Local fighters have big weekend

Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Kyle Gibbons and Steve St. Pierre

Last weekend turned out to one to remember for five local MMA fighters who participate at the All American Karate Academy.

Professional fighter Kyle "The Franchise" Gibbons made quick work of his opponent in his Legends of Fighting bout, winning by TKO in just 43 seconds. Gibbons used a combo of an arm triangle and devastating punches to seize the victory. With the win, Gibbons became the LFC 185-pound Professional Champion.

Also competing were Ronnie Campbell, Jeremy Butler, Chris Pingleton and Ryan Wood at the Elite Cage Fighting at the State Fairgrounds.

Wood won his first MMA fight with a TKO in the first round of the 235 division. Pingleton also grabbed a win by a first round TKO, moving his record to 2-0.

After his opponent weighed in at 203, Campbell chose to continue to fight despite being outweighed by 18 pounds. Master Instructor Steve St. Pierre said the match was back and forth, with Campbell taking multiple shots to the head from punches and knees. Campbell escaped a triangle chokehold and proceeded to pound his opponent for a TKO win.

The match of the night, though, belonged to Jeremy "Hollywood" Butler. In addition to being outweighed by 10 pounds, Butler developed a severe cut early in the fight. His opponent zeroed in on the wound and went to town. Pierre stopped the bleeding and the doctor cleared Butler to return to the octagon.

Butler was behind for the second round, but collected himself and came into the third round on fire. He maneuvered his opponent into a guillotine choke to end the make and take the win. The win was big for Butler, as it came against his National Wrestling coach and a four-time state wrestling champ.

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