Cage Vs Cons: MMA Action Tonight
By Gina L. Caliboso
So we’ve all seen the rough life of a convict…in movies anyway. And when I mean rough, I’m sure the word does not describe the hardcore grit and strength of an ex-con. The ex-con is always the underdog. Overseeing the convicts are the law enforcement officers. Add an MMA venue and you’ve got the makings of a great battle. Tonight at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, the event “Cage vs. Cons” will be presenting 10 MMA fights that will pit ex-convicts fighting law enforcement officers.
Cage vs. Cons is a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company that matches ex-convicts against MMA law enforcement officers. Found by ex-convict, Michael Lynch who spent five years in the California Youth Authority and an additional six years in prison has undergone an entrepreneurial transformation and was also behind Felony Fights. Unlike the UFC or even Strikeforce, Cage vs. Cons showcases fighters beyond the fame and corporate sponsorships – a “street credibility.” Lynch is able to get newly released fighter-convicts once released from custody. For both the ex-convict and law enforcement officer, there will be an underlying theme of the convict liberating himself against those that kept him in check while imprisoned. It makes for great drama and rivalries.
In addition to the showcasing of 10 fights, Saturday’s event also include a tattoo expo, a hip-hop music festival to include Too Short, the Dogg Pound, E40, Psycho Realm, Killah Priest from Wu Tang Clan, Shabazz the Disciple and Big Twins from Mobb Deep. But as Cage vs Cons will showcase 10 MMA fights, a portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Flores Foundation.
The Flores Foundation is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that serves the children of disadvantaged communities. Its mission is to “engage and encourage the disenfranchised, turning violence into learning and trading anger for hope.”
But let’s get back to the business of the fight cards. Among the law enforcement officers, there will be a police officer, a firefighter, a teacher and three military veterans who fought in the Iraq War. Here are the following scheduled fights for tonight’s event:
Fight 10: 3-5 @ 175 lbs.
Ismael Gonzalez (9-8-2) vs. “Notorious” Rick Slaton (10-2-1)
ight 9: 3-5 @ 153 lbs.
Joe Nicholas (8-3) vs. Jason “The Monster” Meaders (14-5)
Fight 8: 3-5 @ 205 lbs.
Lateff “Python” Williams (1-1) vs. Ralph “The Pelican Bay Bomber” Aáu (3-1)
Fight 7: 3-5 @ 185 lbs.
Vincent “The Volcano” Alaalatoa (4-1) vs. Benjamin Martin (6-0)
Fight 6: 3-5 @145 lbs.
Joseph “The Teacher” Calavitta (4-3-1) vs. Anthony “The Birdman” Mcdavitt (7-7)
Fight 5: 2-2 @ 155 lbs.
Brandon Anderson (3-1) vs. Shane Krutchen (2-2)
Fight 4: 3-5 @ 175 lbs.
Preston Scharf (10-12) vs. Daniel “The Animal” McWilliams (8-16)
Fight 3: 3-3 @ 205 lbs.
Jessie Cannon (0-0) vs. Corey Dennis (0-0)
Fight 2: 3-3 @ Super Heavyweight
Gonzo (0-0) vs. Sal Farnetti (2-5)
Fight 1: 3-3 @ 155 pounds
Hector “Aztec Warrior” Peña (0-0) vs. Anthony TeSam (0-1)
I will be sitting cageside with fellow writer, Marc Anthony to cover this event. It should make for an action packed evening. Even though I’ve been watching a lot of boxing, it’s going to be great to see intense MMA bouts. And, I’m sure the Cage vs. Cons will deliver on a night of great bouts.