SuckerPunch fighters showed up in force in Sarasota Florida this passed weekend as Art Of Fighting put on a great show for the nearly sold out Robarts arena. The card was stacked with Florida natives from some of the top camps in the country.
SuckerPunch fighters Francois “Bang Bang” Ambang, Levon “The Maynman” Manynard, Zach “The Groundhog” Davis and Anthony “Antmo” Morrison were definitely in hostile territory going into these fights… and the opponents knew we were coming.
The night started with Francois “Bang Bang” Ambang making his MMA debut against American Top Team fighter Mackenzie Briggs. Ambang came out and immediately laid leather to Briggs who quickly realized he did not want to stand with Ambang. All Briggs could do to save himself was to tie Ambang up on the cage and hold on for life. Ambang looked for every opportunity to strike and when he could get an opening he threw with bad intentions cutting Briggs open. Late in the third round the ref took a point away from Ambang for “holding” the shorts but gave no warning that anyone could see. That point caused the fight to end in a draw, but we know who won that fight.
Up next for SuckerPunch was Anthony Morrison. Morrison faced American Top Team fighter and BJJ black belt Fabio Mello. The fight started at a fast pace with Fabio throwing leg kicks and looking like he was going to try and stand with Morrison. Morrison quickly answered back with thunderous legs kicks and an overhand right which stunned Mello. Mello realized that Morrison was not the fighter he had studied on video and shot for the take down. Morrison was able to sweep Mello but got caught in a guillotine and the fight ended. Was a hard fought fight and was shaping up to be a very exciting bout. Mello told us after the match, “My BJJ saved me”.
Photo’s provided by Mo Lelii
Phillip “The Wicked” Wyman was up next and faced Team Trauma star Carlos “The Rooster” Gonzalez. The crowd was into this one which started fast with Carlos coming out and putting heavy pressure on Phillip . Staying very composed and counter striking Phillip was able to land the heavier strikes which forced Carlos to go for the take down. Phillip ended up on his back and was going for a triangle while Carlos continued to throw down punches. Phillip pulled a nice transition from triangle to armbar and forced Carlos to tap out earning him runner up for submission of the night.
Photo’s provided by Mo Lelii
After an intermission it was time to get it going with a fight that had all the markings for a main event, Levon “The Maynman” Maynard vs. former IFL fighter Travis “The Bulldog” Cox. Cox burst out of the corner and charged at Maynard with a superman punch which Maynard avoided. Levon then clinched Cox and pressed him against the cage trading heavy punches and elbows before taking him to the ground hard. Maynard established control on the ground with ease and was able to get to a full mount position on Cox. At that point it was just a matter of time as Maynard rained down very heavy elbows and strikes forcing the ref to step in and save Cox who suffered a broken arm as a result of the fight.
The co-main event of the night was to be Zach “The Groundhog” Davis vs. Sarasota’s own Nyantu Bolo. Bolo, a former body builder, was a very imposing looking fighter and was the heavy favorite in this bout. Zach entered the cage to some boos and played it up by gesturing his hands to each ear ala Hulk Hogan. Bolo on the other hand came out to a thunderous ovation from the crowed who was obviously there to support the local hero. As the fight started Zach was able to utilize his reach and keep Bolo at bay. Zach continued to frustrate Bolo with strikes and was able to rock Bolo a few times. Obviously frustrated, Bolo began taunting with gestures signaling that Zach was not, or could not hurt him. This continued into the third round until Zach decided enough was enough and shot in to take him down where he could utilize his BJJ purple belt. After getting Bolo down Zach started dropping the leather and KO’d Bolo earning Zach the KO of the night bonus and the admiration of the Sarasota fans.
All in all the fans and competitors in Florida showed a great amount of respect and the Art of War was a well run promotion. We look forward to having our guys back with them, stay tuned.
We would like to recognize Jesus Didn’t Tap and Gamma-O, Knockout Brand Clothing, Critical and BFN for taking the chance and supporting the rising stars in the SuckerPunch stable. Through supporting tomorrow’s stars sponsors like them truly help evolve this sport.
Way to go guys! Glad to hear you had a great night. Keep it up. You look great in the gear!
Hey Wicked,
Wicked good job! Keep up the good work!!
Guys I was there to see the ATT boys but have to give you props. You all have a tough squad and after looking at some of the other guys with this group it’s no wonder you did well. Hope to see you back.
Congrats boys! way to go! Get em next time Antmo!
I was at the show and was very impressed with the team you guys brought. you guys put on a great show and definitely left your mark in Sarasota. Bang Bang you won that fight bro!
You guys were great! I was at the show with my 2 boys and they were so excited to meet you guys at the fights. All of you were so nice and I wish the best for you all in your careers. hope to see you back at the next show!
bet they weren’t expecting that! Sarasota has officially been suckerpunched! hahaha!
To “the Wicked”: Ginmshjy isdkeosm jjfvixmxopz. Love Caleb
All you guys should be proud, you represented your gyms and SuckerPunch well. Its nice when your presence is felt both in and outside the ring. Thanks for all the coaches pitching in to help one another, it was a great experience. See ya next time, when we go 5-0!
I had a great time! I want to personnally thank all the sponsors….Brian Butler for being the great professional he is, all of the coaches that helped make the “behind the scenes” look way to easy. They are the ones that really need the recognition. Masters/Kru’s Buck Grant, Brian Crenshaw, Mike Moses, Mateo Del Reyes. I applaude your work ethic and we are about to take this organization to another level. Thanks to all the Fans that support us and the ones in Florida are a class act. I would like to thank my family and my loving wife Jessica.
Without her I would be lost. Semper Fidelis boys and great job by everybody.
A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single footstep, ours was in Florida.
I discovered the results, and its in my blog LOL. Well done to everyone, four out of five is spot on! REALLY shows the level of tallent I think. I am VERY impressed! Anthony, this will only strengthen and build character for the future, everyone gets caught once in a while, at least you put on a good show! Levon, I KNEW you would win, i’m absolutely overjoyed to hear that I was right. Zach, dont know you well, but jolly good show. Ambang, some people go their entire careers and never produce a draw, I am pleased for you as this was your debut so I hear, congratulations on leaving your first mark, here’s to many more…and My Wyman…well..just one word for you “Wicked” 😛
So much fun this weekend guys, the picture of philip is soooo funny, you can see the wickedness taking over. Great showing by everybody, I couldnt have felt more comfortable coming in with that entourage. Loved the team spirit and I think everyone fed off it, lets keep it rolling boys.
Very nice work, gentlemen. You should be proud.
Paul
Champion Management
It was a great show period. Remember not only did you represent your management, but you also reflect our promotion and high level of MMA we deliver to the fans. Levon, Phil, Anthony, Zach, Brian and Francois it was real. You all did phenomenal. We also would like to say we smell a rematch between Briggs and Ambang at the next show.
congrats boys.
I couldn’t be more proud of everyone. The fact that everyone is from different camps but got along and was there for each other like long time teammates was very cool to see. As Kru Crenshaw said, we walked into the lions den as a team and claimed it. It was great to see all of you win the fans over and represent your schools, MMA and Suckerpunch. Can’t wait to do it again.
PS. That “300” chanting you all did was pretty damn intimidating too! guess we thank Dwayne for leading that one!
Phillip, Caleb and I are so proud of you! Wish we could’ve been there to show you our support and see you win. Hopefully, we will get to see you kick some butt soon….
Congratulations to all of you for putting on such a good show in Florida. Wish I could have been there! Looking forward to seeing it online or on t.v.
Wicked, you know I love you almost as much as Mrs. Wicked does! We are so proud of you!
Congrats guys! Glad you all went and did your thing out there. Antmo, keep that head up buddy, i need your help in march. Also thanks for sporting the Big Frog Nutrition Logo. I hope you are enjoying the products and let me know when you all need refills…
Big Frog
Karma won Bolo left Minnesota owing everyone and everybody
What happened in Minnesota???
Bolo had a gym essentials 4 fitness-he screwed all the members out of their dues, hustled women for the rent lease money and contract. He left town with no phone, forwarding address .
Yeah seriously, whats that all about?
hmmm that is not good… sorry to hear that. were you at the fights or how did you hear about it? cuz ol zach beat brakes off him.
Oh damn, makes me feel better about getting the KO
Congratulations men….keep the momentum going.
Brian..I like the quote from “300”. I told you it would be better than Bruce Lee’s “..it’s like a finger pointing away to da moon” 😉
I cant wait to release the footage of Zach should be done soon!!!!
Hey Wicked,
You finally made Youtube stardom!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBbVY8xWDoY