I figure I'm one of the few that actually gets HD-Net, so I put together a few notes after I saw that you were looking for reports on the show. I didn't start watching until about 45 minutes in, but here's what I have. I'd give the show a Thumbs in the Middle. It had some decent action, but I hardly recognized any names. The production was okay, not up to UFC level, but not awful either. The venue (Sears Centre) wasn't very full from what I could tell. Crowd reactions were poor until the main event. The local guys got cheers, but no one else did.

There was at least one match before I started watching and someone won with a rear naked choke in a replay I caught. Not sure if it was the Miller vs. Lapsley match or not.

Rory Markham over Jay Ellis by submission in the first round with what the announcers called a triangle, but it was more like a gogoplata, maybe a triplata? LOL. Anyway, the bell rings and Ellis goes charging across the cage to do this ridiculous flying knee. He flew so high, he went over the top of Markham and almost fell on his head. Markham went after him and got some punches on from the top. Ellis used the cage with his feet and flipped him over and started throwing his own shots, but Markham pulled him into that submission and it was over. By the way, there should be a rule, if you have a losing record, you lose all rights to having a nickname. Jay "The Silent Assassin" Ellis, introduced with a 11-15 record (now 11-16). Um, that does not strike fear into me; in fact, I got a really good laugh. How many "assassins" are losers at anything?

Bart Palaszewski beat Jeff Cox with a beautiful right kick to the chin in the 2nd round. Cox dominated the first round both standing and on the ground. Cox got a knockdown early and Palaszewski had some defense, but I had a 10-8 round for Cox. Not much happened in the 2nd round until the big kick. In the replay you can see Cox was on dream street sitting on the mat and Herb Dean ran in and waved it off immediately.

Forrest Petz beat Brian Gassaway by unanimous decision, all scores 29-28. Gassaway got a knockdown in the first round, and followed up but couldn't finish him. The announcers were calling the match over at this point. He tried punches, but Petz was defending somewhat after the initial flurry, so the ref let it go on. Gassaway got his back and worked for a choke but never really got close. I had it as a 10-8 round for Gassaway, but obviously the judges didn't see it that way. Petz did more work than Gassaway in rounds 2 and 3 and basically stole the fight, because Gassaway didn't do much but didn't really look tired or anything, just not active at all. Gassaway was disgusted with the announcement, while Petz looked like he stole one (he did). I had it a draw 28-28.

They announced Fedor vs. Sylvia on the next show, but I was looking for paper to take notes, so I didn't get details of when or where. At this point, I started taking more detailed notes.

Terry Martin beat Daiju Takase via DQ in 3:39 of round 2. Takase looks like a cross between Hulk Hogan and Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid. The blond head of hair and goatee looks hilarious. Martin knocks Takase down in the first minute with a big right to the shoulder. Martin doesn't follow up and the ref stands Takase up. Martin with another bomb knocks Takase halfway across into the cage. Takase tries a high kick and a takedown, but a good sprawl by Martin prevents it. Takase tries another takedown, but Miller stays on top. Takase tries for a triangle, but Miller escapes and they stand up again. Another knockdown by Martin and it's clear he wants no part of the ground. Takase gets up. Martin throws more bombs and Takase is on his bicycle. Another knockdown, Takase gets up. Another takedown blocked. Front kick to the groin by Takase, clearly unintentional. The replay just makes you want to cringe, direct hit. They start up again and the bell rings and they are both still throwing. Round 2 starts with Takase going for a takedown and Martin blocking and escaping again. Very solid takedown defense. Another low blow by Takase looking for the kick to the inner thigh. Ref takes a point away this time. 2 more kicks, one high one low by Takase to little effect. At least these weren't to the groin. Takase goes for another takedown blocked by Miller who lets him up again. Martin has a small cut under the right eye, not sure when it happened. More bombs by Takase, who is clearly not dealing well with this fight being all stand up. And a 3rd kick to the groin by Takase ends the fight via DQ. Takase was pissed when he realized what happened and slammed his mouthpiece on the mat. Some booing from the crowd.

Main event is Jason Guida vs. Mike Russow. Guida is seconded by his brother Clay. Both guys get chants from the crowd during introductions. Russow bulls Guida into the cage. They are clinching and Guida is trying to get Russow down. Finally they separate and Russow gets a single leg takedown. Guida gets over the top of Russow against the cage and is trying a guillotine. Russow reaches over Guida's head with his left arm and sinks in a guillotine of his own and gets Guida to tap out in 2:13.

Dan Graulich

Shapleigh, ME

{plug}