Kickdown 87 “Spartans”

Friday night Steve Alley’s Kickdown  promotion brought  the show “Spartans”  to the Red Lion in Denver. And what a show it was…

The show gave us a total of twelve fights, almost half being title fights. The weight classes ranged from 135s to 205s and everything in between. While we didn’t get to see any Heavyweights or women’s matches, we did get a solid dozen great fights. Some of them, absolute wars.

The night got better as it went on, and by the time we made it to Andrew Kauppila and Nick Laney, we got to watch the heart and determination of Wyoming’s Kauppila make it almost to a decision before being submitted by Laney. Kauppila is one tough guy, too. Before succumbing to an inverted arm bar, he withstood the striking clinic put on by Laney. This guy is an amateur you say? Keep an eye on Nick Laney.

On to the light heavyweight title match between Chris Dollbaum and Rory O’farrell. This one did make it to a decision, and a hard fought one at that. Both fighters took turns taking the fight to each other throughout the match. A point deduction for Dollbaum kept everyone wondering when the reading of the decision came about. Unfortunately for O’farrell it also stopped the possibility of a Team Infinite sweep.

The main event had pro fighters Chris Cisneros from Core Martial Arts and Team Infinites Ricky Johnson go the distance. The fighters showed why they are pros as the fight took place on the feet as well as the ground. Great striking and grappling start to finish. This evening would have Johnson edging Cisneros out 29-28 on all three cards.    

I am constantly impressed with the talent here in Colorado.  

Speaking of impressive, let’s talk Steve Alley for a minute. Along with being head of one of Colorado’s oldest promotion, and putting on top notch shows, he is also an expert multi-tasker transitioning through the night from promoter, to ring announcer, to commentator for the Kickdown DVDs. I had the privilege of sitting ringside with Steve, and watching him in action. Not only did he flow through his duties effortlessly, he still made time to talk to us media personnel covering the show.

Highlights and lowlights…

Lowlight…Can we add a women’s bout?

Highlight was the night as a whole. Start to finish, great fights, great production, great venue. Thank you Steve.

If you’re reading this you are probably already aware of the growing local MMA scene. If you know someone who isn’t, turn them on to it, and if you like them take them to a Kickdown show.