Asylum FIghts 32, small card, small crowd but how does this affect the scene?

The old logo didn't have the 'x-treme' appeal

South Philly’s famed Arena has become the Asylum Arena. Because of disputes over what we must assume are trivial matters (in the burgeoning Philly MMA world, all matters are pretty much still trivial at this point) the Arena/ Matrix Fights relationship has been suspended and the Arena has made what looks to be a pretty permanent move to align with Asylum, a promotion better known in NJ.

Well, tie goes to the runner and we commend Asylum for putting fights on the table but it must be stated that this card was anorexic. Five amateurs fights and one pro fight lured out about 125 people to the venue to experience the Philly MMA scene. Athletic Commission Executive Director Greg Sirb expressed understanding at the loss of a couple of fights within the last 24 hours but admitted this type of card is not something that should be repeated. 

He’s right, the scene is still at a vulnerable stage, and cant afford to turn anyone off. Crowds have been good for both the recent Bellator 33 and Matrix Fights III events and solid fight cards made sure those fans left wanting more but also wanting to spread the word. However, at around the same ticket price, this card endangers that momentum. 

Much more troubling, it gives the impression that Asylum is attempting to piggy back onto the more legit promotions in order to lure in fans without the foreknowledge to distinguish between promotions. More worryingly, those fans may walk out ready to chalk-up the whole scene as not worth the money.

To their credit, or more accurately to the credit of their match maker, Ed Tomalo, and Philly’s deep talent pool, the fights were competitive and even exposed a couple gems. 

The run down goes like this:

John Burns, Training out of Average Joe’s MMA in Clifton Heights PA brought a big chunk of the crowd with him. His applause section definitely exceeded that of local South Philly fighter Akeim Leonard.

Burns looked stiff at first but forgot about the bright lights after taking a few shots to the face; he then started to rush in looking to head hunt. However he hasn’t yet shed the instinct to turn his back to the action when he gets in trouble. While Leonard couldn’t jump on that, he did take advantage when — while shooting in to cinch a leg for the takedown — Burns failed to sprawl and instead opted to put his weight down on Leonard’s back. This only made him easier to pickup, which leonard did before slamming him back hard. He followed up with a half-decent head-and-arm-triangle to finish.

James Curry, fighting for Never Surrender took on Team Saana product Jonathan Soto. Soto was able to put together some flurries on the feet didn’t have the takedown defense to stay there. Curry was able to wrestle his way to a decision victory by keeping Soto on the mat.

Duncan at LITC 2- more fat, less beard

Next up Jackson Duncan, fighting out of Sports Extreme in Delaware County kept things on the ground where he worked out a decision over Mike Rodgers an NY fighter from ACSC Victory.

Duncan, who first came across our radar at Locked In The Cage 2, represents the great appeal of amateur fights. He came in with a nonchalant, ‘see where it takes me’ attitude and has been born again. The fighter’s changing physique testifies to his commitment. He also has a terrific story of how he uses his weekend MMA career to connect with and motivate kids at Glen Mills school for court adjudicated youth.

Shedick Goodrich, a 185-pounder from Camp Sao Lak Muy Thai and MMA came out next to put on an powerful demonstration against Isshin Ryu Karate Academy’s Lawrence Powell. Very aggressive with killer knees that exploded in long sets, Goodrich fought a complete shutout on Powell. Powell’s only offense was a rookie headlock that was textbook-turned into a takedown for Goodrich who would pull another slam before moving onto the back and finishing with the rear-naked-choke.

Goodrich is definitly someone to watch, at only 2-0 and 20 years old, he could be extremely dangerous.

Jamal Mckeller, Vita Saana MMA, took on AMA FC’s Billy Dee Williams. Williams stifled Mckeller by keeping him controlled on the ground and earning a decision win.

In the nights only pro fight, Wolfpack MMA (reading PA)’s Robert Corpora took on Fight Firm’s Nah-Shon Burrell. Corpora stayed busy in the fist round and even threatened a rear naked choke. However Burrell held tough and came out in the second round with full energy. Corpora looked a little work and preceded to get worked. Burrell’s reservers were enough to erase the first round and turn the tide of the fight in every area. Most impressive was his ground and pound where he was able to get position, tee off and force the ref to call the fight.

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