A Night Of Submissions At Ironheart Crown Xi: Apocalypse
A Night of Submissions at Ironheart Crown XI: Apocalypse Report by Dustin Lee DePue – Photos by Riley Kerestas Hammond, IN — A pillar of Midwest MMA, the Ironheart Crown held its eleventh show Saturday night at the Hammond Civic Center. An estimated one-thousand fight fans gathered for the thirteen-fight, Shooto-sanctioned card. As always, the IHC brought in a combination of local and out of state talent to insure a solid night of competitive action. Indeed, it was exactly that, with several close decisions and eight of thirteen fights ending by way of submission. In the main event, Jani Lax edged out John Mahlow in a close match at 154 pounds. Although both fighters were willing to throw leather from all positions, Lax was able to score more consistently in the stand-up exchanges and cause more damage on the ground. He displayed excellent takedown defense as he was able to stifle many attempts by Mahlow throughout the fight. By the third round, Lax had taken over and was on his way to certain victory when Mahlow scored points in the final seconds with an ankle lock attempt that was thwarted by the final bell. While it saved him the round, in the end, Mahler’s submission attempt wasn’t enough as Jani Lax ring won by split decision. Undefeated lightweight Micah Miller was able to increase his record to 11-0. Miller’s original opponent, Joao Herdy, pulled out due to an illness. Josh Lee stepped into the empty slot and came right at Miller, taking him down in the opening moments of the fight. Miller, for his part, appeared unfazed. Fighting out of the Hardcore Gym, which also produced TUF season one winner Forrest Griffin, Miller immediately went to work on Lee’s arm, transitioning from an armbar to a triangle choke and finishing Lee just inside a minute and a half. A fight with original opponent Joao Herdy was announced after Miller’s win.
Kyle Watson’s superior strength helped him smother opponent Dan Spychalski’s ground game in their bout at 154 pounds. Spychalski used effective knees from the clinch early but a slip put him on the mat where Watson was eventually able to take his back. Surviving the first round, Spychalski found himself in the same position early in round two as Watson took his back again. This time, however, Watson was able to sink in the rear-naked choke forcing Spychalski to tap.
In the sole Heavyweight fight of the evening, Don Richard battled with Allan Weickert, throwing several submissions at him for a round and a half before finally catching him midway through the second. After big right hand dropped Weickert, Richard followed him to the ground where he secured side control and finished Weickert with a Kimura.
Luke Tesch looked impressive in his debut against Wyatt Hickey. Tesch’s strength advantage was clear early on as he mauled Hickey, working him over with knees from the clinch before taking him down. Hickey was game but ultimately, Tesch’s aggressive yet technical attack was too much. Hickey’s reversal from the bottom gave Tesch a chance to slap on a fight-ending guillotine choke. Full Results: Class A 3×5-minute rounds Jani Lax def. Jon Mahlow by majority decision (29-27, 29-27, 28-29) Class B 2×5-minute rounds Luke Tesch def. Wyatt Hickey by guillotine choke 3:54 R1 |