Mixed martial arts returned to Las Cruces with Southwest Fight Promotions organizing the event at the Pan American Center on Friday.
The event was only for amateur fighters, fighting not for money, but for a shot at the "big time," the ultimate goal for all fighters. The event showcased eight fights, with three title shots on the line.
Most of the fighters were local residents with some fighters traveling from Alamogordo, Sunland Park and Albuquerque. The two training teams in town, Dragon's Den and Bonecrusher, have a mutual respect for each other despite being competitors because of all the training they go through together.
"I enjoy watching the other fighters from Bonecrusher and Dragon's Den fight, win or lose, because we all train together and help each other out," said Richard "Halloween" Jacquez who fights with Bonecrusher.
Jacquez defeated Levi Livingston of Dragon's Den by technical knockout in the second round. Jacquez dons a Michael Myers mask from the popular "Halloween" movies as he walks to the ring before a fight. His other superstitions include keeping his hair dyed pink and his nails painted black.
"I wear the mask because my first fight was during Halloween, and I won the match after wearing the mask in pre-fight warm-ups," Jacquez said.
The fighters in the title bouts punched and kicked their way to eventual glory by either defending or claiming the championship belts. In the first title fight, Albert Archuleta (Bonecrusher) matched up against Daniel Hernandez (Martinez Inc.).
The see-saw fight was very competitive, going three rounds before a winner was decided. The fight ran into controversy after Hernandez was penalized a point for an illegal kick in the second round. Hernandez outlasted Archuleta's body slams and strikes to capture the belt with a third-round pummeling.
The competitive and controversial victory for Hernandez and Martinez Inc. strengthens the rivalry between themselves and Bonecrusher.
"Martinez Inc. is our main rival right now because every time we go up against them and beat the crap out of them, they accuse us of cheating," Bonecrusher coach Robert Baker said.
The main event featured hometown favorite Nathan Paterson of Dragon's Den squaring off against the relatively unknown fighter Mike Muir from Alamogordo. Patterson received loud cheers from the crowd as he made his way to the stage. The main event lived up to the billing, as it was the most exciting fight of the night.
Both fighters traded punches early, trying to size up each other and get a feel for their strengths and weaknesses. Patterson took control early with his superior grappling and striking ability, but Muir's evasive defense that featured quick spin moves helped keep it interesting. Patterson and Muir both became fatigued after their inability to close out their submission moves on each other.
In the final round, a costly mistake by Patterson gave Muir the opportunity he needed to capitalize and upset the favored Patterson with a rear-naked chokehold.
Following the fight, Muir was out of breath and in disbelief of his win. After celebrating with friends and fans, Muir looked down at his belt and could only say, "It's hard to believe."
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