Franklin Moves To 13-0 With Extreme Win
|
From the event’s promoter: Franklin moves to 13-0 with Extreme win CINCINNATI, Ohio — Rich Franklin had a busy week… not surprising as classes started and the high school math teacher was busy with his first week of the new school year. Oh, yeah… Franklin also had to prepare for the first mixed martial arts event in his hometown of Cincinnati… an event that featured him in the main event. Franklin handled the situation well, improving his record to 13-0 with a TKO victory over veteran Dennis Reed of Muscatine, Iowa, at 1:38 of the opening round. The bout highlighted an Extreme Trials event held outside at Annie’s Nightclub. Although the bout ended quickly… Reed appeared to have Franklin in trouble as he scored an early takedown and landed a couple punches before falling back for an ankle-lock attempt. Franklin was able to counter, then reverse position and land a couple forearm smashes to Reed’s face that forced the tapout. "He came right out after me… even tried to kick me in the head," Franklin said of Reed. "But I kept my cool and waited for my chance to reverse him on the ground. I wasn’t in a lot of danger, although I am starting to feel some tightness in my ankle." In the Trials portion of the event, Mac Danzig made the lengthy drive from Greensburg, Penn., with one goal: To win an Extreme Trials title and the berth to the MMA Nationals that goes with it. Danzig did exactly that, winning three matches — all by submission — to capture the 170-under division. "I just wanted to see what I could do," Danzig said. "I took a couple years off and just started training again. I have some good people to work out with now and hope to keep improving." Danzig was joined by four fighters from Cincinnati as division champions: Christopher Griffin at 150-under; Mark Norcross at 190-under; Greg Franklin at 210-under; and Mike Williams at heavyweight. The winners will join other Trials winners at the MMA Nationals in December. Danzig won his first two matches with ankle locks, but used an arm-bar to beat tough Jason Holderman of Ft. Mitchell, Ken., in the finals. At 150 pounds, Griffin edged out Danny Swift of Edinboro, Penn., in the finals. Griffin earned a unanimous decision after two 5-minute rounds. At 190 pounds, Mark Norcross earned the berth when no other fighters signed up for the division. Norcross then moved to the 210 division and had similar poor luck. After drawing a first-round bye, Norcross advanced to the finals when both opponents in the same bracket were injured when fighting each other and couldn’t continue. Then, he also failed to get a match in the finals when Franklin won his semifinal match, but injured an ankle and could not advance. Franklin still earned the 210 division berth in Nationals. At heavyweight, Williams, a 330-pounder, advanced unopposed after his opponent showed up, then disappeared. Complete results 150 division 170 division 190 division 210 division Main Event |
|
From Susumu’s Gallery: Susumu’s Gallery Update Hello, We have added 39 photos from Deep 2001 held on August 18 in Japan. Please enjoy! 
Susumu’s Gallery: |
