By: Jonathan M. King of The Clinch Report
In 1848 after gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill, California became the place for the bold to stake their claim to a bright future. Now nearly 170 years later, California Xtreme Fighting is the new Sutter’s Mill and our young mixed martial artists are the miners seeking their fortune. The times may have changed, but the bounty is still the same. Everyone wants some of that sweet sweet gold, and on April 22nd, plenty will be on the line.
Here is a preview of ‘CXF: Gold Rush’ on Friday, April 22, 2016 at The Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, California. The talent laden card features some of the top young mixed martial artists in the world with each one of them looking to strike gold.
The Title Bouts:
Karen Darabedyan (11-5 MMA) vs Joe Condon (11-9 MMA)
CXF 160lbs Championship
This fight could easily be a money fight on a televised card. Both of these fighters have competed at the top level in mixed martial arts, both are still in their prime and both share a ridiculous grappling pedigree. Joe Condon has fought for titles in King of the Cage (twice), and competed in the 155 lbs tournament for World Series of Fighting. His experience speaks for itself. On his feet Condon has decent hands, but his defensive skills are amazing which often leads to openings for take downs. On the mat his finishing instincts shine. His methodical transitions to the back are relentless, and singular in purpose. Simply put if you give up your back, its pretty much over.
Condon’s opponent, Karen Darabedyan is talented beyond words. Darabedyan a student of Gokor Chivichyan and Gene Lebell has some of the best leg locks in the game. If he grabs a leg, your going to be limping for along time. On his feet Darabedyan utilizes his compact frame to explode into his punches like a coiled snake. If he turns your chin, the room will get dim real quick. Once he has his opponents wounded, Darabedyan does not show mercy. Well he sort of does as he doesn’t waste any time and usually the finish comes quickly!
Both of these fighters are climbing their way back to the top of the pecking order, so you can expect a war! This fight will not only produce the CXF champion, the winner will also be arguably the best lightweight fighter in the state!
Moses Murrietta (2-0 MMA) vs Matthew Spencer (4-1 MMA)
CXF Middleweight Championship
In his last bout for CXF, Moses Murrietta was two parts lightning and one part thunder. Showcasing his superior boxing skills, he systematically picked apart a very tough John Gendron in a split decision victory. Murrietta sets up his power well with ranging strikes. He will need to use that range to contain his opponent who is somewhat of a bulldog. Matthew Spencer is built like an NFL fullback, and is just as athletic. In the clinch his power transforms opponents into victims quickly and on the mat things only get worse. A brown belt under Eddie Bravo, Spencer can quickly make the fight a foggy memory if your not careful. With a belt on the line, you can expect one hell of a high octane battle.
Jay Bogan (5-5 MMA) vs Cody Bollinger (16-5 MMA)
CXF Featherweight Championship
Cody Bollinger is a veteran who has fought in pretty much every organization from the UFC on down. His stifling wrestling pedigree has picked up some pretty nasty striking along the way. Currently mired in a 3 fight losing streak Bollinger is looking to rebound with a win that would put him right back in the mix in the featherweight landscape. What his opponent Jay Bogan may lack in experience he certainly makes up for with ridiculous submission skills. With four of his five wins coming via submission, Bogan is quick to attack in the transition. Equally dangerous on top position or on his back, Bogan can end the fight in an instant. This fight could end up being a battle of transitions, with the winner being crowned the CXF Featherweight Champion.
Alfred Kashakyan (5-2 MMA) vs Andrew Natividad (3-4 MMA)
CXF Bantamweight Championship
Andrew Natividad is a very experienced and well rounded fighter. He possesses the one quality you cannot teach a fighter. He is a grinder. However in his last 2 fights, he came up on the wrong end of a decision to Ruben Duran and Juan Archuletta. His opponent Alfred Kashakyan has devastating knockout power in both hands, and brings a huge arsenal of weapons to the cage. Kashakyan is also coming off a disappointing loss, so his appetite is larger than ever. With the winner being crowned the CXF Bantamweight Champion you can bet this is going to be a great fight. Early candidate for Fight of the Night.
Other Notable Matchups:
Terrion Ware (11-5 MMA) vs Rob Gooch (4-2 MMA)
Once the combat gods get their eyes on a matchup, they must be satisfied. This fight has been a long time coming. Finally after clearing up some red tape, and after all the injuries are healed, these two are going to throw down. Rob Gooch may be at an experience disadvantage record wise, but his skill is unquestionable. Equally dangerous on the mat or standing, Gooch is an extremely efficient fighter, a tactician with a keen mind. If your not on the ball at all times, Gooch can grab an arm or a leg, and end the fight in an instant. His opponent Terrion Ware has seemingly been one fight away from the UFC for a while now. Possibly one of the best bantamweights outside of the UFC, Ware is looking to make a statement – one signed with leather. A highlight reel win over a fighter like Rob Gooch may be the final piece in the puzzle. This fight could easily end up being the Fight of The Night.
Armen Bakanyan (1-3-1 MMA) vs Dmitry Gerasimov (4-4MMA)
This is an easy candidate for Fight of the Night, simply because it already has been! If this rematch is any where close to as good as the first fight, everyone is in for an action-packed treat. The first fight ended in a close split decision that favored Gerasimov. Now 3 years later, these two are set to square off again. This time Bakanyan wants revenge, and his opponent Gerasimov wants to remove all doubt. Get ready for a nasty grudge match with all the violent trimmings. A last minute replacement on the card may end up being the best fight of the night!
Jordan Isordia (2-3 MMA) vs Derion Chapman (2-4-1)
Both of these young scrappers bring a ton of talent and energy to the cage. Isordia is the type of striker that likes to stay in the pocket, he certainly is not afraid to take a punch in order to land one. Chapman is more of a floater, who likes to inflict damage quickly before exiting from his opponent’s range. On their feet, the fight could go either way. However should the fight hit the mat, Chapman is very dangerous off his back. This bout could be a back and forth war that produces a magical finish.
This event is in memory of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to charity. Never Forget!
“CXF Gold Rush” presented by In Sync Productions, Lights Out Promotions, and Bash Entertainment, takes place on Friday, April 22nd at Sportsmen’s Lodge Event Center located at 4234 Coldwater Canyon Ave. (cross street Ventura Blvd.) in Studio City, California.
Tickets can be purchased online at
www.MMATixx.com or
by calling (626) 388-8888.
Tickets start at $50 for General Admission; $75 Reserved and $150 Cageside.
A limited number of VIP bottle service tables are also available.
Doors Open at 6:30pm; First Bout at 7:00pm. All bouts are subject to change
