AKA News

Team AKA shines at StrikeForce Kickboxing Championships

by Dray Miller

The AKA Fight Team had a dominant weekend over the fourth of June, going undefeated in two different events on two different coasts.

In front of the hometown crowd, three of AKA's most popular and successful fighters had impressive performances at the Strikeforce Kickboxing championships at the HP Pavilion. Josh Thomson, coming off an injury-plagued layoff, overwhelmed his opponent early in the first round, doing heavy damage with leg kicks and knocking him down multiple times before his foe could not answer the 10 count. Travis Johnson returned to action and got back on the winning track, avenging his most recent loss with a four-round domination in which the judges scored each round in his favor. Finally, Gary Owens rounded out the night with yet another knockout victory, surviving an early onslaught and doing some heavy damage of his which led to his opponent receiving a broken rib and being unable to answer the bell at the start of the third round.

Paul the "Head Hunter" Buentello wins again!!!

by Sal Carrillo

Over on the East Coast Team AKA fighter Paul the "Head Hunter" Buentello continued to impress as he made his second UFC showing at UFC 53 Heavy Hitters in Atlantic City New Jersey. The theme of the night was Heavy Hitters and the live Pay-Per-View telecast started off with two such fighters in Paul Buentello and Kevin the "Shaman" Jordan. For Jordan this was his UFC debut. With a record of 6-2, Jordan was on a six fight win streak having lost his first two fights to more experienced fighters. Buentello had his own win streak coming into this match, a five in a row KO win streak.

The fight begins and Buentello comes out very aggressive much like his last fight against Justin Eilers. Buentello is throwing early and often and lands a big uppercut. Jordan returns fire with a left/right combination to the head which drops Buentello to one knee. Buentello recovers and the two fighters clinch up against the cage. Working their way out of the clinch, the two fighters exchange punches from one end of the octagon to the other. Buentello composed himself and countered a left low kick with a straight right hand which drops Jordan to the canvas. Seizing the opportunity, Buentello pounces on his opponent for the chance to finish the fight. Paul is able to work for the full mount and begins his ground and pound attack. Jordan is able to work to half guard and eventually to his feet. Jordan is now visibly exhausted from the punishment but continues to battle landing two straight kicks to the mid-section. Having eaten two straight kicks, Buentello unleashes a flurry of punches which is returned with a crisp left/right combination which seems to stun Buentello momentarily. Buentello quickly recovered and lands two consecutive overhand rights followed by a huge right uppercut and a right knee to the face of Jordan.

With 1:30 left in the first round the two fighters clinch against the cage. After a brief exchange of knees, Jordan reaches down for a single leg takedown leaving his head open for a guillotine choke. Paul cinches in the guillotine choke. As Jordan falls backwards to escape the guillotine choke Buentello manages to complete the choke with one arm, using his other arm to stabilize his position. Buentello wins the bout via submission as Jordan was forced to tap out. The submission also earned Buentello the "Tapout of the Night" award. Although Buentello's five KO win streak has come to an end, Buentello gets his 2nd straight win in the UFC and cements his position in the UFC's Heavyweight division moving one step forward towards a possible title shot. Congratulations to Paul the "Head Hunter" Buentello on his victory.

The Return of Richard "Cleat" Crunkilton!!!

by Sal Carrillo

Team AKA fighter Richard "Cleat" Crunkilton made his long awaited return at WEC 15 Judgment Day. Crunkilton is making his way back to the sport of MMA after a series of injuries starting with the damage taken in his epic battle with Hermes Franca at UFC 42. During that fight Crunkilton sustained a dislocated elbow and major tears to his ligaments. Crunkilton had surgery on the damaged arm, but was plagued with a string of more injuries which prevented him from competing in MMA events.

More than 2 years following that initial injury, "Cleat" finally made his return to MMA. His opponent was Paul "Hands of Stone" Jenkins who sported a 26-20 record. Despite the overwhelming experience of Jenkins, Crunkilton wasted no time and came out very aggressive in the first round. With superior wrestling skills, Crunkilton was able to take his opponent down at will and unleash a brutal ground and pound attack. Crunkilton was able to KO Jenkins at 2:36 of round two. With this win Crunkilton hopes to make it back to the big shows of the UFC or overseas in Pride Fighting Championships. Congratulations go out to Richard "Cleat" Crunkilton.