The second bigger and better edition of Combat Cage Fight Night is sure to get global recognition with international fighters.
Combat Cage Fight Night returned with a bang proving immense leads in competitive women’s fighting in India with the second edition also featuring a ladies’ bout that lasted all five rounds. The event went international for the first time on March 15, 2015, at Tito’s Courtyard in Baga, north Goa. India’s first and only entertainment-fight experience took the show to a new level with knock outs, an exhibition match and close finishes.
Following an electric ambience at the weigh-ins earlier that evening, the fighters gave the crowd a nail-biting experience as they played deadly games in a locked steel cage. From around the world, 12 fighters went head-to-head in single combat, with six bouts that mentally and physically challenged each of them to their limits. New Delhi’s Knockout Fight Club had a very successful night with winning fighters and high energy aura that lent a spectacular sense of showbiz to the event.
Combat cage fighting is a safe, regulated, competitive sport that involves a combination of martial arts techniques within the restrictions of a confined space. The first-of-its-kind event in India intertwines a show of the complexity of technical self-defence skills with the pulsating vibe of a nightclub experience.
The night kicked off with an exhibition bout by Italian brothers Guillaume Stolfi and Ivan Stolfi, both middleweight fighters who entertained the crowd with a different kind of sibling rivalry. The match got the crowd thirsting for more, and they got just what they were looking for in the second bout.
Danny Mappala from Kerala won the welterweight bout with a spectacular triangular choke hold over Vishal Singh from Delhi. The third fight drew even more screams and cheers from the crowd as Goan lad and favourite of the night Pushkar Bhosle beat fellow bantamweight boxer Mahesh Jadav from Maharashtra in a total knock out.
Another suspense-filled bantamweight bout followed with huge body slams and solid kicks as Delhi’s Himanshu Khushal pummelled his way to victory over Haryana’s Sachin Panwar. It set the stage for the fiercely skilful international bouts that were to follow.
The co-main event was charged from the start by India’s Alfan Mansoor whose entry filled the cage with intensity. He proved too good a match for opponent Ivan Pochtin and won the featherweight bout with a classic rear naked choke-hold that forced the Russian fighter to tap out.
And finally, it was a long-drawn battle in the main event – a female bantamweight bout between the UK and India. Lasting all five rounds, Bony van Oortmerssen and home girl Monika Sharma fought tooth and nail to get the upper hand. The winner was chosen by split decision in favour of van Oortmerssen to great applause for the efforts of both fighters.
A number of VIPs and dignitaries attended the event, alongside well-known personalities from Goa’s social circles. World renowned DJ duo the Burrito Brothers gave the night an electronic touch with some unbeatable sets.
The second edition of Combat Cage Fight Night was sponsored by hospitality group Varanda do Mar, in association with nightclubs Tito’s and Café Mambo, fitness group Norbert’s Fitness Studio, beverage brands XXX Tequila and Kingfisher, healthcare group Manipal Hospitals, lifestyle magazine Viva Goa, photography equipment firm GoPro and Goa Tourism.
Combat Cage Fight is fast becoming the biggest and best fight show in the country. By virtue of its high value entertainment and excellent organisation, it is an invaluable opportunity for Goa in terms of both sport and tourism.
The product will soon go on tour to a number of cities across India and is looking to return next season in a domestic and international league format. Tourists visiting Goa on a two-week holiday should make it a point to attend a fight night to make their vacation a singular experience.
With water-tight security and medical arrangements – including bouncers, strict vigilance, paramedics, an on-site doctor and ambulance, Combat Cage Fight Night is the best organised self-defence entertainment event in the country.
