Five title fights at Lou Neglia’s ROC 51

There were five title fights at Lou Neglia’s Ring of Combat 51, on Friday, June 5. Given the huge number of fighters that go from ROC to UFC, it is a safe bet that the champs are ready to fight the sport’s best, and are just waiting for the call.

Reigning bantamweight champ, Julio Arce (8-0), returned to the Trop for his third title defense against his biggest test to date, Ontario’s Mike Imperato (7-2). Both fighters were quick to engage at the opening bell but Arce’s superb foot movement quickly began to dictate the pace of the bout as he landed blistering combinations to the body and head of Imperato. The Canadian was game through out the fight but was never able to inflict any serious damage on his elusive opponent as Arce’s more accurate shots began to show wear and tear on Imperato. Arce would go on to win a unanimous decision and retain his ROC title.

The co-main event saw Oluwale The Holy War Angel Bambose (5-0) make quick work of title challenger, Brian Booth (3-2). Both men touched gloves for round one and went to work immediately. Bamgbose landed a quick three-punch combination that seemed to rattle Booth. Bamgbose was sizing up Booth against the cage landed a hard shot to the head of Booth who immediately fell to the canvas. Bamgbose landed a barrage of punches on Booth prompting the referee to intervene at just 24 seconds of the first round! An ecstatic Bamgbose walked around the cage with his hands up while the fans in attendance began to chanting, UFC, UFC!

Showing why he is one of the best welterweights on the regional circuit, Randy Rude Boy Brown (4-0) defeated MMA veteran, Rock Edwards (8-6-1). Edwards turned in a gutsy performance but Brown kept him at bay with his superior height and reach. Brown retained his title with a second round TKO over Edwards.

One of the most decorated collegiate wrestlers in all of MMA today, left ROC 51 with gold around his waist. Gregor The Gift Gillespie (5-0) defeated George Sheppard (15-11) with a dominating performance earning the ROC lightweight title. The opening stanza saw Gillespie stalking Sheppard and with less than a minute in the round, he was able to take his opponent down but Sheppard showed his MMA experience by working his way back up to his feet. His success was short lived as Gillespie again shot in for another successful take down. This time there was no getting the fight back up as Gillespie secured a first round stoppage via arm triangle securing his spot as ROC lightweight champion.

In the first title fight of the night, Chicago’s Mike Santiago (15-9) retained his ROC featherweight title by defeating New Jersey’s Mervin Rodriguez (7-9-1) via unanimous decision.

Results for remainder of the card:

Azamat Murzakanov (2-0) defeats Alec Hoben (2-2) via TKO 1st round

Max Bohanan (4-0) defeats Lashawn Alcocks (5-5) via TKO 1st round

Frank Buenafuente (3-3) defeats Tim Dooling (1-2) via UD

Karl Roberson (1-0) defeats Chike Obi (0-1) via UD

Cody Mooney (2-) defeats Zarrukh Adashev via RNC 1st round

Anthony Genovese (1-0) defeats Tyson Kellerman (0-1) via UD