Morgantown Event Center hosts first professional MMA fight

The Morgantown Event Center was sold out Saturday night as fans poured in to watch the North American Allied Fight Series host Caged Fury 16, the second sanctioned mixed martial arts event in state history.

The event was organized by Simons Promotions, Kegler's sports bar and the North American Allied Fight Series. The event was the first MMA fight in the state to feature professional MMA fighters.

"It was great being in Morgantown. Everybody has been really cool, and it's been sweet here," said lightweight fighter Joey "The Hitman" Holt, who defeated his opponent by knockout in the first round.

The night's main event pitted Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Sean McCorkle against rising undefeated contender Mike Gordon.

"I'm going to get him in a head/arm choke in the first round," McCorkle said before the fight. "I don't want to beat him up too badly, so I'm going to submit him early."

McCorkle methodically took Gordon down and worked his way into position for the choke, ending the fight in the first round and cementing his status as one of the best heavyweight fighters in the sport.

Caged Fury 16 also showcased women's mixed martial arts for the first time in W.Va. history with the undefeated Ashley "Smashley" Cummins taking on Jorge Gurgel protégé Stephanie Frausto.

Cummins, who won in a unanimous decision, said she was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the first female MMA matchup in state history.

"It was a huge honor to be a part of the first women's matchup in West Virginia history," Cummins said. "I really hope they will have us back and we can continue to put on great shows."

Frausto said she was thankful to be part of the state's first female bout despite being disappointed in the loss.

"It was really awesome to be a part of this," Frausto said. "It was a huge adrenaline rush, and, even though I lost, it was great to be in front of this huge crowd and put on a show."

The crowd also welcomed the professional debut of Morgantown's Nathan "Bamm Bamm" Bryant, a heavyweight fighter who was slated to fight against veteran Rick "Have a Nice" Day.

Bryant walked out to roaring applause and had the hometown crowd's support throughout his matchup, which saw him dominate the first round of action before getting caught with a punishing head kick in the second round.

Bryant said he was disappointed in the outcome of the match but thanked all those who came to support him and promised to come back stronger in the future.

"I'm disappointed in myself and for you guys that came out, but it was a crazy experience to be here," Bryant said. "I'll be back."

The event attracted a sold-out crowd, and Stephen Simons, owner of Simons Promotions, said the event was a great support of MMA in the state.

"This couldn't have been any more perfect," Simons said. "We're grateful to have such a fantastic turnout, and we're looking forward to the future."