Press Release
The NAAFS made its return to the Hoop Sports Complex on Friday, Sept. 19 for Columbus Night of Pain 4 in Columbus, Ohio.
In the main event, UFC veteran Sean Salmon made a successful return to the sport after a 10-month layoff, to defeat Mitch Whitesel by TKO in round three to become the new NAAFS Pro Series Middleweight Champion. Immediately after the fight, Salmon thanked all of his fans and his opponent for the opportunity and now sets his sights on his next opponent.
In the co-main event, a new Pro Series Heavyweight Champion was crowned as Justin Black avenged an earlier loss, defeating current champion “Cujo” Joe McCall by Armbar in Round one. The new champion said after the fight that he would be open to a possible third battle between the top two fighters in the division.
Columbus native Thad Schlichter continued his winning ways with an impressive knockout victory def. Terry Davinney in the first round. Davinney entered the arena wearing a Michigan jersey, immediately making him the most hated man in the building. Schlichter took control early and remained so until picking up the win with an emphatic KO.
The Pro Series Bantamweight division added some more depth, as Matt McCabe defeated NAAFS veteran “Small” Paul Martin by triangle choke in round one in a quick but electric fight.
In National Amateur Series action, former Penn State All American wrestler Phil Davis made an impressive NAAFS debut, disposing of previously ranked Steve Zornes with a thunderous first round KO victory in a light heavyweight clash. Davis, a member of Lion Heart MMA in Pennsylvania is considered one of the nation’s top amateur prospects and will be making his professional debut in October.
Matt Kocher, a teammate of Davis and Pittsburg University all American wrestler was also victorious in his NAAFS debut via third round TKO while Mickey Hughes won in thrilling fashion def. highly touted Justin Edwards via armbar late in round one.
Complete NAAFS Night of Pain 4 results:
NAAFS Pro Series Middleweight Title
-Sean Salmon def. Mitch Whitesel by TKO at 2:08, R3
NAAFS Pro Series Heavyweight Title
-Justin Black def. Joe McCall by Submission (Armbar) at 2:07, R1
-Thad Schlichter def. Terry Davinney by KO at 2:21, R1
-Matt McCabe def. Paul Martin by Submission (Triangle Choke) at 2:08, R1
-Phil Davis def. Steve Zornes by KO at 0:50, R1
-Mickey Hughes def. Justin Edwards by Submission (Armbar) at 2:22, R1
-Doug Kulbis def. Tony Nowalk by Submission (Guillotine) at 0:30, R1
-BJ Taylor def. Wes Van Meter by Unanimous Decision, R3
-Chris Long def. Ty Phillips by TKO (Due to Cuts) at 1:27, R1
-Josh Cole def. Matt Edie by Submission (Armbar) at 1:38, R2
-Matt Kocher def. Bill Morosetti by TKO at 2:32, R3
-Cory Shierberl def. Trevor Traven by Submission (Verbal) at 2:12, R1
-Justin Hughes def. Shane O’Farrell by Submission (Strikes) at 1:25, R1
