Review of JFL 2015: The Ladder Match

JFL 2

Combat sports tournament is undeniably growing in Malaysia..& here in Borneo, Sabah particularly, it is surely building momentum. After local combat sports fans was feasted to D1 Fighting Championship that was successful held on end of Jan 2015 in Likas,  another highly anticipated event  unfold on 7 FEB 2015.

This is JFL 2015 - the ladder match. This is 3 months after the first event - a knock out round ( try outs ) held on 18 Oct 2014.

31 bouts was schedule on that day at Mini Putrajaya Auditorium Hall. Initially JFL2015 Ladder Match planned venue was at  Dewan Masyarakat KK, but DBKK needed the venue for a boxing tournament.

Personally I feel Dewan Masyarakat KK serve as a better venue in terms of exposing to more non hardcore fans of MMA to get to know more about MMA, because Dewan Masyarakat is located in KK city and very reachable.

Despite the challenge, the organizing committee secured Mini Putrajaya Auditorium Hall.  

The location may not be ideal, but the venue itself is clean, spacious & beautiful…( & parking aplenty!). Fighters also this time have a room to prep themselves before being call to the cage. 

But I didn’t like the echo from the hall though...makes the announcement difficult to hear.

Let’s move on to the fights!

First fight I watch was Faizal Dzid ( Team Karabaw) vs Ali Hobbit ( Unifight 66 ), Faizal had a beautiful double leg take down but which also got him into a tight guillotine choke. As he recover & got out .. the fight ended abruptly in the 1min 30sec of the 1st round much to everyone’s bewilderment as there was no strike nor submission that ended it but a verbal tap out….I later found out was that Ali does not have the heart to go on as Faizal was his student before. He was like a little brother to him which he didn’t want to hurt.

Faizal (L) Ali (R)

Flyweight is Raziman ( Kuda Hitam)  vs Rajinus Sadah (Kinabalu Fighters).

Raziman wasted no time after the bell & started aggressively with plenty of low kicks. Towards the middle of the round, Rajinus counter with a barrage of punches but after a scuffle was taken down & mounted by Raziman, & he dish out some good hammer fist…the round ended with an choke attempt which was stop by the bell. 2^nd round saw Raziman mounted Rajinus again & rain him with continuos ground & pound, which referee Michael Chong have seen enough & stop the fight. Raziman is a raising  talent of coach Antonio Batistessa from Sabah Top team. Hope to see Raziman continue to improve & put on a good show in his next fight .

In Feather weight action, Rasidin ( Sabah Top Team) vs Cheong Peng Kit ( Team Karabaw ). 1^st round started with couple of feints as both fighters feel each other out. Eventually Rasidin got Cheong on the fence which saw both fighters exchanging furious knees. Cheong delivered a good right hand to Rasidin’s  jaw which Rasidin counter by a take-down attempt …this pushes Cheong to the fence again . A double leg take-down attempt by Rasidin was foiled by Cheong holding on the fence with both hand, this is a fault & ref Andy gave Cheong a warning. After restart Rasidin successfully mounted Cheong but Cheong manage to sweep & went on top to Rasidin’s guard. With his long legs Rasidin executed a triangle & threw some good punches from the bottom as the round end. 2^nd round saw Rasidin manage to throw Cheong on his back but ended up in Cheong’s headlock. As Rasidin straighten up, an outside leg trip got him on top again. They change position a few times. 3^rd round . Mid round see barrage of punches from both fighters, with Cheong throwing superman punch & few wild haymakers

Ring Girls

Didy & Chiko spices things up as ring girls in between round. They are also magnet  for fans that wants a picture with them, eye candy…yes but don’t be fooled as they pack a mean punch too as both are trained fighters too.

More Fights

Lightweight fight… Lim Sze Shin (Kinabalu Fighters) vs Terrence Bungkilin (Team Karabaw). Terrence is a colourful fighter whom is well supported by fans from Penampang. Terrence significant upper body strength saw him able to control Lim from the start by easily swinging Lim around when they got close. Terrence also have heavy hands & wing his punches with full weight. After brief moment on the floor where both fighters exchange position as they stand back up, Terrence looked gas out. But as one of his body control swung Lim around Terrence push in with a nice wide left that catches Lim on the tip of his head on right… as he falls Terrence right caught Lim again on the face & ended the fight.

Another Lightweight  fight,  Gilbert Su (Team Karabaw) vs M.Danish (independent). Gilbert started with heavy low kicks that Danish return with heavy punches winging left & right that connected, as they clinch Danish tripped Gilbert down & got side guard, he instantly rain punches on Gilbert with his left hand. Amazingly Gilbert did not give up & able to climb up & manage to exchange punches with Danish. A trip from Gilbert landed wrongly with Danish got on top to side control again & move to mount…from there Danish dishes out continuos punches…this time with his right hand. Took him more than 13 punches that ref Andy have seen enough & wave a stop to a TKO finish for Danish. Looking good with 2 times ONE FC fighter – Marc the Borneon Tiger Marcillinus in his corner, M.Danish is a serious contender in lightweight.

Welterweight fight Philemon John (HH Bounty) vs M.Shafiq(Dihnar MMA). Shafiq utilizes his long limbs to the max. Executed a superman punch & follow by three successive knees that downed Philemon. The winning submission came from an outside trip & twist which he land his full body weight on Philemon…& he tap upon landing. Looking at the way Philemon body was twisted he may have injured his right knee MCL or ACL. That’s a very common injury in martial arts  which have seen many top fighters fall prey to such as George St Piere, Carlos Condit , Dominic Cruz...

Light heavyweight match of Hamid Ismail (independent) vs Nicholas Sarigus (Team Karabaw).

Although this fight rouse the crowd up as they shouted for more action, actually not much clean technique was executed, only a couple of punches connected, but you can see Nicholas has full bad intentions as he wind his arm before each punch. Hamid being the agile one have more ring control & did well to get out of harms way most of the time to get a decision win.

Female Action!

Only one female match saw action…which is Fazdiana Farhana (Kinabalu Fighter) vs Sherry Bingku(Team Karabaw). The other one saw the Fighting mom - Valerian Rosario (Sabah Top Team) win by walkover Mardeana Maulana (Dihnar MMA). Fazdiana is 15 years old of mix parentage Chinese father & Arabic mix from her mother. Going into 1^st round with a very focus stare, a trip ended with her on full mount & she bombarded Sherry with numerous unanswered punches that ended by Michael Chong calling it to a stop. Sherry does not look hurt & may recover Fazdiana’s onslaught but in amateur fight safety of fighters is of priority so that fighters will not be seriously hurt & live to fight another day.

Fazdiana with her family members

with her Coach Julian ( L )

Heavyweight action : M.Shariff (independent) vs Fahmi Sarto (Team Karabaw). 
Great to see Fahmi as a heavyweight throwing spinning kicks. Being the more agile & technically skilled, Fahmi shot a few overhand that misses but he was able to control the pace. A clean double leg take down from him to a mount enable him to rain punches in bunches that won the fight. Hoping to see more action in the future from Fahmi.

Here Comes the Main Cards!

As the night falls,… that’s when the real battle begin. 
Kevin Andrew (Borneo Tribal Squad) vs Jason Chalton (Team Karabaw) was a fight destined for hard action & it certainly live up to the crowds expectations. Both looking chiselled & fighting fit, Kevin was light on his feet, after a few feints launch successive punch that press Jason to the fence.  Jason return fire. One of his punches connect clean that snap Kevin’s head back but the fierce exchange continue to the middle. Kevin change to clinch Jason’s head for knees but Jason grab his right knee & took him down.

In Kevin’s guard, Jason manage to deliver punches to the body & head. As Kevin listened to his ONE FC experience fighter & coach – AJ PYRO, he took deep breath & stayed calm. He brought up his leg over Jason’s shoulder & attempt an armbar on Jason’s right arm…but Jason went into attack mode with his left hand shooting punches from top that landed clean. Kevin on survival mode hooked his hand over Jason’s left leg & roll him over. Going to side control which then Jason move him to full guard.

The round ended with Jason defending well from the bottom position.

2^nd round action saw Kevin rushed in for a take-down but ended up in Jason’s guillotine choke. To get more leverage Jason’s jump & wrap both his legs on Kevin’s waist. Kevin threw him on the floor but Jason’s maintain the hold tightly. Trying to ease the pressure, Kevin rolled & ended at bottom of Jason, as Jason move into full mount, Kevin attempt to escape by turning & Jason got Kevin’s back & slide in his right arm for a choke hold.

He lost hold & as both stand up, Jason instantly wrap his arm behind Kevin’s neck again for a guillotine choke & again jump & wrap his legs on Kevin’s body as they both drop to the ground but this time the choke was deep… & resulted in Kevin tapping out.

Certainly an exhilarating match between this two great athelete.

Congrats to Jason for winning FIGHT of THE NIGHT.  For Kevin, watch out for more action from  this young lad in future fights.

Samuel Lai (Borneo Tribal Squad) vs Jeff Andrew (Sabah Top Team) for Lightweight match.  Sam an accomplished grappler constantly was looking for a take down. Jeff was cautious . Sam shoot in for a double leg but his momentum was impede by the fence…this is the disadvantage for a grappler fighting in a small cage as your push does not have enough distant to drop your opponent. Jeff managed to push & exit with a huge right hand that shakes Sam. Sam went low looking for take down, got a single…Jeff posture up & deliver a hard right hook again that makes Sam backed off. As both stand back up, Sam patiently look for an opening for take down. Upon AJ Pyro’s command, Sam shoots in but Jeff sees it coming & again throws a right upon exit, Sam kept coming forward & Jeff threw combinations to keep him at bay. A low kick by Jeff gave the leg to Sam whom managed to get side control. Jeff tries to escape by rolling but gave his back to Sam. Obviously a big mistake to do that for a grappler. Sam hook his legs on Jeff hips but the bell rang, not giving Sam any time to work on a choke.

2^nd Round. Jeff’s strength is clearly his punches but he didn’t use any offensive jabs. This gave Sam opportunity for another successful double leg take down to a side mount. Clearly Jeff’s inexperience on the ground does not give him many options. He tries a hip escape but gave Sam full mount position & rain down punches which Jeff wildly defend from the bottom. Seeing a defensive straight arm of Jeff…Sam swoops in for an arm bar. Jeff does not give up easily & does not let go of his arm…also uses his leg to disrupt Sam’s attempt to crank. Sam sat up to full mount & again swung in another arm bar but Jeff again save by the bell.

3rd round, Jeff look wary…anticipating take down from Sam, which happen again after Sam grab his kick & drive him to the fence. Again like before, Jeff manage to break out of it with a punch. Both momentarily on their feet until Sam succeed with a single leg take down again landed with a side mount, took Jeff’s back & peppered him with punches. Jeff still looking to escape but ended with Sam on full mount & as the 10 seconds mark sounded Sam up the ante & bombard Jeff with punches till the round ended. This is clearly a fight where technique & patience gave Sam the victory.

My personal favourite was featherweight fight -  Douglas Dan (Team Karabaw) vs Chang Choi Kian (Kinabalu Fighter). Due to Chang’s resilience. In 1^st round he was bombarded by punches & knees but he weathered the storm & survived . Chang then threw a front kick & followed by with a right jab that connect , Douglas side step & went on attack mode again with continuous left & right hands. Chang’s drop low for double leg but ended on top in Douglas’s choke. As Doug hold on, Chang, like a machine shot down punches after punches on Doug’s right abs till bell rang. 2^nd round start was a repeat of 1^st round’s ending.  Chang shot for double leg again ended in Doug’s choke hold & Chang mechanically threw punches on the abs.

3^rd round, Doug look tired, could not defend another take down. Chang took side control. All Doug could do is hold on with double underhooks on Chang as Chang shot some short punch on Doug’s head. Decision victory to Chang.

Fans Favourite

Karimov Ahmadjon (Gymbox) vs Effendy Kalai (Kalai Boxing). 
This match was on every fans waiting list. I remembered watching Karimov’s fight in JFL1, even from afar I can hear his punches snap with loud bang. Going against Effendy , ex national boxer & an accomplished martial artist that compete actively in boxing & muay thai tournament,...this match was set for plenty of actions.

Effendy starts with a crouch reminiscent of Jon Jones. Karimov shot in with quick jab & lowered his head as Effendy pushed him off, Karimov counter with a right hook that glance Effendy’s head.

Effendy threw a fast one two as Karimov counter with a fast left hook which Effendy equally fast manage to avoid it. Effendy again shot in with a triple combo, 2^nd shot connect with 3 rd shot barely misses Karimov’s jaw. After some short exchange, Effendy swung Karimov to the fence & press forward with underhooks. Karimov also working for a double under eventually got it & reverse position. Effendy attempt a choke but was pushed on to the floor but in full guard. Karimov showing strength, carried him up & slam down on Effendy’s back. From under Effendy hook on Karimov’s left leg & drop him back...almost into a knee bar as Karimov roll to escape. Both tries to get up but Effendy press on. Karimov holding on to a choke while Effendy’s tries to pry open his knees to a full mount position.  Karimov lost grip on the choke, Effendy press him on the floor using forearm & elbow on Karimov’s neck & face. 1^st round ends with round goes to Effendy.

  

2^nd round, Effendy bait with open arms. Karimov continue to circle around...He came in fast with a leading jab & a right cross that Effendy avoided but Karimov side step to Effendy’s back & swung him to the fence. Effendy reverse to the other side of the cage & press on using his forearm on Karimov’s neck. Karimov manoeuvre to underhooks & reverse the position, they went to center & Karimov pushes Effendy to the cage . Looking for a double leg he lifted Effendy to the center & slamdown. Effendy grimaces in pain & tap out. Later it was revealed that he was in a daze after the slam & in his mind safety was utmost as he has another upcoming fight in KL

Matt Pelino ( MIMMA’s voice ) from the US now coaching at Gymbox, Kuching...Karimov’s training ground must have pass on very effective wrestling techniques that gave Karimov the wrestling advantage for this win.

Karimov ( C ) with his coach Matt Pelino ( L ) & team mate Jace Law

The Kalai Brothers

M.Sharil Masidin (Keningau MMA) vs Eddy Kalai (Kalai Boxing). 
Sharil in this match was a game opponent against an accomplished boxer & muay thai specialist in Eddy. Sharil avoiding Eddy’s punch shot for a take down, Eddy avoided & swung him to the fence, but Sharil was persistent. He hold on Eddy’s hip & manage to swung Eddy on the ground. Eventually Sharil got into Eddy’s choke from bottom position. Sharil was active, he escape Eddy’s guard & took side control & threw knees to Eddy’s right ribs, Eddy rolled & got on top. Sharil, still active on the ground tries to hip escape. Eddy put his weight down & attempt for a kimura. Sharil tries to escape but gave his back to Eddy whom hook in his legs on the hips of his opponent & sunk in a rear naked choke deep enough to end the fight.

Overall

JFL 2 presented some nice match up, but lots of fights was called off as many fighters was injured & some not willing to step up. I wanted to see Adrian Tham (ex MIMMA 1 Heavyweight Champ ) in action, but his opponent did not turn up. Jace Law – Gymbox, Val Rosario – Sabah Top Team & Wun Yit Wui -NOMAD also didn’t break a sweat.

Kudos to Rayner Kinsiong ( JFL founder ) & team that have put up a great event. Rayner wanted JFL to be the region’s leading amateur tournament to unearth local talents & it seems he’s on a right track. Rayner runs Karabaw gym in 88 Market Place in Kepayan & Karabaw has mushroom into few branches outside KK area. JFL fits in well with local MMA scene. MIMMA is building up as the best MMA amateur tournament in Asia if not the world, which JFL can certainly sharpen up fighters that can be successful there.

JFL's founder Rayner Kinsiong

For those who miss out on JFL 2015: The Ladder Match, DVD is available at LadyBugBridal & Photography in Jalan Tuaran.

I’m hoping to see live rock band in future events to play at interval or doing the walk out songs for fighters. This way can bring in music fans & expose to bigger crowd. And also truss set up & spot lights, as what they did in D1 Fighting Championship that really create a BIG event atmosphere. For this JFL need more support, so do spread the words & come in drove for the next event at April 4^th for JFL 3! Tickets now on sale  ( 012-8851368 for more infor )