Craven claims Lightweight Professional title. Barker crowned new Flyweight champ. Fans witness one of the greatest fight cards in Wyoming history.

On a night where there were many things to do in Casper, Wyoming a capacity crowd witnessed 12 stellar bouts of MMA action at the 81st edition of the Kick Down MMA promotion which was titled "Stand and Deliver" and the fighters did just that.

Bryant Craven who announced his retirement just after a  1:46 victory by omaplata in the 1st round over Mike Ambern claimed the professional lightweight title which had previously been held by Colby Snyder.

 Chad Barker showed great standup skills and strenghth and finshed Josh Kissell by referee stoppage due to strikes at 2:04 of round one to become the new Flyweight MMA champion.

Matt Manzanares defeated Kehlin Rozsel by triangle choke and showed why he deserved to claim the Featherweight title at 2:11 of round 2.

Andrew Kauppila wins on all judges score cards 29-28 to retain his amatuer lightweight tile with a victory in an absolute war with Mike Siedelberg.

 Cody Connell handed Jacob Williamson his first defeat at 2:32 of round 1 by way of Guillotine to run his record to 2-0.

TJ Nunnaley perservered the onslaught of Randy Speiser to turn the tide at the conclusion of round 1 and wins when Speiser cannot answer the bell to begin round 2.

Logan Petro was all business and scored a 30-27 unan decision victory over Lee Hardin to become the new Jr Lightweight champion and run his record to 5-3.

Jimmy LaCrue secures the Americana at 2:06 of round 2 to get the victory over Jesse Gulliford.

Mackenzie Roquermore gets the head and arm choke at 2:20 of round 1 to secure victory over Larry lloyd.

Cameron Thurgood again showed stellar standup which set up the fight ending rear naked choke victory over jared Olguin at 1:52 of round 2.

Spencer Scott wins by trinagle choke at 2:33 of round 2 over a very game Zach Amen.

Scott Campbell defeated Josh Weickum at :45 seconds of round 2 by referee stoppage due to strikes.

A stellar night of action that will be followed up with the full write up. It should be noted that the Ganbare Fight Club went 4 for 4 winning every matc up they faced. There were 5 title bouts and there are now 4 new champions. 2 decisions on the card. New talent that impressed all who witnessed a great night in Casper, Wyoming.

Travis Peak crowned as he new Kick Down Professional Welterweight champion. Josh Kissell becomes only the 5th fighter in the promotions history to hold two different titles in two different weight classes.

 On the evening of Saturday August 29th the city of Casper, Wyoming played host to the 69th installment of the Kick Down MMA promotion which featured one of the most anticipated main events in the 8 year history of the Kick Down. Bryant Craven was no stranger to defending his title and took great pride in the fact that he had held the Welterweight title for over two years and was the 6 time champion. The challenger was Travis Peak who rolled into Casper by way of Nebraska where he now is a P.E. teacher there. The much talked about title fight started out with Craven trying to strike and landed a solid leg kick and then Travis Peak took him down and it was there that he kept Craven on his back for much of the first round but the champion tried to secure up to 7 submiision attempts on Peak which included arm bar attempts and triangle chokes but it was Travis Peak that would work his way out of each one only to end up in side mount or the guard of Bryant Craven and throw elbows and puches from the top. The bell sounded to end the first round and the huge contingent of Travis Peak supporters were standing and throughout the fight they could be heard chanting "Peak" and the electricity within the building was at a near all time high. The bell sounded to start the 2nd round and Craven tries a super man over hand punch and the fighters end up in the clinch and at that moment Travis Peak throws a knee and opens a cut on the right cheek of Bryant Craven. The fight goes to the ground and Peak goes to work on Craven and referee Tim Ouimette steps in and stands Craven up so the medical staff can check the cut. The fight is stopped at :35 seconds of the 2nd round and Bryant Craven is visibly upset and demands to continue stating that the cut is not bad and he can still go. Tim Ouimette waives off the fight and Travis Peak is crowned the new Kick Down professional welterweight champion. Peak did everything needed to win the fight and it should be noted that on all three score cards Peak was ahead 10-9 at the conclusion of round one. It should also be noted that Bryant Craven took Travis Peak to the second round and nearly 3 minutes further than any fighter has ever gone with the newly crowned champion. Travis Peak runs his professional record to 3-0 and has never known defeat in mixed martial arts where he has a combined fight record of 13-0. Bryant Craven will now officially move down to the lightweight division where he has wanted to fight for several months. The town of Douglas, Wyoming is very proud of their champion Travis Peak.

Kehlin Rozsel came into the event the Bantomweight champion making another title defense aginst the challenger Josh Kissell who would fight for the right to become only the 5th fighter in the histroy of the promotion to hold two different titles simultaneously in two different weight classes. Kissell is the Flyweight champion. From the opening bell many of the Casper contingent saw a different fighter than what they might have expected in Josh Kissell. He would stand and trade with the 18 year old known as the "Freak" and then go to the ground. Both fighters would exchange several back and forth attacks but it would be Kissell the agressor in the first 2 rounds in what could best be desribed as a war. The fans jumped to their feet throughout the bout and it lived up to title worthy. Round three was going much the same when the champion Rozsel picked up the paced and rocked Kissell midway through the round but the persistence of Kissell kept himself in the fight. Kehlin tried to work for submission attempts and scored with solid striking and the fans reacted and many in the audience might have been scratching their heads as to who won the fight. Kissell did a fine job in the opening two rounds but Rozsel finished and left everyone remembering what he had done. When the judges score cards were read it was Rozsel that got a split decision victory and in the audience one could hear a smattering of boos. Lead Judge Tim Cotton approached the cage after Rozsel had been interviewed and informed Steve Alley that the cards listed the wrong winner. Kissell in the mean while was in his corner room exhausted being looked at by the EMT's was called back to the caged where it was announced that an error was made and that he was the new Bantomweight champion. Even in error it was good to see that when a mistake is made the integrity of the judges did not take a spledid fight away from who many thought won the fight. In his interview it was Rozsel that stated to the crowd that he was very surprised to have won a round much less a split decision. Thankfully they still got it right. As a result of the "WAR" Josh Kissell is now the Flyweight and Bantomweight Kick Down Champion and we congratulate both fighters for a title fight that had everything.

In other action Byron Sowell faced Brandon Johnson for the vacated Lightweight MMA title. Both fighers came in ready to go and they did. In a back and forth see-saw battle that saw the striking of Byron Sowell and the persistence of Brandon Johnson. It would be Byron Sowell and his night as he wins and after his hard work and determination. Byron Sowell having never fought outside the Kick Down is crowned new lightweight champion. 

Justin Hueske made his first title defense as the Jr. Lightweight Champion and you could not have packed more action into what was just short of two and a half minutes. The bout open and the challenger Jared Olguin came stright across the cage and laded strikes and in the exchange then Hueske took him to the ground and it was Olguin who put up a few strikes of his own and then pinned Hueske and began striking downward and somehow Hueske got out from ubderneath the challenger and back to his feet then they went over to the red corner side of the cage and back to the ground where Hueske landed a hard blow to Jared Olguin who was flat on his back and then finished him with a punch that knocked him out while still on his back. At 2:16 of round two the champion retained his belt.

RESULTS

Travis Peak defeated Bryant Craven at :35 of round 2. (Cut under right eye stopped the bout)

Travis Peak crown new Kick Down Welterweight MMA Champion

Josh Kissell defeated Kehlin Rozsel by split decision.

Josh Kissell crowned new Kick Down Bantomweight MMA Champion.

Shaun Ogle defeated Jason Clayton by Arm Bar at :36 seconds of round 1.

Jeff Wood defeated Isaac Colon at 2:51 of round 1 by referee stoppage due to strikes.

Justin Hueske defeated Jared Olguin by KO 2:16 of round 1.

Derrick Rodrick defeated Eugene Rodriguez at 1:57 OF ROUND 1 by refere stoppage due to strikes.

Byron Sowell defeated Brandon Johnson at :23 seconds of R3.

Bryon Sowell is the new Kick Down Lightweight MMA Champion.

Brandon Campos defeated Anthony Martinez by referee stoppage at 2:51 round 2.

Ed Sensenich defeated Nick Brown at :47 of round 1 by referee stoppage due to strikes.

Troy Mitchell defeated Colby Thomas at :23 of round 1 by Guillotine choke.

Mike Malone defeated Dustin Hodges by unan decision 30-27 on all score cards.

Adam Dorn defeated Brian Dougherty at 1:06 of round 1 by referee stoppage due to strikes.

Rusty Turly defeated Billy Johnson by Guillotine choke 1:48 of round 1.

Chad Barker defeated Richard Long by TKO. (Richard Long could not answer the bell to begin round 2.

OF SIGNIFIGANT NOTE;

Fight of the night goes to Josh Kissell and Kehlin Rozsel. What a "WAR".

Submission of the night goes to Shaun Ogle for pulling off a very slick well placed Arm Bar in just 36 seconds.

Slam of the night goes to Mike Malone in his victory over Dustin Hodges.

Best Knock Out goes to Justin Hueske after being somewhat handled and making a quick turn around to get the "KO"

Fighters to watch in the future: Chad Barker,Ed Sensenich, Rusty Turley,Brandon Campos, Derrick Rodrick. (In no specific order.)

Doors Open at 6:30PM first bout at 7:30PM

FRONT ROW=SOLD OUT

2nd ROW=SOLD OUT

3rd and 4th Row Reserved $30.00

General Admission=$25.00

CALL 720-422-5154 for Tickets

Travis Peak wins in professional debut. Ken Scott and Trevor Pasha battle.

On a warm night in Casper, Wyoming a capacity crowd witnessed  several debut fighters and promising athlete and undefeated fighter Travis Peak who fought veteran journeyman John Sargent. It was Peak who remained undefeated with his successful professional debut victory in the first round of their main event fight. In other action Ken Scott walked out of the cage with his hand raised in victory after a back and forth battle with Trevor Pasha. Kehlin Roszel defended his title Bantomweight MMA title and with his victory his record is now 5-2. Will Ellis claimed the Jr Lightweight title with a 16 second win over Kyle Ramsey which resulted from a round kick that opened a cut that made it impossible for Ramsey to continue. New comer Chris Smith was succussful in his debut at 152 pounds after a former wrestling career at 132 pounds. Complete story to follow.

Fair Grounds Industrial Building-Casper, Wyoming

For Tickets Call 720-422-5154 or 307-251-3095   

Written by J. R. Gordon

The sixty-fourth show of the Kick Down promotion took place at the Red Lion Hotel in Denver Colorado May, 09, 2009.  There were four titles on the line with one of them being in the professional division.

The show was titled fearless.  Show titles always speak toward the fighters and their attributes.  In this case however, the name more appropriately is applied to promoter Steve Alley and his family.  For a touching speech there were several generations of the Alley family that made their way into the cage.  Their purpose was to pay homage to Joyce Alley, Steve, Kevin and Gene Alley's Mother who passed away the day before the event following her battle with cancer.  Truly it was touching to see the family so very fearless in the face of adversity in continuing on with the show in this time of sorrow. 

Bout one: Kevin Wirth Vs Andrew Watts.  Watts tried multiple times in round one to sink in a guillotine choke, but Wirth defended well and was able to take home the TKO win at 1:34 of round two by way of GNP.

On Saturday evening the 18th of April the Kick Down MMA promotion made some new friends and created some new fans. Miles City, Montana played host to the 64th event in the promotions history and the result was a complete success. Already having completed events in Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota, the Denver based promotion opened a fourth market and a new one at that. The result a capacity crowd which witnessed an 11 bout fight card with the main event being a title bout in the Flyweight division between Allen Sosa and the challenger Ryan Clemons. This event sent another clear message to those that witnessed the event that the Kick Down promotion which has long been known for creation of new talent lived up to it's reputation with 14 new comers to this specific event which was titled "Big Sky MMA'.

The fighters did not disappoint.

BOUT 1

Nic Jackson       VS        Richard Long

Jackson came in from Casper, Wyoming. Long reside in Longmont, Colorado. Both fighters opened with an exchange of strikes standing and the action went back and forthwith both fighters holding their own. Round 1 ends. At the start of round 2 both fighters engage once again and Richard Long lands a good straight punch and Jackson goes down. Richard Long jumps on Nick and there lands several strikes to Jackson who is on his side. The referee steps in and stops the bout. Richard Long wins at :22 of round two. Richard Long runs his record to

3-1 and appears to be one of the up and coming new young talents in the promotion.

BOUT 2

Logan Klanke    VS     Justin Hueske

Both fighters met at a catch weight of 160 pounds. Hueske had fought in the promotion previosly. Klanke would make his debut. The bout opened and both fighters exchanged mid section round kicks and at that moment the fight went to the ground where Hueske immediately secured the guillotine choke for the victory at :26 of round 1. Both of these young fighters showed class and character.

BOUT 3

Ryan Duncan  VS      DJ Cook

Both fighters had fought previously in a prior promotion and this was a re-match. Duncan came in undefeated and looked to maintain his record. Cook on the other hand wanted nothing more than to get a victory and move on. The bout opens with a couple of jumping strike attempts by Duncan. The bout goes to the ground where Duncan works from side mount landing strikes. Cook tries to work into a better position but ends up back in the side mount of Duncan. The first round goes back and forth with Duncan the agressor but Cook still working with what he is given. Round one ends. At the beginning of round two Ryan Duncan lands a couple of good strikes and the fight ends up back on the ground and there Duncan secures a key lock at 1:01 of Round 2. Of note in this bout was the fact that both had met before and fought and the result this night was the saem as the prior. Both displayed good sportsmanship and we look forward to both being back soon. Ryan Duncan runs his record to 3-0 with the victory.

BOUT 4

Kylan Zumpf  VS     Cody Miller

Much like the fight card which was filled with new talent, the two Flyweight fighters made theirs as well. We had heard about the skill level of Zumpf and it showed when the bell sounded to start round one he got the huge take down and secured victory at just :13 of round 1 by referee stoppage due to strikes.

BOUT 5

Talon Phillips  VS  Jesse Gulliford

Talon Phillips had fought at Kick Down Casper and Gulliford made his fight debut on this night. The bell sounded and Phillips and Gulliford stood and traded blows and then clinched up where it was Phillips who landed some well placed knees. Gulliford countered and Phillips went after him again putting together a good flurry working Jesse up against the fence and securing a standing guillotine. Talon Phillips gets his first victory with an impressive win against a very tough debut fighter at :47 of round 1 by standing Guillotine choke.

BOUT 6

Forrest Tobin   VS   Mikael Tesfay

Tobin would enter the Kick Down cage the oldest fighter on the card at 42 and he did not look like a fighter his age. Mikael Tefay a 19 year old muay thai striker from Denver had hoped the bout would stay standing. Tobin shot in nearly immediately and took Tesfay down and there he put him against the fence and continued to regn down punches which Mikael blocked in the beginning but after some 45 seconds of same the referee stepped in and bout was halted. Forrest Tobin wins by referee stoppage due to strikes at 1:30 of round 1.

Bout 7

Casey Makor    VS  Zekke Van Orden

Two fighters which led the largest class of new comers in Kick Down history. Casey Makor resides in Miles City, Montana and Van Orden from Casper, Wyoming. The fight starts and Makor does great work standing and then getting the take down. Makor works very well on the ground from the side and a really slick move trying to pass guard and then going 180 degrees to the other side of Van Orden. At this point it is Van Orden trying to find a good place in the bout as Makor continues to work a great ground offensive. Van Orden is not in trouble but Makor controls the rounds as the bell sounds to end round 1. In round two much of the same with Zekke Van Orden trying to position himself as Makor continues to show ground control. From his back it is Van Orden then who finds a triangle attempt and sticks with it and reverses his fortunes with a hard fought victory by way of triangle choke at 1:35 of round 1. This was a very exciting fight and once again show cased the new up and coming talent within the promotion. Both fighters fought as if they had been in MMA for years.

BOUT 8

Jamal Benton  VS  Derrick Rodrick

This bout was one of the highlights on the evening. If an outsider would have sized this fight up by looking at both combatants they might have thought Derrick Rodrick might have some real trouble. Jamal Benton and Deriick Rodrick added to the field of debut fighters on the card and they did not disappoint. Benton was muscled up and had quite the height advantage on the smaller Rodrick. When the bell sounded it was Benton that forced the pace and landed some good strikes standing and Rodrick tried to gauge the distance by doing a masterful job of circling. Again Benton would force the action striking and then take the fight to the ground. On the floor Benton worked for a guillotine and some other submissions but it was Derrick Rodrick that stayed calm and paced himself with stikes of his own and gained some momentum by sweeps of Benton from guard and landing some hard body shots. Round 1 ends and we have a great fight to witness. At the start of the second round it was much the same as the first but this time it is Rodrick that gets the take down and works from the guard of Benton and does a good job of striking from the body to the head and then momentarily works for a kimura, gives up on that and goes back to pinning the head of Benton down with a knee and lands a few strikes to his head and then secures the arm and reigns down a flurry. Referee Damond Clark steps in and stops the action. Dreeick Rodrick gets the victory at 2:26 of round 2 by referee stoppage due to strikes. It should be noted that both fighters put up a demonstration that any promotion would be proud of. Congratulations to both fighters for showing fans how this sport has evolved and what to expect in the future. Many fans commented on how "awesome" this fight really was. We agree. In addition to the many mentioned in this writie up look for Rodrick and Benton in the future.

BOUT 9

Kulin Orcutt     VS   Matt Thomas

Two big heavyweights make their debut. Both at or close to 260 pounds each. Thomas was the taller fighter and Orcutt came into the fight looking to brawl. From the open that is just what both fighters did. They stood and swung at one another and Orcutt looked good and Thomas landed some shots of his own and one got the feeling that someone was going to go down. Matt Thomas then pushed Orcutt down pounced on him took his back and secured the rear naked choke. Fight over. Alot of action packed in just :57 seconds. Winner Matt Thomas by rear naked choke.

BOUT 10

Jon Hostetler   VS  Chauncey LaPointe

Jon Hostetler once again represented one of the record 14 new comers to the promotion. Chauncey LaPointe came into the bout 0-1 and wanted to prove he was a force to be reckoned with. Both fighters opened with solid striking and clinch work and every time the fight went to the ground they seemed to get tangled up with heel hook submission attempts. Round one ends. In round two Chauncey LaPointe attemps two high head kicks that land and both fighters go back and forth striking and working for ground control but it is LaPointe that seems the fresher of the two. Round two ends and it is Jon Hostetler visibly fatigued who cannot anser the bell to start the third and final round. Chauncey LaPointe wins by TKO. It should be noted that Hostetler gave up approximately 11 pounds in the bout as LaPointe did not make weight and they then fought at heavyweight.

BOUT 11

Kick Down Flyweight Title

Allen Sosa   VS  Ryan Clemons

Allen Sosa came into miles City, Montana the current and first ever Kick Down Flyweight champion. His fight record stood at 5-1. Ryan Clemons an 18 year old with much potential entered the cage at 3-1. This match up set the stage for the main event. Clemons had a large contingent of fans in the building and Sosa just a few since he resides some 350 miles away. Clemons had to do some last minute weight cutting due to a mis communication on the exact weight of the fight. He did make weight at 132 pounds. It seemed as if there was a bit of bad blood between the two prior to the bout and even during the bout but they were in Montana to fight. The bell sounded to start round one and it was Ryan Clemons who came out the agressor with a solid strike to the face of Allen Sosa which appeared to rock him and then the fight went to the ground and it was there that Ryan Clemons landed some shots to the body and maintained control on the ground. Having seen Allen Sosa fight so many times it was obvious he was trying to clear his head while in a lay and pray spot. For the outsider looking in Sosa looked somewhat "flat" in the opening round and the bell sounded to end same. In his corner the 307 Fight Club during the break must have really caught Sosa's attention because when round 2 started he looked like a completely different fighter which could best be described as a wake up call. Whatever  was said worked as he opened with some strikes and the fight went to the ground where he secured a head and arm choke at 1:11 of round 2 running his record to 6-1 and retaining his Flyweight Title. Also of note was the fact that we later learned that Allen Sosa fought in the second round with one eye for sight since the other eye socket had been fractured. Sosa will be out for a couple of months but knowing what we know only confirms that he is a true champion to come out and fight like he did with the injury he sustained. Hats off to Ryan Clemons who was just that close to winning the title but came up short. Agreat effort by both fighters and certainly worthy of main event status.

Notes from the Promoter;

It was a pleasure to come into a new market and get the reception we did from the Montana contingent. My personal thanks to Glen Shores, Dawn and Mike Naajtes, the staff that helped with the event and especially to Joe Waller and the fighters.

There are three fights that are certainly worthy of Fight of the Night honors.

Derrick Rodrick and Jamal Benton. What a great display of just about everything.

Zekke Van Orden and Casey Makor. Shows that sticking with your plan can payoff as it did for Van Orden. Casey Makor-you have a bright future here.

Allen Sosa and Ryan Clemons. The young gun (Clemons) did all he could to win in front of his home crowd. Allen Sosa fought off every obstacle to retain his title and keep something he is very proud of. He makes histroy once again.

14 newcomers to the event another Kick Down record. many thanks to those that got in there.

Super Slam of the night goes to Kylan Zumpf who got the huge takedown and a :13 second victory.

Kick Down Fight Wear Submission of the Night. Zekke Van Orden for sticking with his fight plan and securing a triangle choke he tried and gave up on and tried again only to get the submission victory over a very tough fighter.

KICK DOWN 66 is back in Miles City, Montana June 13, 2009 at the Omni Center.

Several new champions crowned. Casper, Wyoming fans brave adverse weather to watch MMA.

Despite frigid cold, blowing snow, highway closures, and a make shift staff Kick Down 62 blew into Casper, Wyoming and left with new champions crowned, new talent to display, in front of a sell out crowd that witnessed history within the promotion and one of the largest attended events since it's inception. On Saturday evening fans witnessed an 11 bout fight card which included 7 title fights and 1 womens bout.

Bout 1

Nick Jackson vs Andrew Watts

To open the show the 3 time Kick Down veteran Jackson squared off against debut fighter Andrew Watts who represented Team Rude Effex out of Pueblo, Colorado. The bout opened with both fighters exchanging punches and the n the fight went to the ground and it was there that Andrew Watts worked some good striking to Nick Jackson as he was on his side and secured the tap out due to strikes victory at 2:47 of round 1. It should be noted that Andrew Watts looked like a seasoned fighter with much more than his debut experience. It would appear that he has a bright future in the sport.

Bout 2

Bud Lawson vs Kico Vasco

Kico Vasco came into the bout on a 2 fight win streak. Bud Lawson had not fought for over a year plus. To open the contest it was Vasco who appeared to have a size advantage and work for the take down and seemed to have in a kimura on Lawson when he swept Vasco and worked for position an a slick transition to a rear naked choke to secure an impressive victory at 2:19 of round 1. In his post fight interview Lawson indicated he will continue fighting in MMA.

Bout 3

Dustin Glosser vs Joe Nunez

This bout featured two fighters that made their debut and did not disappoint. Both fighters exchanged punches from the start and moved back and forth and then the action went to the ground where both fighters continued to work for ground controlslipping in and out of submission attempts with good back and forth action. Round 1 came to an end. At the beginning of round 2 the bout ends up on the ground once again but this time it is Glosser who puts together a solid flurry and the refer. This bout was yet another example of the debut talent within the promotion. Colby Snyder steps in and stops the bout. Dustin Glosser wins in his fight debut at 1:17 of round 2 by referee stoppage due to strikes. potential talent level of the new mma base of fighters in the region.

Bout 4

Sammy Rind vs Jack Johnson

This bout was a professional mixed martial arts bout in the lightweight division. Rind made his professional debut and Jack Johnson looked to even his record. The bell sounded and both fighters touched gloves. Johnson landed a solid leg kick and Sammy Rind tried to work Johnson up against the fence and walked right into a standing Guillotine choke which was applied quickly. Jack Johnson secured the victory at just 20 seconds of round 1. It should be noted that Jack Johnson has been noted for his striking ability but has now secured his two victories professionally by submission.

Bout 5

Ericka Trujillo vs Raquel Pennington

This was to be the only womens mma bout of the evening and it did not disappoint. Both fighters opened up trying to land strikes in the opening round and then the fight went tothe ground where Pennington appeared to have Trujillo in trouble with a head and arm side choke but Trujillo made it out of the round. In the second round the action was a back and forth affair with strikes and counter punching by both fighters. Ericka Trujillo seemed to have gained confidence in the second round and displayed some good clinch work despite some very solidly placed tiep kicks by Pennington. They huge contingent of fans following Ericka Trujillo rose to their feet repeatedly as the bell souded to end round 2. In the third round the fight was much like the first two but the tiep  kicks of Raquel Pennington would keep Trujillo at bay and give her the edge controlling the fight standing and on the ground. The judges scored the bout 29-28, 30-27, 29-28 giving Raquel Pennington the unan. decision victory to run er record to 2-0 and clearly place her in the # 1 ranking in the amatuer class in the promotion. It should be noted that both fighters displayed class and sportsmanship. For Trujillo a good future for a fighter just 18 years of age with the complete approval of her parents and family as they watched her debut front and center at the event. In addition to the family the mayor of Casper, Wyoming was in attendance to witness her first MMA event.

Bout 6

Kehlin Roszel vs Cameron Thurgood

Kick Down Bantomweight MMA Title

Kehlin Roszel would make his first title defense in this bout as the reigning champion. Cameron Thurgood the challenger had shown all of the promise of a champion like fighter in his past 2 outings. The bell sounded to start the contest and Roszel worked some limited stand up and the fight went to the ground. Both fighters worked for ground control and both traded early submission attempts when Kehlin Roszel began landing strikes to the grounded Thurgood who was on his side and Roszel the agressor landed several stikes and took his back and secured the rear naked choke at    of round 1. Kelhin Roszel is the youngest fighter to capture and defend his title in the promotions history.

Bout 7

Allen Sosa vs Gabriel Contreras

Kick Down Flyweight MMA title

Allen Sosa entered the cage Saturday evening with a record of 4-1. Gabe Contreras came in at 4-2. Both looked inpressive in their recent outing at Kick Down 60 to set up this title fight which was historic by the mere fact that this was the first ever Kick Down Flyweight MMA title. The bout opened with both fighters doing all they could to work ground control and the action went back and forth for much of the first round when at the last second of round one an inadvertant knee to the head of the downed Contreras resulted in Gabe having to shake out the cobb webbs and the ringside physician Lane Smothers cleared him to continue which he did. The second round featured some good striking by Sosa and then when the action went to the ground it was Allen Sosa that landed knees from the side while on the ground. When the second round ended it appeared that the title fight was even. Round 3 started and both fighters circled and quickly and precisely Allen Sosa landed a hard shot and Contreras went down. The result-Allen Sosa wins by TKO and makes Kick Down history by becoming the first ever Flyweight champion. Allen Sosa is now 5-1 and is scheduled to make his first title defense in Miles City, Montana against Ryan Clemons on internet pay per view on April 18, 2009. It should be noted that Allen Sosa and Gabriel Contreras showed mutual respect and sportsmanship for one another. After the event was concluded Sosa made mention of what a great person Contreras is-we congratulate both warriors.

Bout 8

Kyle Dye vs Brenton Swanson

Kick Down Lightweight MMA Title

This bout was set to determine the new lightweight amateur MMA champion as a result of the title being vacated by Lannon Quintana. Kyle Dye came into the bout known as one of the most prolific wrestlers in the Casper, Wyoming area. Dye entered the title fight undefeated at 3-0. Enter Brenton Swanson who is the reigning Kick Down Jr. Lightweight champion at 6-2. The bout opened and as expected Kyle Dye shot in for a takedown and from the bottom Brenton Swanson worked his ground position from the bottom to securing a guillotine choke. At :32 seconds of the first round Brenton Swanson wins the Lightweight title. It should be noted that Swanson joins some elite company by becoming just the 3rd fighter in the promotions history by hold 2 different titles in 2 different weight classes. WEC, Sport Fight, ROF, WFC, veteran Chilo Gonzales and IFL, Warriors Collide, veteran Donnie Liles are the other fighters sharing the same distinction.

Bout 9

Art Brown vs Shaun Ogle

Kick Down Middleweight MMA Title

Art Brown walked intot the venue as the reigning Middleweight champion at 4-1. Shaun Ogle 10-3. Ogle knew that he would get  a re-match with Chris Dollbaum with a victory. Shaun Ogle had previosly held the Light Heavyweight MMA title. The bell sounded to begin the title bout and the six foot six inch tall fighter took two quick strides across the cage and knocked Art Brown to the mat. The bout was called at just 06: of round 1. Shaun Ogle is the new Middleweight MMA champion. By virtue of his victory Shaun Ogle got want he wanted and May 9th in Denver, Colorado he will have his re-match with Chris Dollbaum.

Bout 10

Travis Peak vs Mark Gettler

ISKA Rocky Mountain States Welterweight MMA Title

Kick Down Welterweight Title

Travis Peak the event the ISKA reigning champion and Mark Gettle the Kick Down Welterweight champion. This contest would place 2 titles up fro grabs with the two fighters that were 5-0 (peak) and 6-3 (Gettler). Peak is a former stand out wrestler from Chadron, Nebraska. Mark Gettler captured the Kick Down title  at Kick Down 59 with combinations of striking and ground finish work. This bout opened and it was Peak who got the take down and Mark Gettler work well on the bottom until Travis Peak worked a nice transition from side to half mount back to securing an  arm bar attempt which he secured in the first round and maintained his undefeted record running it to 6-0 while at the same time adding to his long list of accomplishments by becoming the new Kick Down Welterweight champion. It should be noted that Travis Peak made mention that he will look to turn professional some time soon.

Bout 11

Damond Clark vs Jeremy Hart

Kick Down Professional Light Heavyweight MMA Title

This bout was scheduled for 3 five minute rounds to determine the new champion as the title had been vacated by the former champion Brian Cristina due to injury. Both fighters wanted to strike so when the bout opened both combatants came out swinging and countered each others attempts. It was Jeremy Hart that landed the harder blows set up by a well placed knee and Clark went down. Referee Tim Ouimette stepped in and stopped the bout which it should be noted was a well timed stoppage. Jeremy Hart is the new Light Heavy Weight champion.

Kick Down 62 notes from the promotion

Fight of the night honors were awarded on two bouts;

Raquel Pennington vs Ericka Trujilo

With Pennington to weather the storm and perservere she places herself in title type status. Ericka Trujillo gets the nod for showing alot of heart getting out of a head and arm side choke to take the bout to a decision in her fight debut at age 18 while her huge contingent looked on.

Allen Sosa vs Gabe Contreras. This fight made history in the promotion and both fighters fought like champions. It was their great display of sportsmanship that would make any promoter proud.

Kick KO of the night

Shaun Ogle by virtue of his 7 second KO to claim the title.

Jeremy Hart by virtue of his :25 second win for the Pro title.

Travis Peak for elevating the sport of MMA and doing all that he has done in an area where there is little population and publicity. We are certain he will make it to the world wide stage in MMA and the big show at some point in the future.

To the great fans of Casper, Wyoming for weathering the storms to fill the arena at Kick Down 62.

Kick Down 62 was dedicated to the Mother of promoter Steve Alley as mentioned she was diagnosed with bone cancer just 2 weeks ago. Our best  wishes go out to Joyce Alley and family.

"Of the night" moments

The setting for the 60th Kick Down MMA event which took place on Saturday February 21, 2009 was Casper, Wyoming and on a night where MMA fans around the world would be watching the UFC the standing room only crowd came to support their favoite fighter and the promotion that they have grown accustotomed to for live viewing in the area. This particular event was titled "Supremacy" and there were several reasons the promotion and it's combatants reigned "Supreme" on this night. A 12 bout card with 2 titles on the line and 9 newcomers to the promotion seemed to be the recipe for what looked like an exciting evening from top to bottom. It did not start out that way. First bout went only :23 seconds and the second bout just :33 seconds and many were wondering if any bout would make it to the second round. Then the second half of the event took over. To the action;

BOUT 2

Jason Clayton vs Talon Phillips

Jason Clayton came into the bout 1-0 where Phillips was 0-1. Clayton went for the take down and immediately went for submission attempts and secured the arm bar victory at :33 of round 1. With the victory Jason Clayton moves his record to 2-0.

BOUT 3

Mike Rutherford vs Toby Rathbun

Mike Rutherford made the way from Scottsbluff, Nebraska and Rathbun from Montana. Rutherford entered the bout 2-1 and Rathbun 1-0. Many has picked this sleeper as a possible fight of the night but due to the furious pace of both fighters from the very start the fight ended once again in the first round but not before both combatants worked striking, submission attempts, position reversals-all in the first two minutes. Then Mike Rutherford secured the arm bar victory at 2:04 of round 1. Both fighters were in extremely good shape. Mike Rutherford has never lost in the Kick Down promotion which is another testament to the Pangsuko Shoot Fighting Team. Also look for Toby Rathbun in this promotion in the near future as he has the goods to deliver based upon his performance against what has to be considered a #1 contender.

BOUT 4

Richard Long vs Dameon Baker

Richard Long an independent fighter from Longmont, CO came into the event fighting for the second time in Casper to face Dameon Baker. Much like bout 3 the pace began to turn up and both fighters worked striking and ground control. It appeared that Baker had the upper hand in variuos parts of the round when towards the end of round 1 Richard Long landed a couple of strikes to the face of Baker. Baker countered with same. The first round saw much of everything and ended. Dameon Baker could not anser the bell to begin round 2 due to a possible hand fracture. This one had all of the makings of one of those back and forth battles it was a shame to see it end due to injury. Richard Long gets the victory to move his record to 2-1.

BOUT 5

Ken Scott vs Kico Vasco

This bout was contested in the light heavyweight division. Ken Scott entered the cage with a record of 6-6 and had won his last two bouts. Vasco (3-3) on the other hand had lost both times in the promotion and was hungry for a win and it show from the sound of the bell. Vasco countered when struck and even reversed his position in the clinch to take Scott to the ground and from there worked from the side, then half guard landing some fore arms which set up an attempt at a kimora which was secured by Kico Vasco at 2:36 of round 1.

BOUT 6

Staci Vega vs Raquel Pennington

This was the only women's MMA bout on the card and it was Staci Vega who had a huge contingent of fans in attendance to see her fight debut. Raquel Pennington on the other hand made the trek from Colorado Springs, Colorado to make her MMA debut as well. The round opened and both exchanged and seemed evenly matched in skill and strength despite the size advantage that Pennington had over Vega. Both battled. The fight went to the ground and Vega turned into Pennington where Raquel secured the guillotine choke at 1:45 of round 1. It should be noted that the Kongo Do Fight Team holds one of if not the top winning percentages when they appear in Casper, Wyoming at a Kick Down event and this not added to that figure. It was great to see friends and families of these two women support them the way they did.

BOUT 7

Gabe Contreras vs Ryan Clemons

This match was a bantom weight bout. Contreras coming from the Pangsuko Shoot Fighting Team and Clemons from Team Fearless in Montana. Contreras entered the cage 33 years of age and Clemons another 18 year old. You could hear some murmors from the crowd as they verbally sized up the fighters and many had commented that this "kid" would take a beating. The fans were wrong. This bout started one of the most exciting after intermission action that the promotion has ever seen. The bout starts and it is Contreras that secures the take down and has Clemons in trouble early with a submission attempt and Clemons escapes. Much of the same happens throughout the first round but the pace is quick and it is Clemons that continues to try and secure a guillotine but expends too much energy when Gabe escapes. Round 2 begins. Striking by both and a take down by Contreras and Clemons works the guillotine again and does not let go. Contreras again escapes. Both fighters exchange blows, takedowns, heel hook attempts. Toward the end of the 2nd round it is Contreras that lands strikes and the bell sounds. Ryan Clemons is literally so tired he is circling close to the blue corner and exhausted. When the bell rings to start round 3 he is still barely able to stand and referee Jerome Locke calls the fight giving Gabe Contreras the victory at :03 of round 3. It should be noted that Gabe Contreras in his post fight interview was also visibly exhausted and commented about the heart of the 18 year old Clemons who went down to defeat for the first time. Both fighters showed tremendous heart and class.

BOUT 8

Kyle Ramsey vs Justin Hoeske

 The two undefeated fighters (1-0) faced one another at a catch weight of 165 lbs. Round one saw both fighters trying to land that one big "haymaker" but in every case the fighters would duck or slip the attempt and circle out. Kyle Ramsey would get a big take down but then Hoeske would get a few strikes in. Both exchanged standing and on the ground with a pace that would make even a spectator gasp. Round 1 ends. Both fighters come out to start round two and both exchange with strikes and again slip combination attempts and the fight goes to the ground where both trade back and forth with reversals and end in top position. Both fighters are getting winded with approximately 30 seconds left in the round and Ramsey gets another take down and both hear the bell and go to their respective corners. Round 3 begins much like the entire fight. Both fighters try that one big "shot" but cannot deliver and at this point both are weathered from a frantic pace with mid level kicks, puch combinations and some monster take downs with the dge going to Ramsey. Most of rounds 3 was the same "war" as the prior two rounds but at this point the fatigue has set in a bit more on Hoeske than in Ramsey. Both try and put together a round ending flurry and the fight comes to a close. The judges see their first decision of the evening and the bout is scored 29-28, 30-27, 29-28 all in favor of Kyle Ramsey who moves his record now to 2-0. Ramsey is 22 and one of the new up and coming Kick Down stars who had been under the weather a week out from this bout. Justin Hoeske is 18 and an independent fighter who is now 1-1 and will have a brilliant future if he continues to compete in MMA.

BOUT 9

Mitch Schoenwolf vs Kyle Dye

This bout was a #1 contender bout in the lightweight division and hyped up considerably in the Casper, Wyoming area and although fast and furious it did not dissappoint. Both fighters have prior wrestling history in the area and both looked forward to the challenge. Kyle Dye shot in immediately for the take down and got it and them went to the side pinning Schoenwolf up against the cage fence and reigned down a flurry when referee Jerome Locke stepped in and stopped the bout at 1:23 of round 1. Kyle Dye will now have the opportunity to face the winner of the Brenton Swanson vs Josiah Callis fight for the light weight title at a future date. Dye is now 3-0.

BOUT 10

Allen Sosa vs Josh Kissel

Another #1 contender bout in the bantomweight division. Both fighters came out swinging. Allen Sosa put together some good two punch combinations and Kissel countered with a cross that seemed to partialy rock Sosa and then it was Sosa that started putting together more of a striking attack before the fight went to the ground and ended back up on the feet. Both exchanged knees and other counter attack and the bell sounded ending round 1. Round two begins and both exchange again and then Allen Sosa lands a hard shot standing and gets the KO at :14 of round 2. By virtue of his victory over Josh Kissel, Allen Sosa will fight at Kick Down 61 for the first ever Fly Weight MMA title. He is now 4-1.

BOUT 11

George Morgan vs Brian Dye

Kick Down Amateur Heavyweight MMA Title

This was another much anticipated bout in the Casper, Wyoming area. George Morgan entered the evening the reigning champion and Brian Dye was the challenger with only 1 prior MMA bout to his credit which he won. What Dye did have was a huge background in wrestling. George Morgan weighed 260lbs at the weigh in and Dye 220lbs. This was a bout where many that were familiar with the two big men thought it would be striker vs wrestler. George Morgan opened up with standing strike attempts and Brian Dye tried to take it to the ground and it was there that George Morgan worked for a guillotine choke and could not secure it. Brian Dye worked his way through it and then threw strikes of his own. George Morgan again took the offensive from the ground and in a few instances smothered the lighter fighter until the bell sounded to end round 1. Good action and surprisinfg that both fighters improved in areas that fans thought they would do the least of. in Morgan's case he did a favorable job on the ground and Dye likewise standing. Round 2 saw Brian Dye work through some submission attempts by George Morgan and striking as well. Both fighters went back and forth in what was a close fight but one had to wonder how the judges were scoring the action. The wrestling skills of Brian Dye were evident throughout the fight when he would go to the side or work from half guard and thwart the submssion attempts of George Morgan who in his own right matured on the ground as a solid heavyweight that has become a more well rounded fighter. The kimora attempts by George Morgan were not successful and many in the audience were wincing and could not believe that the challenger escaped them. Round 3 began in what again was a very close bout but the question still was what the judges were seeing and keeping in their minds as Brian Dye worked on George Morgan much of the 3rd round and controlled a percentage of the round even though Morgan again attempted to submit him. The bell sounded and the fans awaited the judges decision. 29-28 Dye, 29-28 Morgan, 29-28 Dye. Brian Dye is the new Kick Down Am Heavyweight Champion with his split decision victory.

Main Event

Bryant Craven vs Michael Riggs

Kick Down Professional Welterweight MMA title.

Bryant Craven made yet another title defense as the reigning champion and the challenger Michael riggs from Team Prophecy came in looking as good as anyone could for a title fight. He was ripped and in shape and it showed right from the start Michael Riggs did damage with strikes and using his stength on the ground with some ground and pound and Craven weathered the storm but was being dominated up to close to 25 seconds left in the first round when he started getting a slight bit of momentum the bell sounded to end the round. Michael Riggs experienced a breathing problem and could not continue. Bryant Craven wins and reamins the Kick Down professional Welterweight MMA champion. We will never know what might have happened in this one. Riggs looked so good and Craven to his credit battled and hung in there as he always has.

There were two bouts awarded fight of the night on this evening. Kyle Ramsey and Justin Hoeske and George Morgan vs Brain Dye. The biggest heart goes out to Gabe Contreras and Ryan Clemons for their amazing ability to keep going. All in all a great evening of action that started out slow and ended leaving fans wanting as much as they could get.

The 8th year in operation for the Kick Down Mixed Martial Arts promotion will place the second show of the year back at the Red Lion Hotel on the 24th day of January. As has been the tradition of the promotion since it began doing events at the Red Lion Hotel every January at or near the National Western Stock Show in Denver the Kick Down can be found at that time.

On Saturday January 10, 2009 the Kick Down mixed martial arts promotion will start the year off with their 58th installment which will take place in Casper, Wyoming. Tony Kelly the current professional champion will make his first title defense when he faces former standout wrestler and undefeated Jeff Rusher in the main event.