RFA 7: Thatch vs. Rhodes Results
Resurrection Fighting Alliance wants to be thought of as the “feeder” league for the UFC and tonight’s RFA 7 showcased many potential prospects. Local star and event headliner Brandon Thatch garnered the majority of the attention and for good reason. Thatch recently got the seal of approval from UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre, who said that Thatch could be in the UFC right now.
After tonight Thatch could find himself in the Octagon soon but don’t forget some of the other RFA 7 winners names.
Zac Chavez vs. Danny Mainus – A competitive bout kicked off the main card on AXS.tv as Zach Chavez and Danny Mainus squared off. This was a multi-layered and interesting match, with a first round that showcased the rapid wrestling styles of both men. Trading takedowns and sweeps, Chavez seemed to work best off of his back and get the better of the few striking exchanges as well, but Mainus proved he wasn’t going to go away easily here as a considerable favorite on the books.
The second round would prove to be far less technical and far more brutal as each man began to feel fatigue from the first round of frantic action. Chavez began working powerful knees from every position and while Mainus got the better of the wrestling. There were several fouls from both men in the round, but no points were deducted in a crucial round.
The third round would prove to be one of the oddest five minutes you’d ever see in MMA. With Mainus hitting a takedown immediately, both fighters began throwing non-stop hammerfists; Laying each other wide open in a display of sheer barbarian fury. For five straight minutes, both fists were pumping as each man turned the other into a bloody mess and making a tough fight to score for judges.
Zac Chavez wins via Split Decision (29-28×2, 28-29)
Tommy Thompson vs. Joey Banks – Joey Banks brought his explosive style into the cage against Tommy Thompson with less than favorable results. Using his trademark leaping knees and other jump attacks, Banks leapt directly into a thunderous right straight that knocked him out cold, bringing the fight to a close only twenty seconds in.
Tommy Thompson wins via 1st Round KO (punch)
Billy Colon vs. Vinnie Lopez – An outstanding fight that showed the best of both men, Billy Colon and Vinnie Lopez gave it everything they had in there. The first two rounds were a demonstration of striking technique, with Lopez using his hard-style muay thai against Colon’s boxing game. Lopez was able to wobble Colon on two occasions with punches and knees at close quarters, but Colon was there to trade anytime he could get his own offense going.
Clearly down on the scorecards going into the 3rd round, Colon needed a big move to pull off a win and got a little help from Lopez. Looking to perhaps cruise to a win or mix up the fight for a finish, Lopez went for a takedown and put Colon on his back. Colon wasted no time is trying several submissions from his back, smoothly transitioning from triangle to armbar and forcing the tap from Lopez to snatch his win away.
Billy Colon wins via 3rd round Submission (Armbar)
Mirsad Bektic vs. Nick Macias – One of RFA’s best prospects on their roster, Mirsad Bektic looked to upset Nick Macias in his hometown and did so in stunning fashion. Snatching a power double early in the match, Bektic ended up in top half guard and started rifling right hands into his opponent’s head. While Macias was game at first, the onslaught showed no sights of slowing down, and he eventually wilted under the pressure, forcing the referee to step in.
Mirsad Bektic wins via 1st Round TKO (ground and pound)
Chidi Njokuani vs Jeremy Kimball – A catchweight co-main event what made for a great scrap, Jeremy Kimball looked to upset the rising star of the promotion on his home turf. A fight that played out almost entirely on the mat, Kimball worked his unique brand of scrambling submissions against Njokuani, but the muay thai specialist was well-prepared. Using a surprisingly superior wrestling game, Njokuani manipulated his opponent on the mat and avoided the bottom game submissions Kimball threw up, but the moutain air would prove to be a second opponent for Njokuani. Taking the first round on the score cards, Njokuani came out winded for the second and was a gimmie for a fast single leg by Kimball. While Njokuani stayed safe for a while and nearly escaped back to the feet, Kimball took his back and methodically worked an RNC to grab yet another win.
Jeremy Kimball wins via 2nd Round Submission (RNC)
Brandon Thatch vs. Mike Rhodes – The main event featured two of the best fighters in their respective regions, as Colorado’s won Brandon Thatch faced Duke Roufus trained Mike Rhodes. The traditional karate style of Thatch was in full effect, throwing a variety of strikes to put Rhodes off-balance. Rhodes made the most of his short notice opportunity and tried to turn the heat up, but Thatch was too prepared for Rhode’s rushed attack. Landing a hook kick on Rhodes that signaled the end, Rhodes went for a desperation takedown while trying to shake the cobwebs, but Thatch quickly swept his opponent and found his way to his back, locking in the choke for a quick win.
Brandon Thatch wins via 1st Round Submission (RNC)
Category: MMA, Results, Resurrection Fighting Alliance
About the Author (Author Profile)
I'm a 20+ year veteran of martial arts and a fan of MMA since UFC 1, when my world was thrown on its head by the budding sport. I'm obsessive in the pursuit of martial abilities and have competed across the country in everything from Vale Tudo to archery to Scottish broadsword. Once my body broke down, I picked up a pen and went in the direction of writing. I specialize in betting advice, predictions, and I'm a walking encyclopedia of MMA trivia. I own a cafe in Exeter, NH called Hammersmith Sandwich Company and write out of my office between customers.Subscribe
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