BAB4 Results

MIGHTY MO, MARK SELBEE, AND SEAN O'HAIRE MAKE VALOR PROUD AT K-1'S BATTLE AT BELLAGIO IV

by Anthony Rosas

Remy Bonjasky is a world renowned fighter. He is the defending K-1 World Grand Prix Champion. Remy was by far the favorite going into the April 30, 2005 fight. Bonjasky even went as far to say that he was 99% sure he would defeat Mighty Mo at K-1’s Battle at Bellagio. Remy stated, “but that one percent counts!” It sure did. Mighty Mo was definitely the underdog, and many fans in attendance agreed with Remy regarding the 99%. Except for Mighty Mo himself.

Both fighters came into this fight in great shape, both slimmed down, as Mo weighed in at 265 pounds, his lowest weight ever for a fight. Mo still carried a decent weight advantage over Bonjasky who also weighed in at his career low weight of 230 pounds. Both fighters knew the other was coming into this fight in magnificent shape, and the slimmed down Bonjasky benefited from this with his preference for leaping strikes. Remy was still concerned with the power of Mo going into the fight despite his lower weight, and rightfully so.

Mighty Mo has knockout power unparalleled in the world of MMA and kickboxing. Possibly it was underestimated by fans and fighters alike, but not anymore. During the final round, Mo landed his trademark punch and knocked down Remy Bonjasky to the surprise of many at the Bellagio and watching on Pay-Per-View. The knockdown possibly won the fight for Mo who up to that point was in a battle with Bonjasky. Mo won the fight via a split decision, and the defending Battle at Bellagio III Champion upset the Defending World Grand Prix Champion!

The win for Mo was not easy however. He withstood some tremendous offense from Bonjasky, including flurries of knees and kicks to the head. Mo showed a lot of determination to stick with his plan and look for the big knockout blow. Although he did not win by knockout, he made his mark on the kickboxing world and earned the respect of the widely respected Remy Bonjasky. This fight will surly skyrocket Mo into a group elite fighters throughout the world. His punching power is unmatched thus far, and only time will tell how far this star will trave

Sean O’Haire unfortunately did not have the same luck Mo had this night. O’Haire was knocked out by tournament favorite Gary Goodridge in the first round. Goodridge came out hot, and O’Haire matched him and backed him up. O’Haire was very aggressive towards Goodridge and had him on the defensive against the ropes right out of the gate. However, Goodridge caught O’Haire twice with hard punches, and with the two knockdown rule in K-1, Goodridge was given the win via TKO.

Mark Selbee came into the night undefeated and was looking to make a name for himself. He certainly accomplished that. In the quarterfinal round, Selbee defeated Tsuyoshi Nakasako by a unanimous decision after three brutal rounds of kickboxing action. Selbee, making his K-1 debut was punishing Nakasako with reverse roundhouse kicks and axe kicks throughout the fight. Selbee ended the night undefeated, as he could not fight Gary Goodridge in the next round due to severe swelling of his foot. Selbee proved however, despite his lack of K-1 experience, that he belongs at this level. With his Hapkido and Tae Kwan Do background, Selbee displayed the skills to pick apart opponents and his tenacity that will make him a star in the future.

Valor Fighting is very proud of all three fighters sent to K-1’s Battle at Bellagio. Valor congratulates Mighty Mo for defeating World Champion Remy Bonjasky; Mark Selbee for coming in undefeated and winning his K-1 debut; and Sean O’Haire for standing toe to toe with Gary Goodridge, one of the favorites in K-1, and showing tremendous heart. All three are sure to have bright futures in the world of MMA and kickboxing, and Valor looks forward to being represented by such talented fighters.

CHECK OUT THESE RECENT ARTICLES REGARDING VALOR FIGHTING AT K-1'S BATTLE AT BELLAGIO IV

Valor Fighting proud to have 3 of their own fighters at K-1's Battle at Bellagio IV

Sean O'Haire fights for K-1's Battle at Bellagio IV

Defending Battle at Bellagio III Champion Mighty Mo returns at the Battle at Bellagio IV

Undefeated Mark Selbee makes his K-1 debut at the Battle at Bellagio IV