Travis Lizotte "Full Contact Writer"
The anticipation is killing me, the weigh-ins yesterday certainly did their job, as the intrigue around Cage Titans 51 continues to build. Doors to Plymouth Memorial Hall open to fans tonight at 5pm and fights are due to start sometime after 6pm as Michael Polvere welcomes fight fans back to the Memorial Hall for the first time in 2022. Be sure to follow along with New England MMA on all social media platforms for all the latest cage side news here at Cage Titans 51. Continue to follow this article throughout the night for live play-by-play of all ten fights as we see it from our vantage point on the floor inside Plymouth Memorial Hall!
Mike Albert (Skeletor MMA) vs. Avery Andrews (USMMA)
Amateur Muay Thai (143 pounds)
Round 1: Interesting first round of action here as Albert lands some nice power shots but Andrews gets a knockdown at the end of the round. 10-9 Andrews.
Round 2: Andrews comes out in the second and knocks Albert down again with a power shot and Avery is hunting for a finish as Albert covers up. Albert is knocked down again from an Andrews body shot. They clinch as the round ends and Andrews lands a knee to the body. 10-8 Andrews
Round 3: Andrews opens up round 3 with some leg kicks and is answered with some heavy from Albert. Andrews fires back and knocks Albert down again as Andrews begins to pour it on. Andrews knocks Albert to the canvas a for a third time in the round as the fight come to a close. 10-8 Andrews.
Decision: Avery Andrews defeats Mike Albert by Unanimous Decision (29-25, 29-25, 30-24)
Josh Telemaque (0-1, Go USFC) vs. Chris McDonnell (1-1, South Shore Sportfighting)
Amateur Featherweight
Round 1: Chris comes out feints and takes Telemaque down against the fence and gets side mount where he is raining down heavy strikes on the grounded Telemaque. Chris transitions to a crucifix and Telemaque is offering no resistance as McDonnell begins to dismantle Telemaque with punches.
Decision: Chris McDonnell defeats Josh Telemaque by TKO (Ground and Pound from Crucifix) at 1:41 of the first round.
Phil LoCigno (0-1, Sityodtong) vs. Danny Wahlberg (0-0, USMMA)
Amateur Featherweight
Round 1: Danny starts off with a straight jab that drops Phil, Phil scrambles and stands on the fence. Alan Lau breaks the clinch on the fence and these guys come back swinging. Wahlaberg lands a big knee and Phil changes levels for the takedown. Wahlberg get his feet back under him and is landing heavy strikes including a body kick that drops LoCigno. Phil seems to want none of the stand up game from Wahlberg as Danny lands some more slick striking before LoCigno drops him as the round ends. 10-9 Wahlberg.
Round 2: LoCingo comes out and drops Danny now, Phil looks for some ground and pound as Danny throws up an armbar attempt. Wahlberg transitions to the back and looks to sink in the rear naked choke but Phil is able to defend. Danny moves to mount where he lands more ground and pound before he takes the back again looking for the choke. Phil defends and is out of the choke as the round ends. 10-9 Wahlberg.
Round 3: These guys look tired as they come out in the third, they clinch and LoCigno gets the takedown with lots of time to work. Danny uses the fence to stand and they return to striking distance briefly before LoCigno takes Danny down once again. Danny is doing a good job controlling Phil's posture and not allowing him to strike from the top. They scramble and Danny gets back to his feet but LoCigno takes him right back to the mat. They stand and Walhberg gets a hip toss and has LoCigno on the ground as the fight ends. 10-9 LoCigno.
Decision: Danny Wahlberg defeats Phil LoCigno by Split-Decision (29-28 Locingo, 29-28 Wahlberg, 29-28 Wahlberg)
Jonif Tucker (0-1, Go USFC) vs. Sean Costello (0-3, South Shore Sporfighting)
Amateur Bantamweight
Round 1: Sean comes out and initiates the clinch and tosses Tucker to the ground, Jonif scrambles and Sean ends up in full mount dropping heavy ground and pound. Bryan Miner has seen enough and call a stop to this one sided affair.
Decision: Sean Costello defeats Jonif Tucker by TKO (Ground and Pound) at :34 seconds of round 1. Costello makes a statement here in his first amateur victory and announces his retirement from MMA competition in the cage interview with Johnny "Cupcakes" Campbell following the fight. Good to see a guy like Costello go out on a victory!
Brandon Demoura (1-1, Team Soulless) vs. Carlos Vespaziano (1-2, Loco Lobo)
Amateur Bantamweight
Round 1: Carlos comes out looking to find a home for his kicks early as DeMoura now starts using his length as he fights behind the jab. They trade leg kick back and forth as both fighters continue to pop the jab but with little indication of engaging. Carlos fires a head kick that is blocked by DeMoura as the round ends. 10-9 Vespaziano.
Round 2: Carlos slips on a kick to open round 2 but he gets back to his feet and is turning on the output. Vespaziano closes the distance and clinches DeMoura against the fence but cannot get Brandon to the mat. They return to striking range again and Brandon lands a nice right hand and follows with some combinations as we finally get some action going in this one as the round comes to a close. 10-9 DeMoura.
Round 3: They exchange popping jabs as the third round begins, Vespaziano again closes the distance and looks to take DeMoura down against the fence again. DeMoura turns the action before they split and return to the center of the cage where DeMoura lands some stiff right hands that coax Carlos to shoot for a takedown. They clinch and DeMoura has Carlos on the fence. Vespaziano turns the actionand DeMoura is landing strikes as Carlos looks for the takedown. Alan Lau separates these guys as the fight comes to a conclusion. 10-9 DeMoura
Decision: Carlos Vespaziano defeats Brandon DeMoura by Split-Decision (29-28 Vespaziano, 29-28 DeMoura, 29-28 Vespaziano) I agree with the crowd on this one...DeMoura was robbed!
The Fighters and the commissioners have been in the cage for a long time following the announcement of the decision, hopefully they are conferring and getting this call correct...we are now reaching the ten minute mark since the decision was announced and everyone is still in the cage trying to figure this out.
After 10 or so minutes the decision is RE-Announced the same as before but it is being explained that there was a mistake on the scorecards, however since the score on the cards was written down as a win for Vespaziano that ruling will stand until an appeal is heard. Brandon DeMoura did win the fight and the decision will be rectified soon.
Anna Crutchfield (1-2, SBG East Coast) vs. Erin Johnson (1-0, Lauzon MMA)
Amateur Women's Flyweight
Round 1: I would remiss if i didn't mention that today is Erin Johnson's 21st birthday, Happy Birthday Erin! They come out throwing and Crutchfield lands some shots that cause Erin to tie up. Crutchfield stays standing as these girls return to striking distance and again its Crutchfield getting the better of the exchanges as Johnson continues to look to get this fight to the mat. Erin lands a nice left uppercut that touches the chin of Crutchfield and she initiates the clinch now. They both throw combinations as the round ends. 10-9 Crutchfield.
Round 2: Anna comes out popping her jab in round two before clinching Johnson against the fence. Erin gets an underhook and turns the action and Anna decides to slip back to striking distance where she continues to land strikes keeping Johnson on her back foot. They clinch in the center of the cage and exchange short shots as the round ends. 10-9 Crutchfield.
Round 3: Erin comes out in round 3 with a sense of urgency trying to get her striking going before again initiating the clinch. Once in the clinch its Anna who puts Erin's back on the fence where she continues to grind on Johnson. They return to the center again and Anna lands a sidekick to the midsection before clinching again on the fence. Anna backs off and Erin comes forward looking to land a big shot that misses the target and allows Anna to clinch as the fight comes to an end. 10-9 Crutchfield.
Decision: Anna Crutchfield defeats Erin Johnson by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x 3) High level Amateur Women's Fight.
Gage Looby (0-8, Go USFC) vs. Brendon Boates (0-0, South Shore Sportfighting)
Amateur Lightweight
Fight Scrapped due to Looby Medical Suspension in New York
Michael Taylor (1-3) vs. Jeff Joy (2-0)
Catchweight (140 lbs.)
Michael "Titan" Taylor
Age: 30
Fighting out of: Cortland, New York
Affiliation: Brojo
Record: 1-3 (1 Knockouts)
Last fight: Second Round Knockout loss to Jacobo Apito at Cage Titans 43. (4/6/19)
"It's Ya Boy" Jeff Joy
Age: 31
Fighting out of: Bourne, Massachusetts
Affiliation: Loco Lobo
Record: 2-0 (2 Submissions)
Last fight: First Round Submission (Rear Naked Choke) of Jason Rine at Cage Titans 50. (11/6/21)
Round 1: Jeff comes out popping jabs and leg kicks as he tries to figure out the length of Taylor. Taylor throws a right hand an Jeff ducks under it and gets the takedown. Taylor returns to the feet and looks for a takwdown of his own, Jeff looks to tie up the right arm of Taylor and as he looks for a Kimura from the bottom. Jeff is looking to transition to the back but Taylor rolls and Jeff grabs an armbar and goes for a ride as Taylor slams him to the mat. Taylor works from the top as Joy looks to control his posture as the round ends. Very close round. 10-9 Taylor.
Round 2: They circle each other in the center of the cage to begin the second before Joy shoots for a takedown and gets it, Taylor scrambles and Jeff hops on his back and puts on the body lock. Jeff is looking for the Rear Naked Choke and Taylor is having all he can to defend against the choke. Taylor is doing a decent job defending a Joy continues to fish for the neck. Jeff's forearm finally pops under the chin of Taylor and causes him to tap.
Decision: Jeff Joy defeats Michael Taylor by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:59 of round 2.
Arthur Mpofu (4-3) vs. Andrew Valdina (3-1)
Vacant Amateur Bantamweight Championship
Arthur "The African Assassin" Mpofu
Age: 37
Fighting out of: Wareham, Massachusetts
Affiliation: SBG East Coast
Record: 4-3 (4 wins by Decision)
Last fight: First Round Doctor Stoppage loss to Willis Green at B2 Fighting Series 143. (12/18/21)
Andrew "The Gladiator" Valdina
Age: 24
Fighting out of: Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Affiliation: Lauzon MMA
Record: 3-1 (1 Knockout)
Last fight: Second Round Knockout of Randy Francis at Cage Titans 50. (11/6/21)
Round 1: Arthur comes out throwing right hands as Valdina looks to close the distance and find a home for his own strikes. They circle the cage several times trading kicks and combinations as this one starts out with a bunch of action. Valdina is looking for one big overhand right as he stalks Mpofu around the cage. They clinch and Arthur has Valdina against the cage as the round ends. Tough round to score as both showed flashes in round 1.10-9 Valdina
Round 2: They come out swinging once again and it looks like Arthur is getting the better of the exchanges early in this round. Arthur is doing a good job of keeping his distance with the jab as Valdina looks to pick his spots. Valdina had trouble getting his striking going that round. 10-9 Mpofu.
Round 3: Valdina looks the fresher fight off the stool in the third as he comes out and gets Mpofu to the ground where he looks to work from top position. Arthur scrambles and returns to his feet where he continues to get the better of the exchanges thanks to his stiff jab. They spend the rest of the round at striking distance. 10-9 Mpofu.
Round 4: Arthur catches a kick from Valdina to open the round and pushes Valdina to the cage but Andrew escapes and looks for a takedown of his own and Mpofu stuffs. Arthur's jab continues to dictate the pace in this fight as he looks to to go up three rounds to one on my scorecard. They continue to trade on the feet before Valdina looks to change levels and land a double leg but Arthur stuffs yet again just before the round ends. 10-9 Mpofu.
Round 5: Again Arthur begins the round throwing out the jab as Valdina is still looking for that home for his right hand. Arthur is putting it on now, clowning a whiff by Valdina and returning a combination that lands. Valdina is still swinging away however, looking for that one big shot to turn the tide in this fight. Mpofu settles back in behind the jab and controls the remainder of the round. 10-9 Valdina.
Decision: Arthur Mpofu defeats Andrew Valdina by Split Decision (49-46 Valdina. 48-47 Mpofu, 48-47 Mpofu)
Lionel Young (10-17, Citadel) vs. Joe Penafiel (8-3, Fusion X-cel)
Interim Bantamweight Championship
Lionel "Boogz" Young
Age: 37
Fighting out of: Brockton, Massachusetts
Affiliation: Citadel
Record: 10-17 (2 Knockouts, 8 Submissions)
Last fight: Second Round Submission (Arm Triangle) of Andres Rodriguez at Cage Titans 50. (11/6/21)
Joe "The Party" Penafiel
Age: 35
Fighting out of: Orlando, Florida
Affiliation: Fusion X-cel
Record: 8-3 (1 Knockout,1 Submission)
Last fight: Unanimous Decision victory over Bruno Dias at Cage Titans 50. (11/6/21)
Round 1: Lionel comes out throwing kicks looking to establish the distance against the smaller Penafiel, Joe manages to close the distance and put Young's back on the cage. Lionel turns the action but not before taking some knees in close from Penafiel, Joe gets an underhook and turns Lionel on the cage but its short lived as the Lionel puts Penafiel on the cage for the remainder of the round. 10-9 Young.
Round 2: Joe comes out with a switch kick to open the second and Lionel answers with some hands followed by a leg kick. They clinch and Penafiel has Boogz on the cage looking to work. Penafiel looks to soften up the body of Young as he is busy with short strikes in the clinch. Young turns the action and looks for knees to the midsection of Penafiel. They split and Penafiel shoots and finally gets Boogz to the mat where he works from half guard. Young looks to sweep with a Kimura but Penafiel is wise to it and stays on top. They split in the final seconds of the round and Penafiel launches a combination as the round ends. 10-9 Penafiel.
Round 3: Boogz comes out of his corner striking and Penafiel ducks under and has Boogz clinched against the fence, Boogz turns the action and is looking for the back of Penafiel. Joe scrambles back to striking distance and puts it on Boogz with a combination before taking Young to the ground. Penafiel gets the back of Boogz and is looking for the choke. Penafiel is landing some shots from Young's back but Lionel somehow survives the round. 10-9 Penafiel. Judge Alan Lau took a point from Penafiel between rounds...9-9
Round 4: Joe circles the cage with his hands down clowning Boogz to begin the championship rounds. Penafiel closes the distance and takes Boogz down but Boogz gets back to his feet and gets a thunderous slam of his own. Joe is back to his feet but Lionel is on him heavy here. Joe spins out and takes Lionel down in the process and Penafiel is landing some ground and pound here as he looks for the neck of Lionel Young. Joe takes the back and sinks in the choke but Lionel defends and squeaks out but still has The Party on his back as the round ends. 10-9 Penafiel but very close.
Round 5: Joe starts the action in the fifth with a high kick that is blocked by Boogz, Penafiel lands some shots before taking Boogz to the ground where he works from top control landing ground and pound and looking to take Lionel's back. Young turns into The Party and looks to reestablish guard but Joe stands and land some downward strikes that have Boogz hurt. Lionel curls up and Joe rains down elbows from the top and Alan Lau steps in for the stoppage!
Decision: Awesome Title Fight! Joe Penafiel defeats Lionel Young by TKO (Elbows) at 2:55 of round number 5! Joe celebrates in the cage by doing a Shoey with his newly earned belt around his waist!
Lionel Young will not be eligible to be crowned champion after failing to make weight, Penafiel is still eligible to capture the Cage Titans Interim Bantamweight belt with a victory.
Joe Giannetti (10-4, American Kickboxing Academy) vs. Jacob Bohn (10-8, Bohn MMA)
5 Round Catchweight (160 lbs.)
Champion: Joe "Skeletor" Giannetti
Age: 26
Fighting out of: Whitman, Massachusetts
Affiliation: American Kickboxing Academy
Record: 10-4-1 (3 Knockouts, 6 Submissions)
Last fight: Second Round Knockout of Daruis Estell at Cage Titans 49 (8/28/21)
Jacob "Jaguar" Bohn
Age: 33
Fighting out of: Le Roy, New York
Affiliation: Bohn MMA
Record: 10-8 (2 Knockouts,4 Submissions)
Last fight: Unanimous Decision loss to Justin Montalvo at Bellator 272. (12/3/21)
Round 1: Bohn begins the fight with a body shot and then connects with the cup of Giannetti and we see a brief stop in action. Jacob comes back aggressively with combinations and Giannetti answers with strikes of his own. Bohn is clearly trying to establish the kicking game here on the feet, as I say that Bohn shoots for a takedown and is stuffed. Joe puts the pressure on with some striking of his own and Bohn grabs the thai plum and looks to land a knee. They return to striking range with more kicks by Bohn and they trade a flurry to end the first round. 10-9 Bohn.
Round 2: Jacob comes out again with kicks as Giannetti is finding a home for the jab but it does not stop Bohn from coming forward and looking to land. Giannetti sneaks in a left that lands flush and Bohn looks to have a cut opened up on his face. That doesn't deter Bohn from firing a heavy kick to the body of Giannetti. Giannetti comes forward with strikes and connects to the cup of Bohn. Bohn lands some more slapping kicks as the round comes to an end. 10-9 Giannetti close round.
Round 3: Bohn comes out with a combination that gets Joe to cover up, Joe lands some heavy hands now that have Bohn backing up. Jacob shoots and is stuffed and Giannetti has Bohn against the fence landing as the blood on Jacob's face is more pronounced now. We get another stoppage for a cup shot, they return to action swinging and it looks like both men are bleeding now. Bohn shoots to get out of the way of some left hands of Giannetti and they scramble ending up back at striking distance. Bohn gets in a combination that ends with a leg kick and Joe fires back a combination of punches as the round ends. 10-9 Bohn.
Round 4: Bohn is the first to land in the 4th with a sharp body kick and follows with several kicks at various levels. Giannetti comes forward with a one two that lands as these guys continue to swing away. Joe lands a 4 punch combination that backs up Bohn into the corner, Joe follows up for the finish. It appears Bohn suffered a knee injury during the final exchange that may have lead to the finish.
Decision: Joe Giannetti defeats Jacob Bohn by TKO (Ground and Pound) at 2:57 of the 4th round.
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