnight.com or you can view all the action live on FITE TV for $9.99.
Doors Open at 6:30pm; First Bout at 7:00pm. All bouts are subject to change.
