I have been out of the fight game for almost a year now due to various reasons, so I decided to reflect a bit on how awesome the New England MMA scene has been over the years.
The following is a list of what I feel are the top ten most memorable moments in NE MMA. Feel free to add or argue. It was a tough list to compile, and I'm sure I missed something somewhere.
The 10 Most Memorable Moments in New England MMA
10) Because it was such a fantastic idea, the number 10 spot goes to Jerry Spiegel, one of the most prolific and well-liked fighters in New England (and everywhere), making his ring entrance to “It’s Raining Men.”
9) This spot is a tie for two very historic firsts:
Tim Sylvia records the first KO in Rhode Island at Rhode Island Vale Tudo 1 way back in 1999.
Joe Pomfret, head of the extremely successful RSD/Team Aggression, records the first ever KO in Mass Destruction history (at MD 2) by way of head kick.
8) Although relatively recent and subject to debate, I list Bobby McMaster’s overtime KO over Bobby Dias as number 8. I can’t really explain it, but this straight right hand down the center was so pure that it captured the essence of everything that is MMA.
7) Lance Everson, working for a takedown on Greg Brown, drove him into the ropes and collapsed Kipp Kollar’s patented octagon ring, forcing a no contest and an end to this Mass Destruction event.
6) Alex Karalexis, a relative newcomer at the time, knocked off long time Mass Destruction champion Ted Govola (undefeated in New England) with a vicious right hook.
5) Number 5 goes to the World Fighting League’s 8-man tournament. Scrappy challenger Doug Brown made a name for himself as he recorded two consecutive knockouts on his way to the finals. But if seeing that wasn’t enough to satisfy you, the crowd also got to watch Joe Lauzon tear through the competition en route to the championship, winning two fights by submission and one by brutal slam.
4) The never-give-up attitude is the theme behind number 4. Sitting comfortably in mounted position on John Howard, Mandela Kponou sat up and gave the crowd the infamous “throat slash” gesture, then got caught in a very slick heel hook.
3) It isn’t necessarily “MMA,” but Sean Gannon’s underground victory over renowned streetfighter Kimbo Slice is one of the most talked-about fights ever, creating more internet buzz than many UFC events.
2) Bobby Dias defeated the legendary Warren “Giant Lee” Mayonne via head kick. I had to put this as number 2 on the list because Giant Lee, through his outrageous claims of grandiosity, has reached an absolutely legendary status among New England fight fans, extending far beyond that of Matty Mo, and only a slight second to Chuck Norris.
1) Call me biased towards the little guys, but I say Jim Clifford’s overhook flying armbar over Paul Gorman for the WFL title is number 1. It is still hands down the best submission in New England history, and on a par with some of the best ever.