ZenRhino's MMA Blog: XFE XXIII Recap

XFE XXIII
Harrah's Casino - Philadelphia, PA
June 1, 2013

Tonight at Harrah's Casino in Philadelphia was a historic MMA event. This was the first event in Pennsylvania under the "advanced" amateur rules.

Previously all amateurs weren't allowed to strike to the head when on the mat, were not allowed to kick or elbow to the head when standing, had to wear shin guards, wore 8oz gloves (as opposed to the 4oz gloves for pro fighters) and fought three 2 minute rounds.

Now, certain amateurs with enough fights on their record who apply for a waiver from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission could fight under the "advanced" amateur rules. The differences being that strikes to the head while on the mat (Ground & Pound, or GnP for short) were allowed, as are elbows & kicks to the head while standing. The gloves are now 6oz not the usual 4oz, no shin pads and the rounds are now three 3 minutes instead of three 2 minute rounds.

Tonight at XFE XXIII several fights were under these new rules and the fighters seemed to enjoy fighting under a more pro-style set of rules rather than the old system.

Tonight's event had 2 (amateur) title fights, 4 pro fights, and a women's MMA fight. All 14 fights on the fight card were exciting, and the crowd definitely got its money's worth.

Fight Results:

Bryan Danner defeats James Frier by Guillotine choke at 3:08 of Round1 (Main Event)
Brylan Vanartsdalen defeats Justin Dalton by Stoppage (injury) at :42 of Round 1 (Co-Main Event)
Andrew Aguilar defeats Sergio "The Savage" Da Silva by Unanimous Decision
Eric Albright defeats Matthew Brannon by Unanimous Decision
Justin Bonitatis defeats Brandon Odom by TKO at 1:31 of Round 1
Ryan Cafaro defeats Ryan Holmes by Guillotine choke at :26 of Round 1
Nicholas Willey defeats Stephfond Ewins by Unanimous Decision
Michael Jenkins defeats Kris Gratalo by Split Decision (Fight of the Night)
Vincent Oristaglio defeats Matthew Koch by RNC at 1:10 of Round 1
Bassil Hafez defeats Steve Wilson by TKO at of Round 1
Christopher Williams defeats Randy "Powerhouse" Martinez by Unanimous Decision
Katie Taylor defeats Viktoria Makarova by Unanimous Decision
John "Pipewrench" DiPatri defeats Bilal Kahn by Keylock submission at :45 of Round 1
Eliezar Mendez-Garcia defeats Damien Rafael Melendez by Armbar submission 1:48 of Round 2