Adil Sajjad reports on the latest action from WCMMA 18, featuring knockouts and submissions on an action-packed night at the Troxy.
Hawinder Sira made quick work of UK-1 middleweight title challenger Michael Macvoy in the main event of WCMMA 18, ending the fight via a first-round knockout that left Macvoy unconscious. It was a fitting end to the fight, which was a testament to the ‘stand and bang’ mentality displayed by both fighters.
Brady Cann was also successful as he utilised his high-level submission expertise to finish Mervin Pobi for the welterweight championship, with an excellent rear naked choke in the second round. The fight was bumped up to co-main event level after Kajetan Szoma’s absence forced Modestas Bukauskas to withdraw.
Bukauskas took the opportunity presented to him during the announcement of the cancellation, informing the crowd that he would soon compete in the professional leagues: “I take this as a sign really, next time you see me it will be on the pro show (UCMMA). This is the end of my semi-pro career!”
In doing so, he will most likely be forced to vacate the light-heavyweight strap.
In a likely fight of the night winner, Imran Khan defeated Michael Appleton via split decision in a bout which reduced both fighters to their backs at the sound of the final buzzer. The front-footed approach of Khan was matched by the movement and expert counter striking of Appleton who was willing to allow his opponent to chase him, perhaps in the hopes of an opportunity to catch him wrong-footed. However, Khan showed balance and overall more fervour in looking for a finish that perhaps swayed the judges’ favour as the fight drew to a close.
In a charity title fight under kickboxing rules, James McFadyen trumped perennial warrior Andy Cona over three rounds to win a charity K-1 welterweight championship, doing so while representing SAFE or ‘Standards Against Female Exploitation’. McFadyen showed an adept understanding of rhythmic striking to keep up a varied style of attacks which kept a tenacious Cona trapped in pockets around the cage.
In the most notable fight of the undercard, UK-1 light-heavyweight champion Stan Wilson easily overwhelmed Tony Louis by way of knockout in the very first round.