CageFX Gives Fans a New Kind of Show

BROCKTON, MA – Despite minor complications, CageFX’ Battle Under the Stars offered New England great fights and a new mixed martial arts experience.

CageFX’ fourth event was held at Brockton’s Campenelli Stadium, the home of the Brockton Rox. Campanelli was an unlikely choice for an MMA event as it is not only outdoors, but a baseball field, which raises questions about seating arrangements, the fans’ viewing experience and the possibility of adverse weather conditions.

Promoter Linda Shields answered these questions by organizing one of the largest and most innovative events to have taken place in New England.

Walking into the stadium, the first thing you noticed was the cage centered on the pitcher’s mound and the VIP area around it. Lining the grass line around the infield was an arc of food vendors and sponsor’s booths as well as a flatbed truck that would serve as a stage for a live musical performance.

By the time the professional fights started, the venue was packed. The rows of seating and tables around the cage were filled as were most of Campanelli Stadium’s bleachers. The area between the VIP section and the vendors in the outfield served as a standing room area and was filled MMA fans.

Unfortunately, the event was not without its problems. The skies were clear when the event started, as the temperature dropped, the humidity in the air fell on the field in the form of dew. After 17 fights, the floor of the cage was so slippery, it was a safety hazard. The promoters were forced to call it a night, lest they put the fighters at risk. This resulted in a scuffle breaking between a drunken fan and individual’s from Steve Dunn’s entourage. Security stepped in, however, and diffused the situation.

There were also some issues with seating organization. As the night went on, security had a hard time separating the VIP section and the standing room area infield. Fans would fill the isles around the cage, blocking the view of those in VIP seats, photographers, and other media personnel. One also has to wonder what the view was like for the fans in the top row of the bleachers. However, this can be viewed as a learning experience. The next time a promotion holds an event at a venue likeCampanelli Stadium, they will know what to expect and how to prepare.

Battle Under the Stars was an MMA event that felt like a rock concert. Fans were even treated to live music and a fireworks show during intermission. It was a risky move for CageFX , but it worked. It was not perfect, but it was innovative. Fans were given a new MMA experience. It was a great example of what can happen when a promotion explores new ways to differentiate themselves from their competition and deliver fights to the fans.

Results

Ethan Truong def. Frank Stone – R2, 1:52, Rear Naked Choke

Dave Irving def. Andy Robinson – R2, 3:21, TKO-Strikes

Greg Armstrong def. Aaron Ames – R1, 2:35, TKO-Strikes

Brandon Douglas def. Jeff Lyon – R1, 1:08, Rear Naked Choke

Colin Smith def. A.J. Marigliano – R1, 0:41, TKO – Strikes

Shawn Baker def. Jared Menslage – Unan. Dec. 30-27, 30-27, 29-28

Mark Chaupette def. Joe Kavey – R1, 1:51, Guillotine

Steve Dunn def. Lionel Young – Unan. Dec. 30-27, 30-27, 29-28

Muzzaffer Abdurakhmanov def. Bruce Boyington – R1, 0:51, Rear Naked Choke

John Clarke def. Robbie Robers – R1, 1:42, Kimura

Bret Oteri def. Bob Puntunto – R1, 2:50, Guillotine

Lee Beane def. Luke Corona – R1, 4:06, TKO-Strikes

Jason Dolloff def. Artie Mullen – R1, RNC (and injury to the leg)

Josh Watson def. Christian Berrios – R1, 0:47, TKO-Strikes

Pat Bennett def. Juliano Cutinho – R1, 1:00, TKO-Strikes

Ross Warriner def. Carlos Rivera – Overtime, 2:50, Rear Naked Choke

Sean Rockwell def. Fernando Rivera – R1, 4:09, TKO-Strikes

Todd Chattelle def. Anthony Dick – R1, 0:10, Submission