*Bantamweight World Title*
Travis Lizotte
Live from Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island, CES MMA presents CES MMA 53; Nordby v. Gravely. Original headliner; Dinis Paiva was forced out of the Bantamweight Title on the day of weigh-ins (Thursday), Nordby who was scheduled to fight Zachary Burhans on the main card got the call just hours before weigh ins, and in what was “a for the boys move” Nordby stepped up to save the headliner taking Paiva’s spot against Tony Gravely. Also stepping up on short notice is Lauzon MMA’s Andy Aiello who enters to take Kody Nordby’s spot against Zachary Burhans in a fight that will take place on this evenings main card. Fans can follow along live with this article throughout the evening as I will be keeping you up to date with live round by round coverage as CES 53 unfolds with the opening bell sounding at 7 pm eastern time.
Jesse Pires (0-2) v. Justin Valentin (Debut)
Flyweight
Jesse “The Road Runner” Pires
Fighting out of: Fall River, Massachusetts
Affiliation: Borges Karate Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Record: 0-2 (1 knockout and 1 submission loss)
Last fight: Third round submission loss (Triangle) to Jeff Silva at CES 51.
Justin "The Juggernaught" Valentin
Fighting out of: Meriden, Connecticut
Affiliation: Underdog BJJ
Record: Pro Debut (5-1 as an Amateur)
Last fight: First round knockout of Harris Bonfiglio at Reality Fighting
Results:
Round 1: Here we go! Fighters touch gloves and meet in the middle, Valentin starts the fight with a slip but gets back to the feet and Valentin gets the takedown and is working from Pires guard. Justin passes guard and lands some hard elbows from side control. Justin grabs the guillotine and pulls guard and gains the tap from Pires.
Decision: Justin Valentin defeats Jesse Pires by submission at 1:44 of round one via Guillotine choke.
Tommy Davis (0-1) v. Hugh McKenna (1-2)
Middleweight
Tommy Lee "Demolition Man" Davis
Fighting out of: Marblehead, Massachusetts
Affiliation: Sityodtong
Record: 0-1 (4-1 as Amateur)
Last fight: First round Knockout loss to Armus Guyton at CES 48.
Hugh McKenna
Fighting out of: Syosset, New York
Affiliation: Panza MMA
Record: 1-2 (1 Submission)
Last fight: Second round Submission loss (Amaricana) to Jesse Kosakowski at Reality Fighting.
Results:
Round 1: Fighters touch gloves and McKenna goes straight for the single leg takedown, it takes a little work but he gets the fight to the ground. Tommy uses the fence to get back to the feet where McKenna applies heavy pressure landing knees and stifling Davis. McKenna shoots in deep on a single and changes to a double and dumps Davis to the ground. McKenna grabs the guillotine and Davis gets out of the choke and has top position, McKenna tries to sweep with a kimura but Davis remains on top. McKenna ends the round on the bottom once again trying to sweep with a Kimura. Close round 10-9 McKenna.
Round 2: Davis comes out throwing bombs and Davis lands some huge overhand rights that clearly hurt McKenna, McKenna clinches and gets the fights down to the ground with Davis on top, Davis lands some heavy ground and pound before switching to half guard where Davis continues to work from McKenna's half guard. Davis has had enough of the ground game and he back out, McKenna returns to his feet and grabs another guillotine and pulls guard as the fight is back on the canvas with Davis on top. McKenna is once again gunning for a Kimura but it's to no avail. With 30 seconds left in the round McKenna goes for an Armbar and Davis Slips the attempt and Davis lands some heavy bombs from mount and McKenna barely makes the bell. 10-9 Davis.
Round 3: McKenna starts out round three throwing his hands but Tommy is doing a good job countering with strikes of his own, McKenna shoots and they end up on the ground with Davis in half guard and McKenna once again fishing for another kimura. Davis starts to land some ground and pound and McKenna turtles up and Davis looks to isolate the head and arm of McKenna. McKenna does a great job turning the corner on the ground and gets to his feet and pushes Davis against the cage looking for another take down. McKenna cannot get another takedown and they finish the round clinched on the cage. Another pretty close round; 10-9 Davis.
Decision: Tommy Davis defeats Hugh McKenna by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Fabio Cherant (3-0) v. Ron Marshall (Debut)
Light-Heavyweight
Fabio “The Water Buffalo” Cherant
Fighting out of: Wrentham, Massachusetts
Affiliation: Juniko/ Sityodtong
Record: 3-0 (3 Submissions)
Last fight: First round submission (Rear Naked Choke) of Buck Pineau at CES 51.
Ron Marshall
Fighting out of: Dover, New Hampshire
Affiliation: Team Anubis
Record: Pro Debut (2-8 as an Amateur)
Last fight: Unanimous decision loss to Jason Markland at NYFE 16.
Results:
Round 1: Fabio comes out and backs Marshall up, Fabio lands first with a kick that is partially blocked by Marshall and Fabio continues to stalk Marshall. Marshall lands a right hand and Fabio answers with a body kick. Marshall goes for a takedown and Fabio grabs the guillotine and ends up on top. Fabio lands some ground and pound and Ron reverses position and gains top position and eventaully gains the back. Fabio sweeps and ends up in Marshall's guard. Fabio postures up and lands some ground and pound and now Marshall sweeps to top position and Cherant returns to his feet and Marshall pressures Fabio against the cage. Fabio reverses position and so does Marshall. Marshall pulls guard on a giullotine and the round ends. Huge round for Marshall 10-9 Marshall.
Round 2: Fabio counters Marshall's opening combination and gets the first damage for round, Marshall presses Fabio to the fence and Marshall gets the takedown but ends up on bottom. They stand and Marshall again pressures Fabio on the cage, Fabio turns out and hip tosses Marshall to the ground where Cherant looks for Marshall's back. Fabio secures the back and sinks in the rear naked choke and its deep, Marshall is forced to tap.
Decision: Fabio Cherant defeats Ron Marshall at 2:41 of the second round via submission; Rear Naked Choke.
John Gotti III (2-0) v. Josh Zuckerman (0-3)
Welterweight
John Gotti III
Fighting out of: Oyster Bay, New York
Affiliation: Team Gotti/ Panza MMA
Record: 2-0 (2 first round knockouts)
Last fight: First round Ground and Pound stoppage of Eddie Haws at CES NY 1.
Josh “Sugarman” Zuckerman
Fighting out of: Delray Beach, Florida
Affiliation:
Record: 0-3 (3 losses by submission)
Last fight: Second round submission loss to Kendly St. Louis at Underground Cage FC.
Results:
Round 1: They touch gloves and Josh starts the action with a push kick, Josh tries another kick and Gotti catches it and lands an overhand right that buckles Zuckerman. Gotti follows the hurt Zuckerman to the ground and pounds him out with vicious left hands for the referee stoppage.
Decision: John Gotti III defeats Josh Zuckerman at :28 seconds of the very first round due to referee's stoppage; Ground and Pound!
Keith Bell (9-9-1) v. Parker Porter (8-4)
Heavyweight
Keith “Badnewz” Bell
Fighting out of: Newport News, Virginia
Affiliation: Elevate MMA/ Jawbreaker Boxing
Record: 9-9-1 (8 Knockouts, 1 Submission)
Last fight: First round TKO (Strikes) of Ryan McGowan at Shogun Fights 17.
Parker Porter
Fighting out of: New Britain, Connecticut
Affiliation: Underdog BJJ
Record: 8-4 (4 Knockouts, 2 Submission)
Last fight: Third round Knockout of JA Dudley at Reality Fighting.
Results:
Round 1: Kevin MacDonald is out referee and here we go! Parker comes out behind the jab and Keith Bell begins to swing and these guys are going to test their chins early. Parker is doing a good job landing lower leg kicks on the heavy handed Bell. Parker backs Bell up with a left hand, Keith launches a kick to gain space and Parker catches the kick and dumps Bell on to the canvas. Parker jumps on top of Bell and looks for the finish but lands to the back of Bell's head and referee Kevin MacDonald stops the action due to the illegal blow. Bell looks visibly shook from the damage and the doctor deems Bell unfit to continue.
Decision: Keith Bell defeats Parker Porter at 2:30 of round one by disqualification due to an illegal strike.
Dylan Lockard (4-1) v. Anthony Wright (3-0)
Featherweight
Dylan Lockard
Fighting out of: Hollis, New Hampshire
Affiliation: Sityodtong
Record: 4-1 (1 Knockout, 1 Submission)
Last fight: Unanimous decision victory over Branden Seyler Sr. at CES 51,
Anthony “The Darkhorse” Wright
Fighting out of: Sanford, North Carolina
Affiliation: Team ROC
Record: 3-0 (3 Submissions)
Last fight: First round submission (Guillotine Choke) of Shelton Sales at Fight Lab 58.
Results:
Round 1: Wright comes out kicking as Lockard looks to land the jab early, Wright kicks and Lockard catches and lands as Wright backs out. Wright ducks under a combination and scored the first takedown of the fight as he works to improve his position on the ground. Wright gets the back but Lockard sweeps out the back and gets on top where Dylan starts to land some elbows and ground and pound. Anthony turns on hos hip and tries to escape but Lockard is heavy on top and keeps Wright underneath him. Dylan is looking for the back control as he works for the finish, Dylan is landing at will now as John English is getting a close look at this fight as the round ends. 10-9 Lockard.
Round 2: Lockard comes out jabbing and backing Wright up Dylan gets the takedown on the fence and in true Lockard fashion gets on top and continues the pressure. Wright looks to work on one of Lockard's legs but Lockard comes back to the mat and mounts Wright and lands heavy ground and pound for the stoppage.
Decision: Dylan Lockard defeats Anthony Wright by TKO Ground and Pound at 2:35 of the second round.
Johnny Lopez (9-4) v. Josh Ricci (4-0)
Flyweight
Johnny “Mr. Nice Guy” Lopez
Fighting out of: Meriden, Connecticut
Affiliation: Underdog BJJ
Record: 9-4 (5 Submissions)
Last fight: Unanimous Decision victory over Billy Giovanella at Bellator 185.
“Ruthless” Josh Ricci
Fighting out of: Whiteville, New York
Affiliation: Team Andrello
Record: 4-0 (2 Submissions)
Last fight: Unanimous Decision victory over Brandon Warne at Bellator 182.
Results:
Round 1: Both men come out throwing their jabs and Ricci throws some heavy kicks and Lopez throws a push kick of his own. Lopez catches Ricci with a kick as Ricci looks to change levels for a takedown, Ricci looks hurt from the kick to the head as Lopez pounces and looks for the finish. Ricci recovers and has Lopez pinned to the cage wall. Ricci gains the back and looks to sink in the Rear Naked Choke and Lopez defends as Ricci returns to guard but then again looks to control the fight from Lopez's back. Lopez shakes Ricci from his back and goes all in for the leg lock. Ricci defends but it leaves Lopez on to with 30 seconds left in the round. Lopez continues to work on the ankle and knees of Ricci as the round comes to an end. Close round 10-9 Lopez.
Round 2: Ricci comes out using strikes to back up Lopez and he changes levels and lands a double leg takedown here early. Lopez is back to his feet but has his back against the cgae wall as Ricci lifts and takes him off his feet once again Lopez sweeps however and gains side control with plenty of time to work in the round. Ricci is trying to get space with butterfly guard but Lopez stays heavy on top. Lopez once again gets Ricci in side control but Ricci gets back to half guard. Lopez postures up and starts to land some strikes from the top as Lopez is dominating this round with top control. Lopez finishes the round on top landing some more downward strikes. 10-9 Lopez.
Round 3: Lopez lands the first blow of round three but Ricci lands a kick to the body then takes Lopez down. Lopez once again doesn't stay on the bottom long as he sweeps out and once again gets top control and works to side control. Ricci turns the corner and gets to his feet and presses Lopez on to the cage, Lopez grabs a d'arce choke and pulls Ricci back to the ground. Ricci gets the top and looks to land some ground and pound then punches on Lopez's back and Lopez once again escapes and regains side control. Lopez is answering anything Ricci has to throw at him in the grappling game. Lopez once again gets on top and looks for the Kimura and nearly sinks in the keylock as the fight ends. 10-9 Lopez
Decision: Johnny Lopez defeats Josh Ricci by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
Kris Moutinho (6-2) v. James Quigg (4-2)
Bantamweight
Kris “The Soul Snatcher” Moutinho
Fighting out of: Milford, Massachusetts
Affiliation: BST MMA
Record: 6-2 (2 Knockouts)
Last fight: Unanimous Decision victory over Da’Mon Blackshear at CES 51.
James Quigg
Fighting out of: Sanford, North Carolina
Affiliation: Team ROC
Record: 4-2 (2 Knockouts, 2 Submissions)
Last fight: First round Submission (Rear Naked Choke) of Jessi Hackett at Elite Warrior Challenge 18.
Results:
Round 1: Quigg starts early with a leg kick as Moutinho comes out in his Muay Thai stance and Moutinho lands some combinations. Quigg is using nice head movements to stay away from the heat of Moutinho but Moutinho is starting to get his range and Quigg takes Moutinho down. Moutinho gets back to the feet but Quigg pressures him on the cage before Moutinho turns out and returns to striking distance. Moutinho's striking is really heating up as the round wears on. Quigg is doing a great job of cutting angles and staying away from the big shots of Moutinho. Quigg lands a single leg takedown and lands some elbows from north south position. 10-9 Moutinho but very close given the head movement and takedowns.
Round 2: Quigg comes out throwing early in the second but it wakes up Moutinho as Kris lands some sharp strikes that back up Quigg and Quigg goes for the takedown and Moutinho is forced to work from his back as Quigg once again goes north south. Moutinho gets back to his feet and lands an overhand elbow to the chin of Quigg that causes Quigg to clinch. Moutinho breaks the clinch and lands another barrage of punches. Moutinho now gets the takedown and works from top control as Quigg looks to turn position and had Moutinho pressed to the cage wall as Moutinho battles to stay on the feet. Moutinho seperates and lands some jabs followed by some action from Quigg and Moutinho finishes the round with some healthy combinations. 10-9 Moutinho
Round 3: Once again they trade heavy blows to kick off the round with Moutinho landing the best of the blows. Quigg's face is marred from the punches of Moutinho as Kris is chopping Quigg down. Moutinho is pouring it on as both fighters are bleeding now, Moutinho lands a knee in the clinch as Moutinho is throwing everything at him but he cannot seem to finish Quigg. They continue to throw threw the middle minutes of the final round. Moutinho takes Quigg to the mat and is working from the top as Quigg makes it back to his feet and is met with more heavy shots from Moutinho. What a fight we are witnessing here! Moutinho finishes another combinations with a level change as he looks to score one more take down to secure this fight! This fight ends on the feet where most of the work was done! 10-9 Moutinho in what should be the fight of the night!
Decision: Kris Moutinho defeats James Quigg by Unanimous Decision (29-28 x 3) GREAT FIGHT!
Andy Aiello (3-3) v. Zachary Burhans (3-2)
Bantamweight
Andy Aiello
Fighting out of: Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Affiliation: Lauzon MMA
Record: 3-3 (2 Knockouts)
Last fight: Second round loss (Doctor’s Stoppage) to Chris Caterino at Combat Zone 61.
Zachary Burhans
Fighting out of: Homer, New York
Affiliation: Team Bombsquad
Record: 3-2 (1 Submission)
Last fight: Second round TKO (Ground and Pound) loss to John Douma at CES 49.
Results:
Round 1: Aiello comes out and takes the center of the cage but its Burhans that lands the first of the strikes. Aiello is feinting as he still looks uncomfortable with the distance, and as I type that Aiello lands and continues to back up Burhans. Andy is starting to let the hands fly as he stalks Burhans around the cage. Now Burhans comes forward and lands some of his best combinations of this fight as we reach the two minute mark. Aiello lands an overhand and the crowd starts to erupt. Burhans ducks under a hook from Aiello and takes Andy down as the round ends. Tough round to score with Burhans landing the takedown late. 10-9 Burhans.
Round 2: Fighters exchange early and Andy lands coming forward and Burhans returns with some bombs of his own. Aiello connects with a nice left hand and just as he starts to Burhans wisely looks for another takedown. Aiellos makes it back to his feet and Zachary grabs the standing guillotine but Andy fights his way out and makes it back to striking distance. Andy lands a couple more strikes and Burhans again takes the fight back down to the canvas. Burhans has Aiello against the cage as he works to finish this fight, but Andy stands and gets back to striking range as the round ends. 10-9 Burhans.
Round 3: Fighters touch gloves in a mutual display of respect as round three is underway. Aiello is sensing that he needs the finish and is emptying the gas tank and trying to shut the light out on Burhans. Burhans is sick of the striking once again and changes levels and gets yet another takedown and works once again from the top. Andy Aiello ends the third round on top as the final bell sounds. 10-9 Burhans
Decision: Andy Aiello defeats Zachary Burhans by Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3) That was a tough fight to score and I will have to watch this one again later tonight. I thought Aiello could have easily had the first round but I though Burhans takedowns won that fight. But it's in the book and Andy Aiello is the fighter with his hand raised when the decision comes down!
Richie Santiago (6-1) v. Billy Giovanella (9-8)
Flyweight
Richie “The Milford Mauler” Santiago
Fighting out of: Milford, Massachusetts
Affiliation: BST MMA
Record: 6-1 (6 Submissions)
Last fight: First round Submission (D’arce Choke) loss to Matt Almy at CES 49.
Billy “Wolverine” Giovanella
Fighting out of: Bellingham, Massachusetts
Affiliation: Connors MMA
Record: 9-8 (3 Knockouts, 4 Submissions)
Last fight: Third round TKO (Punches) loss to Miguel Restrepo at CES NY 1.
Results:
Round 1: Richie comes out throwing come lower leg kicks, Billy answers with some strikes and Santiago takes Bill down and mounts him, Richie does a good job staying on top as he obtains full mount and lands some elbows from the top. Sanitago is looking to pass the guard of Giovanella and he gets side control. Billy turns on his hip and Richie rains down punches and returns to full mount with the ground and pound. Billy turns his back and Richie lands more shots before getting the back and getting both hooks in on Giovanella, Richie sinks in the Rear Naked Choke and gets the tap from the veteran Giovanella.
Decision: Richie Santiago defeats Billy Giovanella at 3:13 of the first round by Submission via Rear Naked Choke.
Kody Nordby (9-4) v. Tony Gravely (15-5)
*Bantamweight World Title (Vacant)*
Kody “The Rhode Island Kid” Nordby
Fighting out of: Cumberland, Rhode Island
Affiliation: Tri-Force
Record: 9-4 (8 Submission)
Last fight: First round Submission (Rear Naked Choke) of David Baxter at CES 42.
Tony Gravely
Fighting out of: Martinsville, Virginia
Affiliation: Tech Top Team
Record: 15-5 (5 Knockouts, 3 Submissions)
Last fight: Fifth round Knockout of Drako Rodriguez at KOTC: Territorial Conflict.
Results:
Round 1: Nordby comes out striking and Gravely grabs Nordby and drops him on his head, Kody grabs the armbar and Gravely dumps him on his head once again and Kody goes limp and Kevin MacDonald waves this fight off.
Decision: Tony Gravely defeats Kody Nordby by knockout (Slam) at :36 seconds of round number one. And Tony Gravely is the New CES MMA Bantamweight Champion!