Jacob Akin and Mark Sears didn't disappoint with the second fight of the night. Akin always promises an exciting fight with his brawling style and "take no prisoners" attitude. Tonight he had his hands full with Sears who's only lost 2 fights in his career. At the staredown Sears appeared the bigger, stronger opponent at 145 lbs. Within the first seconds of the bout, Akin came charging out of his corner with a flying knee. Sears easily ducked it, and quickly took Akin down. Wasting no time, Sears used his size and strength to bully akin into the corner of the ring to take his back. He quickly secured a rear naked choke for the win. Congrats to both fighters for taking on a difficult fight. Instead of dodging a tough opponent, Akin and Sears manned up and agreed to fight each other. True warriors!
Matt Haefle got submission of the night with a beautiful reverse armbar on his opponent Justin Barstow. Both fighters were evenly matched with their stand up and ground game in the first round. But it was Haefle who threw the reverse armbar when no one expected it in round 2. Congratulations to Haefle as he continues to look better with every fight.
Chris French vs. Brent Ault was an excellent fight. Both fighters stood toe to toe for most of the three rounds, with French getting the better part of the takedowns and dominant positions. The judges all agreed as they gave French the unanimous decision for a win well deserved.
The fight for the 108 Belt began with Derek Williams and Aaron Winzer at 170 lbs. Williams, a 108 veteran dominated Winzer in the first round with a perfectly timed suplex where he transitioned to full mount and dropping bombs as Winzer was saved by the bell. The second round was pretty much more of the same, as Williams took Winzer down at will and eventually sunk in a rear naked choke for the win. Derek Williams is 1 Zero 8's new 170 lbs. Champion!
The second title fight of the night featured Joe Perry and Brett Stewart. This fight had fireworks written all over it, as both fighters like to keep it standing. Perry had a huge crowd behind him as the chants of "Joe, Joe, Joe" resonated throughout the arena. Early in the first round, Perry threw a flying knee that barely missed Stewart. After throwing the flying knee, Perry landed awkwardly as he appeared to injure his leg. Both fighters exchanged jabs and leg kicks in the first as Perry limped back to his corner after the round ended.
Coming out of his corner in the second, Perry was visibly limping on one leg. With the heart of a champion, Perry kept fighting and didn't back down from Stewart's leg kicks and punches. To Stewart's credit, he noticed Perry was limping and capitalized on the injury by attempting more takedowns. With one bum knee, Perry was unable to defend the takedown and spent most of the second round on his back.
The third round was more of the same as Perry limped around the ring trying to stave off Stewart's takedowns. With the crowd chanting "Joe, Joe, Joe" throughout the entire round, it was apparent that Perry was not going to pull off a miracle as Stewart defended well on his feet and secured the win with a last second takedown. Both warriors fought an excellent fight, and Perry's got nothing to be ashamed of. He lasted three championship rounds with a blown knee and never once backed off on his offense against a tough opponent. Congratulations to Brett Stewart for being 108's new 145 lbs. champion!
The next battle had to be the most anticipated fight of the night, Jett Jones vs. Doug Thompson. Jones has a tough battle ahead as he faces a collegiate wrestling stud by the name of Doug Thompson. At 205 lbs., it was apparent that Thompson was the bigger, stronger opponent. Jones, however has excellent jujitsu that could negate Thompson's strength and wrestling. The big boys were ready to engage at the sound of the bell as Thompson bullied Jones against the ropes for the single leg takedown. Jones defended nicely with a sprawl and was able to throw in a couple knees to Thompson's ribs. Apparently those knees woke Thompson up as things went from good to bad for Jones. Jones allowed Thompson to slip behind him in the clinch and Thompson picked him up and sent him airbone onto the mat. The huge slam appeared to rock Jones as Thompson took side control and dropped a few more bombs that put Jones to sleep. It was a devastating slam and knockout that put the crowd on their feet! Doug Thompson is the new 1 Zero 8, 205 lbs. Champion. Props to Jett for holding two titles in two different weight classes. Even though he lost the 205 lbs. belt, Jett is still undefeated at 185 lbs. and the current title holder for that weight class.
The last title fight of the night featured Andrew Tyson and Joe Sugden. Tyson has a perfect record and this was his third title fight for 108. Sugden was game and did what few fighters could do against Tyson. Going 3 rounds. Tyson stuck to his game plan of ground and pound and still has yet to find someone that can solve his equation. After 3 grueling rounds, Tyson got the judges nod and won the unanimous decision to retain his 155 lbs. belt. Congratulations to Andrew Tyson for being the longest reigning champion for 1 Zero 8.
108 would also like to congratulate P.J. O'Neil for getting into the ring and successfully proposing to his girlfriend in front of the sellout crowd. 108 would like to wish P.J. and his lovely bride-to-be a long and prosperous life together!
A copy of this spectacular night could be purchased at 108's online store. Every dvd is professionally produced and edited. 108 would like to thank you everyone that came out to support us and we look forward to having another blowout Sept. 18, "Border War".
