By JIM CANFIELD
Moapa Valley Progress
Mayhem In Mesquite was a sold out venue at the CasaBlanca Resort on Saturday, Aug. 17, showing that MMA events are gaining in popularity.
The action started right out with a 175 lb bout between Joseph Smith, with a record of 0-1, and Bryan Hernandez in his debut fight. The fight was evenly matched with Smith taking a unanimous decision.
The second match of the night produced the evening’s first TKO. John Varela threw a punch that severely dazed his opponent Bowdie Heaps. The referee called an end to the fight in the first round.
Most of the previous “Future Stars of MMA” events had the fights going to the judge’s cards. There were only four of the 13 bouts that were decided by the judges.
For much of the night the bouts had the fans on their feet. The combination of the music and the crowd noise was deafening. Nine of the 13 bouts resulted in two “tap-outs”, three “TKO’s and four “KO’s.
The 12th fight of the night was a Super Heavyweight championship bout. Steven Eargle had an impressive debut with a devastating blow in the first round that knocked out his opponent Ryan Gilbert and won him his championship belt.
The 13th proved to be a lucky number for “She-Hulk” Laneisha Vinson. She dominated her opponent, “T-Storm” Taylor Thompson in each round. Ring doctors had to evaluate Thompson several times to see if she was capable of continuing the bout. Vinson lived up to her “She-Hulk” name and ended the fight with an endless barrage of decisive blows that left Thompson bloodied and beaten.
During the intermission most of the fans were surprised to witness a wedding ceremony held in the fight cage. Shay Humphries and Bruce Smith exchanged vows while accompanied by a full wedding entourage. The ceremony was in stark contrast to the normal mayhem seen in the cage.
