Staff Report
It was a very successful night for three Ashtabula County MMA (mixed martial arts) fighters who competed at BCM Promotions’ Fight Night 17 on Saturday night.
Jefferson's Connor Cleveland, Edgewood's Kyle Bencil and Lakeside's Jacob Lagoa all took turns wrestling in the ring for SPIRE Academy, each coming away with a win.
“3-0 is a great record,” said Gracie Orwell of Spire Academy owner Cody Lewis. “All of our opponents were more experienced than us and on paper we probably should have been favorites to win.”
“All three of our performances were dominant. Overall, what I was most proud of was how our players conducted themselves and demonstrated a complete and well-rounded skill set.”
In the main event, Cleveland defeated Akil Blazer by submission in the first round.
“I was fortunate to be able to go out there in the first round and finish the job,” Cleveland said. “My opponent was strong. He had the reach advantage, which I was struggling with, so I got an opportunity to clinch and take it to the ground. I took advantage and not long after, he tapped out with an armbar submission.”
Lewis added: “Conor's grappling has improved. His last two fights were very hard-hitting and you would never have guessed the takedown, mount and finish.”
Armbar. I thought I could win.
You can fight anywhere, but Brad Vukovich [head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach] And I agree that he has the ability to take his opponent down and submit him if necessary.”
Cleveland said fighting in his home county was great.
“They definitely brought a lot of energy and really brought me to another level mentally,” he said. “It meant a lot to finish in front of them and it was great to see them all up and cheering after the game.”
In the other bout, Bencil defeated Adam Recklow by a unanimous 30-27 decision from all three judges.
“Kyle showed great technique and discipline in his striking,” Lewis said. “His opponent was expecting more grappling from him.
His career is a testament
I thank him for his hard work and enthusiasm.”
Lagoa won by submission over Mario Amos in the second round.
MMA is scored per round using a 10-point must system.
“Jacob's reputation for wrestling and jiu-jitsu meant that he was expected to grapple first and strike second,” Lewis said, “but he spent most of the first round landing big punches and rocked his opponent after getting an early takedown. He clearly felt he had the advantage on the ground, and it showed in the second round.”
The three compete at Gracie Orwell Jiu-Jitsu, a martial arts school in the SPIRE wrestling room owned by Lewis, who is also Jefferson's wrestling coach. Gracie Orwell also offers classes daily.
Vukovic, Relson
Lewis, a Gracie black belt, serves as the lead instructor, while Lewis, also a Relson Gracie black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, serves as the assistant instructor.
“This is unbelievable
Amount of effort
“I've benefited a lot from my team, but we need a lot more to continue this success,” Lewis said.
“The more we win, the tougher the matches get. The players are lucky enough to have a day or two of happiness, but I will continue preparations straight away for the players who play on August 3 and 17.”
