London Shootfighters have perfect 3 for 3 record at Cage Rage Contenders 3. Tony Pasos, Michael Johnson and Marios Zaromskis all victorious.
Sunday 12th November, in a packed out Hammersmith Palais, 3 London Shootfighters stepped into the cage for Cage Rage Contenders 3. Making his pro debut was Tony Pasos. Returning to the Cage after an unlucky loss by Kimura keylock to Nakamura at Cage Rage 16 after a long stint away, was Michael Johnson. And finally returning the the Contenders arena after a loss at the the previous event, was the secret weapon, Marios Zaromskis.
First up (and fighting 2nd on the card) was Portuguese fighter Tony Pasos, who has rapidly risen through the amateur fight leagues, clearly standing head an shoulders above his previous opponents. He was up against Elite's Dan Movahedi via rear naked choke early in round 1. Tony took a couple of low kicks that didn't seem to phase him before taking it to the ground, where he is most comfortable (having won his last fight at Intense Fighting by a very fast takedown to keylock. He proceeded to ground and pound Dan a bit, eventually taking his back. Fatal mistake made by Dan in that he tried to back punch Tony, thus letting him take the choke and a quick victory. When asked who he'd like to fight at his weight, Tony exclaimed that he knows who he wouldn't want to fight! Melvin!
Next up was Marios Zaromskis who came back to avenge his loss to Che Mills at the last show. The Lithuanian Super Soldier started in typical style, wanting to keep the fight standing, but his opponent wanted to take it to the ground. A lot of wrestling ensued and Marios was more than capable of looking after himself on the ground, typing his opponent up and forcing the ref to stand them up. Suprisingly the win came in the beginning of round 2 with Marios securing a triangle rather than his standard KO victory. Eventually he managed to roll to top position with the triangle on, eventually getting the tap and showing that he is a well rounded fighter. Look out for Marios in the future. He's definitely one to watch.
Finally London Shootfighters veteran, Michael Johnson returned to the octagon to thunderous support from the crowd. He began in superb style with what was (from where I was standing which was ringside looking straight at Andy Walker) a 1 punch knockout. He was out as he fell (and even if you couldn't see his eyes roll to the back of his head as I did, just the way he fell, it was clear he was out). However as he hit the ground it seemed to be a flash knockout and he recovered in time for the ref to continue the fight, though visibly shaken. Mike wanted the ring experience, though having been out for a while (prior to the Nakamura fight) so was happy to take it easy and play for a bit. A very calm Michael was in Andy's guard throwing down his shoulder into Andy's face. Walker tried to out jiu jitsu Michael, but was never really too successful. After a few stand ups due to stagnant work on the ground and Andy looking to bait Michael and then shoot for take downs, round 1 ended. Michael ended up finishing the fight early in round 2 by submission due to strikes. Michael seemed very calm on the ground, talking to his corner. He seemed very calm in there altogether (well after the initial onslaught when he had his war face on), clearly showing that his time away from competition has not taken any toll. We look forward to seeing Michael at a Cage Rage Championships event soon!
Another final note - Jeremy "Bad Boy" Bailey was in attendance on Sunday. Jeremy who trains with and fights for London Shootfighters always provokes a reaction from the audience whether good or bad, you can't deny - he always entertains. Good to have you back in the fight community Jeremy. We look forward to seeing you back in the cage.
Well done guys!! Roll on Cage Rage 19!
Filed Under: Fight results
