MMA MASTERS TAKE OVER CFA FIGHT NIGHT 1 AT BONGOS MICHAEL LILLY AND MIGUEL RESTREPO WIN
On September 11, Bongos Cuban Cafe in Downtown Miami was the host to the first ever CFA Fight Night. It was an eventful occasion, and one that proved to be a major success for two of MMA Masters’ fighters. Both Michael Lilly and Miguel Restrepo overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to dominate the evening. Michael Lilly’s match against Johanner Correa, an Olympic level wrestler coming off a three fight win streak, was a stunning experience, especially when taking into consideration the fact that this was Lilly’s first match after an eight-month layoff due to injury. However, for Lilly, losing simply wasn’t an option, and he showed this by striking against his opponent with fierce determination. Lilly proved how much he wanted this win during the second round when he broke his left hand. With an injury like this, other competitors might accept their fate and realize that the match is over. However, the fighter from MMA Masters refused to let this minor inconvenience deter him from the prize. Instead, once Mike realized that his hand had failed him, he proceeded to use his feet to his advantage. With amazing kicks that caught his opponent off guard, Lilly was able to claim victory with a unanimous decision. When asked how he felt entering the ring that night, Michael Lilly’s response was, “I knew I was going to win. I had tunnel vision the whole time, so I knew I was going to win the fight no matter what.” Michael Lilly has definitely earned this confidence. The fighter trains rigorously every day to hone his fighting skills. This is why Correa’s attempts to wrestle Lilly proved fruitless as he was unable to penetrate the defenses of the fighter from MMA Masters. Mike responded in turn with jabs and kicks that were simply too much for his opponent. Lilly’s perseverance and dedication to training is an inspiration to everyone around him. Under the tutelage of such esteemed trainers as Master Ceasar Carniero and Master Daniel Valverde, Mike has become a force to be reckoned with, and there should be no doubt that this fighter will achieve many more amazing victories in the future. Although Michael Lilly’s match was an impressive one, he was not the only fighter that MMA Masters had in the ring that night. Miguel Restrepo’s bout against Vinny Pantelone also proved to be spectacular, and the outcome was not something the crowd was expecting. When Miguel Restrepo (the Magic City Mauler) walked into the ring, no one expected that this relative newcomer would be much of a match against Vinny Pantelone. Little did the crowd realize that Restrepo was more than ready to rise above the expectations. From the onset, it was obvious that Miguel’s challenger was a favorite, and who could blame the crowd? Pantelone, who was a weight class higher than Restrepo, would prove to be a formidable match, especially since this was the Magic City Mauler's debut bout in his home city. One should also keep in mind that, as a fighter trained in Jiu Jitsu, Restrepo's prowess lay in grappling whereas his opponent was a man who was making a name for himself in the realm of boxing. Miguel would have to bring out his best strikes, and in the end that is exactly what he did. Throughout the fight, Restrepo outstruck his opponent. He showed some impressive flying knees, and at least twice during the match it seemed as though he would knock out Pantelone. In the end, Miguel triumphed over all odds to win the fight with a split decision. When asked about how he felt entering a professional ring for the first time in his hometown, Miguel responded by saying, “I felt that I was in the zone. I knew he wouldn’t beat me. I had experience on my side.” He went on to say that he attributed this experience to his victory. “I’m training with the best trainers in the world,” Restrepo continued. “They taught me how to respect my opponent and his forte.” Armed with this respect for his opponent’s abilities and with the knowledge of Pantelone’s preferred fighting style, Restrepo was not only able to anticipate his opponent’s attacks, he was able to return them in kind. Of course, Miguel also admits that having the “Best trainers in Florida, the East Coast, and the entire nation” in his corner to help dispense encouragement and wisdom greatly helped his odds. When asked about MMA Masters, Restrepo stated that “They are training me to be the best fighter.” This training proved to pay off as Miguel entered the ring. To him, the fight “Felt like an opera, a symphony,” proving that the Magic City Mauler truly feels at home in the ring, and to him it is all a great orchestra that he is determined to play without missing a note. Both Lilly and Restrepo’s victories are proof of what one can achieve with determination and perseverance. Their wins at the first CFA Fight Night are promises of future successes. Although their next matches are unspecified as of yet, if this past event is any indicator, they both will be sure to give exciting performances as they triumph over every challenge.