Rize 1

by Chris Postupalski

After a lack of MMA events recently in QLD, another MMA promotion held their debut show in Brisbane on the 23rd of May, 2009. Rize MMA debuted in front of a solid and very respectful crowd at the Mansfield Tavern on Brisbane’s outskirts. The event featured fighters from New Zealand, Brazil and Japan as well as some of Australia’s best up and coming fighters.  

The main event featured Gustavo Falciroli defeating Japanese fighter and Shooto veteran Masahiro Oishi via TKO, in Round 2.  Gustavo took the fight where he needed to, and once on the floor was able to stun Masahiro with a few heavy strikes to force the referee to halt the fight.

The semi main event, brought the house down as Sydney fighter Jon Leven escaped with a win, submitting his opponent Antonio Moa with under 10 seconds to go after being on very shaky legs early in round 1. Antonio looked well on the way to a victory, until a overhead stunned Antonio. Jon was able to compose himself, and come back to secure the rear naked choke with seconds to go.

Ken Yasuda proved too strong for New Zealand fighter Doug Higgins, winning by submission in round 1. Ken was disappointed he couldn’t show off his striking, as he won via a rear naked choke that forced Doug to tap just before the fighters went through the ropes.