WILMINGTON, MA – It was a good night for co-headliners Calvin Kattar and Dan Keefe, who each added another check to their win columns and put on a great show for the 3,300 MMA fans that packed the Shriner’s Auditorium for World Champion Fighting 7.
The headlining fight featured Dan Keefe of Brickhouse Fight Team proved victorious over Woody Weatherby of Renzo Gracie, NH. The fight was too close to call after the two scheduled five minute rounds. The judges declared a unanimous draw and announced a third sudden-victory round. In round three Keefe secured a take down and spent most of the round in Weatherby’s guard throwing strikes. In the closing seconds of the fight, Weatherby gained top position and lock up an arm bar, but the bell rang before Keefe was forced to tap. The judges awarded Dan Keefe the win.
In the co-headlining fight, local favorite Calvin Kattar faced Rodrigo Almeida. The crowd, which was peppered with bright yellow Calvin Kattar tee-shirts, went nuts when the lights dimmed and Hulk Hogan’s “Real American” theme song blasted from the speakers, and Kattar was announced. The fans were less than receptive to Rodrigo, who aimed to tarnish Kattar’s 6-1 record.
At the start of the first round, Rodrigo attempted to neutralize Kattar’s speed and reach advantage by shooting for a take down. Kattar defended, but Rodrigo kept driving. Rodigo was able to take Kattar down, but it was not long before they were back on their feet. Rodrigo drove Kattar into the corner and tryed to secure a leg. Kattar was able to lock in a guillotine and dropped to the mat. Rodrigo tapped out at 2:16 of round one.
In one of the featured bouts, John Benoit of Renzo Gracie, NH won a split decision victory over Damien Trites of Wai-Kru. Trite looked dominant at the start of round one. It took Benoit some time to find his rhyrthm and establish his distance, but once he did he peppered Trite with combinations and dominated the ground game.
WCF 7 also featured appearances by UFC veterans John Howard and Jorge Rivera, Mark DellaGrotte of Sityodtong USA, and actor Kevin James.
Results
Dan Keefe def. Woody Weatherby – Judges decision after round 3
Calvin Kattar def. Rodrigo Almeida – Submission-Guillotine – 2:16 Round 1
Greg Rebello def. Jerry Spiegel – Unanimous Decision
Tom Moreau def. Don Carlo-Clauss – Split Decision
John Benoit def. Damien Trites – Split Decision
Elias Rivera def. Scott Rehm – Submission-Heel Hook – 2:43 Round 1
Travis Bartlett def. Guillermo Echuaca – Ref. Stoppage – 2:18 Round 1
Saul Almeida def. Dan O’Keefe – Submission-Peruvian Necktie – 1:16 Round 1
Nick Evangelous def. Matt McKusker – Ref. Stoppage – 2:41 Round 1
Aniss Anlhajjajy def. Aaron Petrucelli – Split Decision
Marcos Escalante def. John Walsh – Submission-Rear Naked Choke – 1:24 Round 1
Zack Burhans def. Jeff Silva – Unanimous Decision
Nelson Gaipo def. Ryan White – Ref. Stoppage – 1:07 Round 1
Noah Wiseman def. Steve Beck – Submission-Rear Naked Choke – 1:50 Round 1
