Hard Rock 43: Live Play-by-play

BluegrassMMA is on site at Paroquet Springs Conference Center located in Shepardsville, Kentucky for the 3rd Anniversary of Hard Rock MMA as Hard Rock 43 is set to kick off at 7:30pm EST with 21 fights including 3 Professional bouts featuring Isaiah Ferguson, brother to the Ferguson Brothers who were featured on the last season of The Ultimate Fighter, and 18 Amateur fights which include the Middleweight and Bantamweight titles on the line.

To see all the events results continue reading

*Update* Fights 7, 10, 12, and 14 have been cancelled by the commission.

Fight 1:
John Lakes (0-0) vs William Myers (2-6) – Welterweight
Round 1
John comes out first with a quick leg kick and combo, Will counters with one as well. The fighters are exchanging, backing up and exchanging again. John gets the better of the exchanges. The fighters clinch up again the change and each fighter is able to land some nice knees. Fighters break off, start to circle and John with a nice high leg kick. Will rushes in for a takedown attempt and John is able to stuff it and locks in a guillotine choke. John drops to the ground with the choke intact and within seconds of taking it to the ground Will taps.

Winner: John Lakes via Submission (Guillotine Choke) 1:43 into Round 1. John wins his debut fight and advancing to 1-0

Fight 2:
Brain Kerr (5-10) vs Chad Sermon (2-2) – Lightweight
Round 1
Chad comes out like a gorilla such as Anderson Silva, Rashid Evans, Bones Jones have done in the previous fights and Brian lays a huge head kick that knocks Chad clean out. By far the best knockout I’ve seen in a LONG time. Unfortunately Chad had one of his down when he got kicked so Brian got disqualified.

Winner: Chad Sermon via Disqualification (kick to downed opponent) 00:08 into Round 1.

Fight 3:
Clay Brown (0-0) vs Trent Walden (0-0) – Light Heavyweight
Round 1
Clay out first pressuring Trent up to the cage, Clay lands a nice combo but Clay is still pressuring. Clay goes for a takedown and gets it. Clay is on top of Trent throwing some heavy punches that are landing and gets a rear-naked choke on Trent. Trent is hanging in there, but it does look tight. Trent is able to get out and work his way back up to this feet. Fighters clinch up against the cage with Trent on the outside landing some nice rib shots on Clay. Clay is able to circle out of the clinch fighters break off and Clay shoots for a takedown but is unsuccessful as Trent is able to get Clay down for a second before Clay is able to get back up. As they stand up for brief second Clay takes Trent down. Trent is on top in full-guard landing some more heavy punches and Trent rolls over to give up his back, only for a second though as he is able to get back to his back and get Clay in full-guard again. The bell sounds as he does.

Round 1: Clay 10-9 – It appears that Trent as a huge hematoma above his right eye. Doctor comes in to check to make sure it’s alright and Trent says he wants to continue.

Round 2
Clay out first with a weak kick and Trent counters with a nice shot. Clay rushes in for t clinch with Trent landing some nice shots of his own. Clay lands a nice hook that backs Trent up a little bit and Clay is able to get out of the clinch. The fighters back up a little and Clay is able to secure another takedown. Clay is on top in full-guard position. Trent is doing a good job from the bottom to control Clay. Clay is able to break off for a second to land some shots. Clay stands back up after no action occurs on the bottom. Clay with a nice straight and the fighters go back to a nice exchange and they clinch up against the cage. Trent goes for a hip-toss but is unsuccessful. The bell sounds a few seconds later.

Round 2: Clay 10-9

Round 3
Clay out first with a straight punch that lands and right afterwards goes for a takedown and gets it. Clay is on top in full-mount position. Clay jumps to side-control and locks in a side choke. He doesn’t stay long as Clay jumps back to full-mount. Trent tries to buck Clay off of him but it doesn’t work. Ref warns the fighters to work. Trent again tries to buck but again is unsuccessful. Trent rolls over and gives up his back and as he does Clay is able to lock in a secure a rear-naked choke. Within seconds of locking the choke in Trent taps out.

Round 3: Clay 10-9

Winner: Clay Brown via Submission (Rear-naked Choke) 01:50 into Round 3. Clay wins his debut fight and improves his record to 1-0

Fight 4:
Cerel Holt (0-1) vs James Norris (0-0) – Middleweight
Round 1
Cerel goes for a head kick but James is able to duck and counters with a takedown. Cerel from the bottom is able to sweep James and get top control in full-mount. James is holding James and looks like he is trying to shrimp out the bottom. Cerel appears to have his forearm across the throat hard to see from my angle. Ref stops the fight as James taps out.

Winner: Cerel Holt via Submission (keylock) 01:34 into Round 1. Cerel improves his record to 1-1.

Fight 5:
Bryan Tipton (1-1) vs Emilio Vallecillo (0-0) – Light Heavyweight
Round 1
Emilio first to attack is unloading a barrage of punches on Bryan. Bryan drops to the ground to try to protect himself from the onslaught of punches. Emilio is on top in side-control. Emilio jumps and passes to full-mount. Bryan turns over and gives up his back and Emilio throws left and right hooks to the side of Bryans head and he taps

Winner: Emilio Vallecillo via Submission (due to strikes) 01:06 into Round 1. Emilio wins his debut amateur fight and improves his record to 1-0

Fight 6:
Mark Morris (0-0) vs Wes Compton (1-1) – Bantamweight
Round 1
Wes out first with a leg kick but Mark counters with a nice combo. Fighters circle the cage, Mark with a nice combo. Wes is able to connect with another leg kick. Mark is pressuring Wes and lands some nice punches and tosses in a leg kick as well that gets Wes to the ground. Mark is on top working for better position but Wes is able to roll Mark and get top position. Wes is on top in full-guard. Mark appears to be working for a triangle, Wes tries to get out and Mark is able to secure a armbar submission. Mark pulls the arm to tighten the hold and as he does Wes taps out.

Winner: Mark Morris via Submission (Armbar) 01:40 into Round 1. Mark wins his debut fight and improves his record to 1-0 as an amateur.

Fight 7:
Aaron Garsee (2-0) vs Matt Leseter (2-1) – Bantamweight
Round 1
Fight cancelled by commission.

Fight 8:
Jason Williams (3-3) vs Joe Meyer (4-0) – Catchweight (175)
Round 1
Joe out first with some quick jabs but Jason counters with a combo of his own. Jason is able to lock in a side choke and drops down to his back to lock in the choke. Joe is able to get back to his feet and get out of the choke. The fighters each throw a small exchange that results in Joe locking in a guillotine choke but let’s go as Jason goes for a takedown. Joe stuffs the initial takedown but Jason stays committed and picks up Joe and slams him down to the ground. Jason on top in full-guard position is working for better position. Joe is holding down Jason to prevent any damage from strikes. Joe is able to sweep out of the full-guard position and work to get the back of Jason. Joe is able to get the back of Jason but as he does the bell sounds.
Round 1: Joe Meyer 10-9

Round 2
Jason first to strike with a combo that lands but Joe counters with a takedown. Joe currently on top in side-control is able to control Jason from getting out gets the back and is dropping some nice shoots to the head of Jason. Joe continuing to drop the punches, Jason not doing much to stop the punches ref warns Jason to protect himself. Joe continues to drop unanswered punches and the ref steps in to stop the fight.

Winner: Joe Myer via TKO (Ref stoppage due to strikes) 01:48 into Round 2. Joe continues his unbeaten amateur career and improves his record to 5-0

Fight 9:
Rob Covington (2-1) vs Dusty Stengel (2-2) – Lightweight
Round 1
Rob throws a front kick and Dusty backs up and almost trips over his own feet as he backs up. Rob connects with a body kick, fighters circle and Rob connects with another body kick. The fighters are circling the center and Rob lands another body kick, Dusty is able to counter with a takedown. Dusty is on top in half-guard position. Dusty drags Rob up against the cage; Dusty has his knee across the chest of Rob and is working for a heel hook. Dusty has the lock secured but Rob fights to get out of it and is able to get the back of Dusty. Dusty is trying to stand to his feet but Rob does a good job at holding him down. Dusty has a hold of Rob’s ankle trying to get Rob down. Rob drops to his back and gets a triangle choke in but it isn’t tight and Dusty is able to get out as he does the bell sounds.
Round 1: Rob 10-9

Round 2
Rob at first again with a low leg kick. Rob attempts a superman punch but misses. The fighters are circling, Rob fakes a front kick. Rob looks like he is going for a spinning back fist but as he does Dusty counters with a nice leg kick that connects. Fighters are circling again in the cage, Dusty goes for a takedown but Rob is able to reverse and is on top in full-mount position. Dusty holding on to Rob, tries to roll him. Rob sitting kind of high in the mount gets rolled. Dusty is now on top in full-guard. Not too much action going on from the guard position. Dusty throws a small fiery of punches. Fighters back to no action on the ground. Bell sounds ending the round.
Round 2: Dusty 10-9

Round 3
Fighters come out circling both look a little winded. Dusty the first to strike this time connects with a leg kick. Dusty with another leg kick and Rob counters with a kick of his own. Dusty goes for and secures another takedown. Rob has a guillotine choke on Dusty; the fighters keep rolling on the ground. The choke is still in tight. Dusty is able to roll Rob again and lands on top in full-guard and is able to break the submission attempt. Rob is able to roll from the bottom locking in an armbar submission attempt. Rob is on the bottom with the armbar locked in. Dusty is able to get out of the armbar, turns and has Rob in a crucifix position and is landing some nice shots to the face of Rob. A few seconds later the round ends.
Round 3: Dusty 10-9

Winner: Dusty Stengel via Unanimous Decision (Judge 1 29-28, Judge 2 29-28, Judge 3 29-28). Dusty improves his amateur record to 3-2.

Fight 10:
Orlando Smith (6-7) vs Cliff Hicks (2-2) – Light Heavyweight
*Fight cancelled by commission.

Fight 11:
Jacob Byrd (4-6) vs Brandon Hurst (2-2) – Welterweight
Round 1
Brandon comes out with a takedown attempt that gets stuffed. Jacob lands a nice hook that rocks Brandon and Jacob is able to get a takedown of his own. Brandon quickly gets back to his feet and is able to keep Jacob down and now Brandon jumps on top of Jacob and has full mount. Jacob is able to buck Brandon off of him and get back to his feet. The fighters are clinched up against the cage with Brandon on the outside and he leg trips Jacob to get full-mount position again. Brandon dropping some heavy punches from the top; Jacob tries to pull Brandon closer to prevent any further punches but is unable. Brandon again lands some heavy punches and Jacob tries to buck Brandon off of him but is unsuccessful in doing so. Brandon trying to work for better position, Jacob seizing this opportunity is able to roll out from the bottom and gets top control, but as he does the round ends.
Round 1: Brandon 10-9

Round 2
Brandon first to strike lands a nice inside leg kick. Jacob pressuring Brandon towards the cage, Brandon clinches up with Jacob. Fighters working for position, Brandon is able get Jacob to the ground. Brandon works quickly and gets side-control than passes to full-mount. Jacob sweeps to get top position in full-guard. Jacob is landing some nice shots from the top, choosing hits shots wisely. Jacob leaves his land up looking for a shot and Brandon sees that locks in a triangle from the bottom. Jacob is trying to fight out of it; Brandon is trying to lock it in tighter. Jacob I scrambling from the top and it appears to have only helped Brandon lock it in tighter. Jacob taps.

Winner: Brandon Hurst via Submission (triangle choke) 02:31 into Round 2. Brandon Hurst improves his amateur record to 3-2.

Fight 12:
Troy Johnson (1-0) vs Zach Michael (0-0) – Cathweight (160)
*Fight cancelled by commission.

Fight 13:
Derk Otterson (1-2) vs Billy Smith (1-1) – Catchweight (140)
Round 1
Both fighters at with hooks that connect nicely, it appears Billy was cut by the punch. Billy is able to get a takedown and is on top in side-control. Billy lands some nice shots from the top. Derek has a side choke in from the bottom but not too tight as Billy is able to get out from the choke. Derek gives up his back but is able to get to his feet and shots and gets the takedown with a double leg. But as he does that Billy is able to secure a guillotine choke from the bottom and within seconds Derek taps.

Winner: Billy Smith via Submission (guillotine choke) 01:44 into Round 1. Billy improves his amateur record to 2-1

Fight 14:
Chris Hansford (2-2) vs Terry Coalter (2-2) – Featherweight
*Fight cancelled by commission.

Fight 15:
Michael Gay (12-21) vs Deon Spalding (6-2) – Heavyweight
Round 1
Michael first out with a shot gets Deon down but not for long as Deon quickly gets back to this feet. Fighters are clinched up against the cage with Deon on the outside. They’re working for position and Deon is able to get a hip-toss takedown and lands in side-control. Deon is trying to lock in the arm but Michael is able to prevent it. Michael is able to get Deon into half-guard. Michael rolls over to his knees; Deon lands some huge knees to the ribs of Michael. Michael rolls to his back to get Deon in half-guard but as he does Michael again rolls to his knees giving up his back which Deon seizes and gets on top. As he does the round ends.
Round 1: Deon 10-9

Round 2
Michael comes out with a leg quick, Deon counters with a huge straight that drops Michael. Deon jumps on Michael lands some huge rib shots. Deon stands back up and lets Michael get to his feet. Michael attempts a horrible shot drops to his knees and Deon just lands some devastating punches to the ribs that go unanswered and the ref stops the fight.

Winner: Deon Spalding via TKO (Ref stoppage due to strikes) 01:05 into Round 2. Deon improves his amateur record to 7-2

Fight 16:
Round 1
Jack Podgorski (5-2) vs Ron Sanders (2-0) – Featherweight
Jack comes out first with a front kick but misses; Ron jumps on Jack and clinches up with him. Jack grabs a leg works for a takedown after a few attempts is able to secure the takedown. Jack on top in side control but Ron is scrambling and rolling on the ground eventually gives up his back to Jack. Jack with the back of Ron works for a submission but nothing as of yet. Jack rolls from the back and gets to side control position. Ron is able to get back to his feet, but Jack is holding on to his back. Jack jumps on the back of Ron and has a standing rear-naked choke on Ron. Ron is able to toss Jack over his back which results with Jack on the ground and Ron standing. Ron is still standing allows Ron to get to his feet as he does the bell sounds.
Round 1 Jack 10-9

Round 2
Ron looks a little gassed coming out. The fighters are circling with a huge gap in between them. Ron the first to strike with a weak jumping knee which Jack is easily able to grab and hold onto and gets a take-down landing on top in side-control. Jack passes from side-control to full mount but Ron is able to spin and grab the leg of Jack forcing Jack to stand. Jack and Ron are scrambling for position which Jack is able to get the back of Ron. Ron attempts to stand up trying to shake Jack off of his back. Jack is from the back of Ron grabs the leg to force Ron to drop to his knees. It appears that Jack is going for a rear-naked choke but gives up shortly after getting it lands a couple of punches and goes back to work for better position. Bell sounds.
Round 2: Jack 10-9

Round 3
Fighters looked gasses as neither one is approaching the other. Finally Jack throws a front leg quick but since the fighters are so far apart doesn’t come close. Ron steps closer as he does Jack shoots in for a takedown and is able to get it. Again Jack is able to get the back of Ron. Jack has the hooks in; Ron tries to stand up but falls back to his knees. Jack throwing some punches but doesn’t seem to be doing much damage. Jack continues to throw some punches which are starting to look like they are wearing down Ron. Jack goes back to work for better position, slides up the back of Ron and attempts an armbar. Ron able to get out of the attempt stands up to his feet attempts to jump on Jack with a punch but Jack lands a nice up kick. The bell sounds ending the round.
Round 3: Jack 10-9

Winner: Jack Podgorski via Unanimous Decision (Judge 1 30-27, Judge 2 30-27, Judge 3 30-27). Jack improves his amateur record to 6-2.

Fight 17:
Lewis Whitt (4-3) vs Cody Bruce (7-4) – Middleweight Interim Title Fight
Round 1
Cody comes out takes center with Lewis circling. Cody lands a nice hook. Lewis throws a combo Cody counters with a nice combo. Fighters have another exchange with Cody getting the better of it. Cody shoots in and secures the takedown lands in full-guard position. Lewis is doing a nice job from the bottom controlling Cody. Cody is able to pass from full-control and gets to full-mount position. Cody is dropping some nice heavy shots from the top. Lewis tries to buck Cody off but is unsuccessful. Cody looks for the opportunity and secures an armbar as soon as he locks it in Lewis taps out.

Winner: Cody Bruce via Submission (Armbar) 01:57 into Round 1. Jack is now the interim Hard Rock Middleweight Champion and improves his amateur record to 8-4.

Fight 18:
Dusty Gibbs (8-3) vs Derik Byrd (8-6) (Champ) – Bantamweight Title Fight
Round 1
Fighters come out each throwing and landing a straight. Dusty with a nice combo afterwards. Dusty again with some punches Derik lands one with a counter. Derik goes for a knee but Dusty is able to grab it. Fighters back to circling the center. Derik lands a nice inside leg kick. Derik with an overhand hook misses, Dusty rushes in with a flying knee lands and the fighters are clinched up against the cage. Dusty on the outside trying to work a takedown attempt but Derik is able to prevent it. Finally Dusty is able to get the takedown. Dusty is on top in full-guard position landing some nice shots to the ribs of Derik. Derik is working to get out from the bottom and Dusty doing a good job at holding him down. Bell sounds.
Round 1: Dusty 10-9

Round 2
Derik first out with a combo but doesn’t connect. Derik again throws that overhand right this time connecting with it and it drops Dusty. Before Derik can jump on Dusty the ref jumps in calling the fight.

Winner: Derik Byrd via KO 00:15 into Round 2. Derik remains the Bantamweight Champion and improves his record to 9-6.

Fight 19:
Jamey Scruggs (3-2) vs Chris Biddle (0-0) – Pro – Catchweight (190)
Round 1
Jamey comes out with a jab then immediate shoots in and gets the takedown. Jamey lands on top and gets side-control. Chris works and gets Jamey into half-guard position. Chris doing a nice job at controlling Jamey from the bottom position, Chris is attempting a arm lock but gives up as Jamey lands some nice shots to the head. Chris goes back to work on the arm, but Jamey goes to the ribs of Chris stopping Chris from going after that arm. Jamey lands some nice shoots one to the face of Chris. Jamey is able to land a nice elbow which opens up the guard of Chris enabling Jamey to land some nice shots. Chris is able to get back to his feet but Jamey sinks in a guillotine and drops to his back, but it doesn’t look tight. Chris is able to get out and circle and get to the back of Jamey landing some nice punches once he gets the back. Chris lands some more shots mixing it up with some knees to the ribs. Chris able to roll to his back gets Chris in half-guard position. Chris trying to work for better position but can’t do much as the bell sounds.
Round 1: Chris 10-9

Round 2
Jamey out first with a jab follows it up with a combo but Chris counters with a punch of his own. Chris rushes in on Jamey clinching up with him but only for a second exits the clinch with a nice shot. Chris gets a body-to-body suplex takedown landing in side-control. Chris working for better position but isn’t getting anywhere; Jamey is going a good job at preventing Chris from being able too. Chris putting this forearm on the throat of Jamey lands a few elbows from there. Jamey is able to roll to his knees giving up his back while still in side-control. Chris connects with some nice shots from this position that causes Jamey to use the cage to get back to his feet but for only a second as Chris takes Jamey back down. Chris is on top in half-guard position now. Jamey tries to buck Chris off but is unsuccessful. The ref tells the fighters to work. The fight remains in this position until the bell sounds.
Round 2: 10-9 Chris

Round 3
Jamey out first lands some nice shots, Chris throwing some of his own but Jamey definitely getting the better rocking Chris. Jamey shoots in for a takedown and is able to get him to the ground but once they get to the ground Chris sweeps and gets top control in half-guard position. The fight is back with Chris on top as it ended in the last round. Not much work is going on from either fighter. The ref again warns the fighters to advance. Chris is trying to pass from side-control now to full-mount but Jamey is doing a good job at stopping it. Jamey is able to get Chris back into half-guard. Ref steps in and stands the fighter’s up. Jamey lands a nice combo, Chris looks a little wobbly. Jamey lands a nice shot rushes Chris and clinches up with him. Jamey drops to his knees looking for a takedown but Chris stops him. Chris pushing the head down of Jamey is landing some nice rib shots. Jamey finally able to pick the ankle of Chris to get him down to the ground for the takedown where he lands on top in full-guard position. The ref steps in again stands them up. Chris landing a nice combo which Jamey shoots in for a takedown but Chris is able to stuff it and the bell sounds ending the round.
Round 3: Chris 10-9

Winner: Chris Biddle via Unanimous Decision (Judge 1 30-27, Judge 2 30-27, Judge 3 30-27). Chris wins his debut Professional fight making his Pro record now 1-0

Fight 20:
Braedon Ward (0-0) vs Brandon Bishop (0-0) – Pro – Lightweight
Round 1
Bishop comes out swinging but doesn’t connect. Ward rushes in and clinches up with Bishop up aginst the cage. Bishop lands a nice knee to the face of Ward from the clinch. The fighters are working for position in the clinch; Ward is on the outside is able to secure a hip-top toss takedown. The fighters are rolling on the ground land up against the cage door with a lot of pressure and the door flings open busting the hinge off and the fighters fall out of the cage.

Winner: Fight ends in no-contest due to the fighters following out of the cage. Fighters are being reviewed by the doctor right now.

Fight 21:
Tyrelle Olding (1-5) vs Isaiah Ferguson (0-0) – Pro – Featherweight
Round 1
Isaiah rushes Tyrelle with a fury of punches that trips up Tyrelle opening him up for a takedown that Isaiah secures. Isaiah in side-control locks in a side choke; Isaish circles the head of Tyrelle locking in the choke even deeper and as he does Tyrelle taps.

Winner: Isaiah Ferguson via Submission (arm triangle) 00:45 into Round 1. Isaiah wins his Pro debut and improves his record to 1-0.