In true MFF fashion, I did the old coin flip for my Extreme Challenge picks and set those out in the forum. Now, I can tell you a few musings about how I was wrong in my thinking and a little about the event.
First and foremost, amateur fighter Ryan Shell. He asked me ten times about fighting Tjarks in this event and I advised him every time that he might rethink it and take something else, but to his credit (and not mine for not giving him any...sorry Mr. Shell) he told me time and again that "I want to fight the toughest, the number one ranked guy. I don't care if I'm coming off a loss, an injury and surgery and rehab...none of that. I think I'm number one, and I'm going to take out the number one ranked guy on MFF, I guarantee it".
For my part, I still cringed at his statement. Who can do that? Come off a loss, layoff, etc. and beat who is still in my book one of the toughest amateur fighters in the weight class and not only win, but win in overwhelmingly explosive and dominating fashion. I didn't give credit to where the credit was due, and I underestimated Shell's determination, training and preperation for this fight. Apologies from MFF, and congratulations on being the Midwest Fighters Focus Fighter of the Night! And the rankings will be changing soon!
The event proved to be a relatively evenly matched affair as either fighter in each bout truly had what it took to win their fight. But, in this sport, only one can of course come out the victor. The venue was, other than Bellator at the KC Power and Light District, the best outdoor event I have been to. Other than a few spots perhaps on the grassy area, everyone had a great seat it seemed.
The production was smooth as silk, I'm sure with the help of Victory Jay and all the other folks Extreme Challenge has in place to make a show a show. Top notch so to whoever helped, from music to cage setup to security, kudos as I was overly impressed with it all.
A few strange endings I didn't see happening, Grizzard losing by a quick kneebar in the first to Jackson, Braun grinding out his win, and I still believe that if Alonzo Martinez hadn't been caught with that punch, those two would still be fighting. That was one great round of MMA to watch. Hats off to Woodard for pulling off the win over the absolute crowd favorite and, as everyone knows, Zo will be back...
Fighter of the Night: Ryan Shell
Submission of the Night: TJ Obrien
KO of the Night: Ryan Shell
