Modern Fighting

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — It was difficult for Adrenaline CEO Monte Cox not to smile after his event’s debut performance Saturday at the Sears Centre Arena.

“You know, there were a lot of goals I set for this first show and we made the majority of them,” Cox said. “I look at this event as the first step in creating something special in the Midwest. The people who came seemed to really enjoy themselves and I’m sure they’ll continue to support our event.”

Among the goals set for the first event were:

1. Be televised live on national television (accomplished when HDNet showed it live).
2. Give some up-and-coming fighters a chance to showcase their skills (Cox was especially complimentary of Clay French, Bart Palaszewski, Mike Stumpf, Rory Markham and Mike Russow).
3. Provide competitive bouts (Cox cited Brian Gassaway-Forrest Petz and Palaszewski-Jeff Cox as fight of the night candidates).
4. Create a fan-friendly atmosphere (the Meet-and-Greet session for fans included Tim Sylvia, Ben Rothwell, Jens Pulver, Andrei Arlovski and Pat Miletich. Event was sponsored by Affliction).

“There are always things to improve upon and we’ll do an even better job at our second show on Sept. 6 at the I-Wireless Center in Moline, Ill.,” Cox said.

In the main event, Chicago policeman Russow improved to 10-1 by stopping Jason Guida with a neck-crank in the first round.

Terry Martin (17-4) won by DQ over Japan’s Daiju Takase, who landed several kicks to Martin’s groin. Martin now fights Vitor Belfort on July 19 in Affliction: Banned.

Gassaway came within seconds of stopping Petz in the first round, and ended up losing a very close 29-28 decision on all three judges’ cards. It was one of the better efforts by Gassaway in recent years and a huge comeback effort by Petz, a 5-time UFC veteran.

Jeff Cox dropped Palaszewski in the first round and looked on his way to scoring a big upset until the local standout dropped and stopped Cox with a kick to the head early in round 2.

Markham (15-4) survived an aerial attack from Jay Ellis, who literally jumped over his opponent’s head to start the match. Markham took it to the ground and won quickly by submission.

Clay French (15-2) showed his strength in dominated a tough Jameel Massouh, winning by submission after effective ground-and-pound.

Joe Jordan didn’t make a lot of friends, but showed his experience in out-pointing XFO champ Ryan Williams. Jordan, who got his 42nd win, clowned around throughout but landed the more severe blows to get the victory.

Sponsors for the event were: Medalist, Affliction, Fairtex, Tapout, Hitman, Warrior Wear, Dollamur.