Ok, had a few hours sleep, recharged the batteries, got a mug of coffe, a laptop and am in the mood to type.
I apologise people...this could be a long one!

Firstly, I was delighted with the draw, please don't anyone take offence to this but in my opinion in each of the first four fights it was one of the strongest fighters versus one of the less experienced opponents. I say I was delighted with the draw because it meant that the strongest fighters would meet further into the tournament (it's always a shame in a tourny when two of the strongest meet in the first round)
Round 1:
Rung v Loz
Oron v Jonno
Shane v Anthony
Stevie B v Keith

The only 'upset' in Round1 then was Keith stopping Stevie. I say 'upset' with respect and only because these two guys have fought three times previously with Stevie winning all three. Worth mentioning at this point just how much Keith has improved recently, I know that he has changed gyms in the last couple of years and whether or not that's responsible for his vast improvement...I can only guess. On a side note, Keiths Round 1 fight with Stevie was also only his 2nd FTR bout.

Ok Round 2:
Rung v Oron
This was an absolutely quality battle between two hugely experienced Thai nationals. Again, has there ever been a Uk fight between two Thais? Absolutely spell binding stuff and the banter between them throughout was hilarious. Oron and his dancing was hilarious and Rung (being Rung) just joined in, haha. Watching them before the bout you wouldn't believe that within a couple of minutes these guys would be kicking seven shades out of eachother. Oran took his 2nd points decision win of the night.

2nd Fight Round 2:
Keith v Shane
Cagey start from both fighters, Shane is absolutely solid and has really explosive returns (kicks). Keith (having had to cut the most weight) had regained his strength from the weigh in and it was clear from his first round win over Stevie that he was packing some real power (especially in that ridiculous left hook...ouch). Mid way through the second round Keith was on the attack with Shane backtracking toward the neutral corner when Keith landed two left elbows in rapid succession dazing Shane and forcing referee Darren to begin the first count of this fight. As Keith moved back to the other neutral corner I saw him screw his face up and couldn't see why, at that point the ref moved and Shane had THE biggest swelling on his forehead I have EVER seen, he looked like he had two heads, seriously. Still dazed but absolutely rock hard he wanted to continue but was on borrowed time as Keith began to unload forcing a 2nd count at which point Shane's corner sensibly retired him (safety first). Keith takes his second stoppage win of the tournament.

THE MAIN EVENT, £2K Title Fight
Keith v Oran
Another Cagey start from both fighters, Oran being quite slippery and showing his experience in the clinch, nothing there too hurt Keith though who all the time still looked fit strong and dangerous (having only fought two and a half rounds so far in the previous two fights). Round two, Keith begins to move forward and unload the bombs (again, his left hook has dynamite in it), the second big bodyshot drops Oran for a count, Oran recovers...Keith gets straight back to the body and this time a knee drops Oran for a 2nd count, at this point the fight is almost certainly over. Here is where Keith will no doubt be kicking himself, he goes chasing the body shots and at one point throws two left body hooks in succession leaving himself open (much to the dismay of his coach who could be heard screaming DON'T BE CRAZY)...it's too late...BANG...Oran throws an overhand right and seriously rocks Keith who manages to tie Oran up in the clinch and sees out the round avoiding a count. Round 3...Keith still dazed from the huge right in the previous round begins to lose his way with the Thai appearing stronger and stronger with every second, Keith receives a count. Now this became a real Rocky type of final round with both fighters standing toe to toe and literally just swinging...the audience making the most noise of the night, this was a BIG round for Oran.
Final bell! Going into the ring to announce the winner, I knew that it was close (I personally thought Keith may just have done it with his work in Rnd 2) it was a draw and would therefore go to an extra round. Keith who had fought his heart out against a veteran of the sport knew that he didn't have a round left in him. He'd given everything he had and had nothing left in the tank. Unable to continue, Referee Darren Phillips raised the hand of the Thai veteran and with the title of UKMF Superfly 8 Man 2010 Champion to add to his already impressive CV, Oran goes home £2000 richer.
(On a side note, both Oran and Keith were late entries to the tournament due to pullouts from the original line up)


Well there you have it folks (I told you I was in the mood to type)

From my own point of view it was a real heart in mouth show, not because of the tournament but because for the first time ever 'Fight Sport MC' was providing Ring Hire, Stage Hire, Catwalk Hire as well as lights, flames, smoke machine, lasers etc. Naturally, I had a couple of teething problems which a few phonecalls this morning have me feeling much happier about. It was a huge learning curve for me and my little business and again I really want to thank the promoters Simon, Andy and Kerry for having me and allowing their show to be my maiden voyage.

Big thanks also to Avi, Daz, Pete, Liam, Davy and Andy just basically for being mates and reassuring me when I was behaving like a little girl, haha. It's onwards and upwards from here...Next Stop, Enfusion in Portugal!

Thanks again everyone and for those who didn't make the event live (shame on you), make sure you subscribe to P4tv because it was AWESOME.

With Respect
Dougie McAdam
Fight Sport MC