Southern Warriors Dominate Cuff 13

It was a clash of titans at the 13th annual Caribbean Ultimate Fist Fighting (CUFF) tournament on Friday night, as five of the region’s best fighters squared off with three amateur and one professional title were at stake.

The highlight of the event came when local favourite Kadaine Hope of the Southern Warriors of Mixed Martial Arts (SWMMA) knocked out Canadian powerhouse, Luke “Boss” Hogg with a devastating right hook, sending the larger Hogg sprawling across the canvas and copping the bantam weight title belt.

The much anticipated amateur bout came to an abrupt end after three rounds of powerful strikes and grappling between both fighters as Hope managed to escape several submission holds before the battle shifted to standing position.

Hogg, who is 6 inches taller than Hope, managed to keep him at bay with strikes for much of the first round, however Hope’s stamina would prevail, as a visibly exhausted Hogg returned for round three and was dealt a vicious right hook ending the match.

However the success would not end there for the Southern Warriors as Jeffrey Ranghill took on Keeno Carrabon and dominated the match with quick strikes and effective ground work which kept him in control of much of the fight.

The event would also be a historic milestone for local Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) superstar Joash Walkins, as he not only successfully defended his title against Canadian novice Mike McAloon, but also surpassed his coach Dwayne Hinds’ record.

Despite his limited experience, McAloon took the fight to Walkins during the first round delivering a series of powerful knees to his midsection. However, Walkins regained composure during the second round and swept McAloon off of his feet, assuming the mounted position and hammering away at his temple before referee Tommy Santana stopped the match.