Promotion Name: Triple X Cagefighting

Event Name: Legends III

Promoters: Joe & Stephanie Battaglia

Date: Saturday, February 22nd, 2014

Location: Macomb Music Theater – Mt. Clemens

Referees: Doug Gallegos and Mike Miletti

Judges: Nick Frania, Ed Pigeon and Rose Gross

Timekeepers: Steve Daher and href=”https://www.facebook.com/FightMichiganTJ” target=”_blank”>FightMichigan’s T.J. Corwin

Matchmaker: Glen Quinn

Cut Man: Brandon Gallo

Announcer: Kara “KO” Ro

Color Commentary: Steve Lafrate and Kara “KO” Ro

Still Photography: Chris Rabior and ACSLive.tv’s Jason “Muggzie” Mugg

Video: Cage Fighting Live

Honorable Mention: Joe & Stephanie Battaglia for a great event and the hospitality, Jason “Muggzie” Mugg and our affiliates over at ACSLive.tv, Frank Patino and the Patino Diet, Anthony Lebron and Defyant Industries, Cave Radio Broadcasting, our buddy Harley “Swede” Wallen – he didn’t get a chance to rock the video he was in recently, but we found it, and the link to it is right here. Check it out…cool video and some familiar MMA faces.

WOW – It is the easiest one-word description of the high-quality professional MMA action that took place at the Macomb Music Theater on the night of February 22nd, 2014. The venue was absolutely SOLD OUT – there were fans filling the tables, seats, balcony seats, swinging from the rafters – you name it – that came out to see this great night of fights. An all-star cast and crew made the event’s production smooth and seamless. Triple X Cagefighting definitively let the fans know why they are truly amongst Michigan’s elite promotions. There were a TON of highlights throughout the night…right now, we are going to go over just a few, but you can recap the event in it’s entirety courtesy of our friends over at Cage Fighting Live at their official site.

When two of Michigan’s most skilled featherweight warriors stepped in to do battle, the fans got to witness an a rapid-fire MMA clinic. Triumph MMA’s Rich “Roughneck” Stafford took on MASH Gym’s Tommy Bagnasco in a battle that saw frenetic action on the feet and on the mat. A perfect matchup on paper – and it was an excellent display of heart and fortitude. Every great fight has to come to an end, and this one came to an end midway through the second round when Bagnasco cinched a TIGHT rear naked choke for the submission victory.

In the fight immediately following, the always formidable Ryan “The Psycho” Brettingham squared off against the up-and-coming phenom, Eric “The Ram” Ramirez. Both of these warriors earned a solid reputation when they were in the amateur ranks, so familiar fans knew the explosive potential that this fight had. It did not take long for something to happen…Ramirez closed the deal on his professional debut in under thirty seconds with a TIGHT and inescapable armbar.

Heavyweight fans were treated to an exciting war when Extreme MMA’s local badboy Ray Lopez took on a TOUGH opponent, Terry “Tough and Handsome” Davinney . One things was clear about Davinney – he was there for war. But it appeared he would’ve preferred more of a ground battle. Davinney made several great attempts to get the fight grounded and employ his strength early, but Ray had him well scouted and knew he was a phenomenal wrestler and for the most part, Lopez was able to control the action using his experienced hands. After Ray landed a staggering overhand right, Davinney was never able to fully regain composure. Lopez went on to end the battle shortly thereafter with a rear naked choke.

The tenth fight of the night was an absolutely spectacular barn burner in the featherweight division that left fans amazed. Justin “The Hawk” Steave came all the way from Weirton, West Virginia to face the always explosive Ruben “The Romanian Wrecking Ball” Baraiac . This fight was three rounds of solid pressure that largely saw Ruben in dominant position either dealing out punishment or looking for a sub. Justin managed to escape many bad spots and pulled off some nice sweeps, but cardio monster Baraiac’s relentless onslaught was overwhelming. The bout hit the end of the regulation time, and the judges awarded a hard-earned unanimous decision to the Romanian Wrecking Ball. Mark our words…Ruben Baraiac is one of Michigan’s pros to watch in the future.

The evening’s Co-main event was a fight where fans could not afford to blink. Two elite Bantamweights met in the TXC cage to see who wanted it more – Tony “The Tiger” Zelinski and Michigan Top Team’s Mike “The Hurricane” Hernandez. We here at FightMichigan have seen Tony Zelinski do battle many times – both as an amateur and as a pro – and he is a superbly trained martial artist. But there is a reason Mike Hernandez’ nickname is “The Hurricane” – and anyone who watched this fight needn’t ask why. The fight was mostly a standup clinic, with both men being respectful of one another. Hernandez delivered many textbook punches and kicks, employing great footwork and head movement, sometimes seemingly scoring at will – not an easy feat against “The Tiger”. The fight reached a BRUTAL end nearing the three-and-a-half minute mark in the second round when Mike Hernandez landed some CRUSHING punches on the ground from above that sent Zelinski into unconsciousness and Hernandez into the spotlight.

In the Main Event, Two of Michigan’s toughest Featherweights, representing two of Michigan’s most respected teams, met in the center of the cage to see who would walk away wearing the TXC 145 pound gold. Murcielago MMA’s Jeremy “The Czar” Czarnecki pitted his skills against long-time Daron Cruickshank protege and Michigan Top Team badboy Cody “Mr. Wonderful” Stamann. Both of these fighters were hungry to add another win to their respective collection, and both fighters have reached a career point where every win is a step closer to the top. This was a VERY well matched fight. So much so, that after five grueling, tit-for-tat rounds, the judges had to be the ones to determine the outcome. After all was said and done, they collectively agreed that Cody “Mr. Wonderful” Stamann had the better showing, making him the NEW champion.

Triple X Cagefighting knocked this event outta the park, and there are many more great things on the horizon. Check our event page regularly for future TXC events, as well as all other MMA related events. We will see you at a show soon!

OFFICIAL RESULTS:

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