Thursday, Jun 08, 2006
North American Challenge 23
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North American Challenge 23 Held June 3, 2006 At the Squamish Nations Rec Centre Vancouver, British Columbia By Mike Neva Although the city of Vancouver recently took a big hit with its City Manager mandating that no mixed martial arts events be sanctioned within the city limits until a "risk management" assessment be completed; this could not deter the longest running MMA event in Canada, the North American Challenge. Held at the Squamish Nations Rec Centre in North Vancouver, the staunch city council has no jurisdiction over this event or its sister show, the National Fighting Challenge; since both are held on Native land. For the twenty third incarnation, the NAC, primarily known as a kickboxing laden card, had a record six MMA bouts on the docket. It was a welcome change to fans who saw each and every MMA bout end before the allotted time limit.
Without question, the show stealer was a back and forth tilt between Sarah Kaufman and Liz Posener. These two ladies had the sold out crowd roaring their approval as each split the first two rounds. Kaufman was able to use superior wrestling to ground and pound out the majority of the opening round, including some powerful punches from the mount, which had referee Jason Darrah on the verge of stopping the fight, but Posener was able to survive and was saved by the bell. Rolls were reversed in the second stanza, as Posener was able to impose her will by sprawling and brawling with great utilization of knees and punches in the clinch. It looked as if the tide had officially turned in round three with Posener again able to keep the fight on their feet and land effective punches. But Kaufman showed great strategy by cutting off the ring and pinning Posener in the corner. Seemingly out of nowhere, Kaufman changed her game plan, and, instead of shooting for a takedown, unloaded a wicked right hand that knocked Posener unconscious. Thankfully, after being down for a number of minutes, Posener was able to get to her feet and leave the ring under her own power. An impressive debut performance by Kaufman. MMA Results
Kickboxing Results
Muay Thai Results
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posted by Full Contact Fighter @ 8:00 pm
