Valor’s own Mavrick and Shannon “The Cannon” Ritch recently fought each other in a tremendous fight November 14, 2005 at the jam packed Kage Kombat show at La Zona Rosa in San Pedro.  It was an atmosphere that has to be seen to be believed.  Mavrick, the reigning undefeated Light Heavyweight Champion, 5 years running, is seen as a God by the loyal fans, creating a near riotous atmosphere.

              Typically, Valor Fighters do not fight each other, however, when Shannon Ritch found out that Mavrick’s original opponent backed out at the thought of facing off against the Soul Collector, he stood up like a champion and volunteered to bring The Cannon to Mavrick and his legion of fans with only a few days notice. 

            The entrances were memorable in themselves, as Shannon came out in his Jason mask with his trademark American Flag hat on, grabbing the attention of the fans, who quickly realized after his accolades were read by the voice of Valor Fighting & UPW: Todd Keneley who handled the announcing duties for the night, that this was no average fighter.   

Mavrick came out to an entrance video, with his entourage and an electric reaction.  The usually quiet and calm Mavrick morphs into a monster upon entering the ring, and as soon as they met, they almost came to blows, even before the first bell.

            Round one saw Shannon charge Mavrick with a flurry of blows, as Mavrick went to the cage and took down Ritch.  Both men traded blows and holds.  Near the end of the first round, The Cannon locked in a heel hook on the Soul Collector.  Before the bell, Mavrick escaped the heel hook, and locked in a reverse armbar and gave it a tweak. 

 Round one came to an end, only to see the doctor enter the ring, and call the fight.  As it turns out, Shannon Ritch suffered a broken hand/wrist.  It appeared watching the fight that it broke from the armbar.  Disappointed, Ritch and Mavrick exchanged words, both wanting to continue the fight, even with the injury to Ritch and the bloody nose on Mavrick.  The crowd erupted in anger, wanting the fight to continue.  Mavrick ended up retaining his Light Heavyweight Title.  The round was as brutal and hard fought of a round that you will ever see.

            There were also many celebrities in attendance watching the Valor Fighters Main Event the show including fight legends Royce Gracie, Tank Abbot, and WWE’s Rob Van Dam.  All 3 were very impressed by both Mavrick and Ritch, as well as Valor Fighting as a whole. 

            Below are some exclusive comments from both fighters after the fight itself:

            “What’s up, Kage Kombat, Mavrick representing the game, bringing it to the streets.  Unfortunately I had to fight one of my fellow brothers, fellow professional and Valor Fighter.  It was a good fight.  I wish it would have went longer, but he gave me his best and he couldn’t continue.  In my book, that is not a win.  I don’t win until my opponents are knocked out, tapped out, or thrown out of the ring.  So be it, bring him back again, and I guarantee that will not happen again.  Soul Collector baby, the bottom line is this:  To the ******* people, with the ******* people, for the ******* people!”

            “Hey Valor, Mavrick has the hardest damn head in MMA, I think I broke my hand on his head.  The fight was great.  I thought I had the first round.  Mavrick is tough.  He comes out like a fireplug, he is a real good fighter.  Hopefully one day we’ll get a rematch, but then again, hopefully not.  Valor has the toughest fighters in the world, that is why we are Team Valor.  It is a shame we had to fight each other.  His opponent backed out at the last minute and I can see why, he is really tough.  I took the fight in a few days notice, and then I break my hand but it is all good!”

By Anthony Rosas

November 17, 2005

anthony@valorfighting.com