The crowd showed up early for last nights event.  Everyone present was anxious to see a good amateur mma fight.  There were quite a few fighters representing their fight clubs and avid fight fans present to watch.

These were the fighters on the card (winners shown in yellow):

Featherweight (145 lbs)
Lindsey White (Austin), 28 yrs, 0 – 0 vs. Rigoberto Serrano (New Braunfels), 28 yrs, 0 – 0

Lightweight (155 lbs)
Jared Reeves (Austin), 22 yrs, 0 – 0 vs. Paul Silva (Kyle), 29 yrs, 0 -0

Middleweight (185 lbs)
John Aguirre (San Marcos), 23 yrs, 0 – 0 vs. Jeramiah Quintanilla (New Braunfels), 24 yrs, 0 – 0

Heavyweight (290 lbs)
Michael Rosenberg (McAllen), 25 yrs, 0 – 2 vs. Tim Davila (Kyle), 23 yrs, 0 – 0

Welterweight (175 lbs)
Lester Clark (Austin), 29 yrs, 1 – 1 vs. Bobby Hernandez (Kyle), 24 yrs, 0 – 0

Welterweight (175 lbs)
Aaron LanFranco (Austin), 23 yrs, 3 – 0 vs. Nael Chavez (Austin), 30 yrs, 2 – 0

Flyweight (125 lbs)
Amadro Estrada (Lockhart), 30 yrs, vs. Brandon Powers (New Braunfels) 20 yrs

Lightweight (155 lbs)
Timothy Griesheimer (Austin), 26 yrs, 0 – 0 vs. Reynaldo Rodriguez (New Braunfels), 22 yrs, 0 – 2

Main Event: Bantamweight Championship (135 lbs)
Billy Buch (New Braunfels) 28 yrs, 3 – 0 vs. Todd Gentry (New Braunfels) 32 yrs, 4 -4

While there were a lot of great amateur fighters on the card, there were a few that TexasFighting.com recognized as individuals who fit the bill of future professional Mixed Martial Artists.  Each of the individuals that stood out to me were focused, driven, in tip top condition, and displayed good sportsmanship.  Those fighters were: Jared Reeves of CTC in Austin, Texas, Aaron LanFranco of Puros Chingasos out of Lockhart, Texas and Billy Buch out of New Braunfels, Texas, representing Gladiators Academy.

First off, Jared Reeves.  For his debut, he came off as a very calm, very easy going guy. But, the thing that got me the most, was that he appeared to be more of a pretty boy than a fighter.  Boy was I wrong!  If my misjudgment is a common one, then any fighter who misjudges him in the ring will surely be in for a rude awakening.  Reeves, who’s only 22 years old, definitely got my attention the moment the fight started by maintaining his composure and controlling the fight.  And when the fight was over, he looked like he was ready for more.  I’m definitely looking forward to his next fight.

Jared Reeves won the fight by tap out in the 1st round!

Now on to Aaron LanFranco.  LanFranco displays a fighter’s spirit through and through.  He’s confident almost to the point of being cocky.  He can brawl, yet still show great technique.  After this fight he now has a 4-0 amateur record.  Bottom-line, at 23 years old, I have no doubt about this kid making a name for himself in this industry.  He’s a great fighter!

Aaron Lanfranco ended up taking the win on a TKO.

Billy Buch is definitely a star in the making.  Those who know Buch (Boo) either love him or hate him.  Out of all the fighters, Billy Buch represents himself and his sponsors with a level of maturity that you seldom find in an amateur fighter.  Billy shows a drive and love for the sport as if he’s already a pro.  If you’re interested in learning more about Billy check out his interview by visiting: Billy Buch ‘s Interview with TexasFighting.com.

Billy Buch went the full five rounds with Todd Gentry and won the fight by decision.

During the MMA event I also met and talked to some great folks like UFC fighter Pete “Secret Weapon” Spratt from San Antonio, Gary Cunningham with King of Kombat/Zero Overhead Productions, and Mark Bader of PureFight.org.  Also, the event wouldn’t be as crazy and loud without the HOOLIGAN section.  You know who you are – true lovers of the fight!  You’re recognized by your chant “Ole, Ole, Ole.”  Great meeting and seeing you all.  Also, be on the lookout for more 1 on 1 interviews of some of the fighters mentioned…

Till the next round,

Chris Lopez, Jr.
Owner, TexasFighting.com

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Video credit to Mark at Purefight.org