WILMINGTON, MA – Calvin Kattar and Dan Keefe added another check to their win columns before 3,300 fans that packed the Shriner’s Auditorium for World Champion Fighting 7.
The headlining fight featured Dan Keefe of Brickhouse Fight Team proved victorious over Woody Weatherby of Renzo Gracie, NH. After two five-minute rounds, the fight was too close to call and the judges announced a third, sudden-victory round. Early in round three, Keefe secured a take down and spent most of the round throwing strikes from Weatherby’s guard. With seconds remaining, Weatherby reversed positions and lock up an arm bar. The bell rang before Keefe was forced to tap. The judges awarded Dan Keefe the win.
In the co-headlining fight, local favorite Calvin Kattar faced Rodrigo Almeida. The crowd, peppered with bright yellow Calvin Kattar tee-shirts, exploded when the lights dimmed and Hulk Hogan’s Real American theme song blasted from the speakers as Kattar was announced. The fans were less than receptive to Rodrigo, who aimed to tarnish Kattar’s 6-1 record.
At the start of round one, Rodrigo attempted to neutralize Kattar’s reach advantage by shooting in, securing Kattar’s legs, and taking him down. It wasn’t long before both fighters were back on their feet. Sticking to his game plan, Rodrigo worked for a second take down and drove Katter into the corner. Kattar locked a guillotine around Rodrigo’s neck and dropped to his back. Rodrigo tapped out at 2:16 of round one.
In one of the featured bouts, John Benoit of Renzo Gracie, NH won a split decision victory over Damien Trites of Wai-Kru. Round one began with Trites dominating Benoit. But it wasn’t long before Benoit established his rhythm, peppering Trites with combinations and a very effective ground game.
WCF 7 also featured appearances by UFC veterans John Howard and Jorge Rivera, Mark DellaGrotte of Sityodtong USA, and actor Kevin James.
Results
Dan Keefe def. Woody Weatherby – Judges decision after round 3
Calvin Kattar def. Rodrigo Almeida – Submission-Guillotine – 2:16 Round 1
Greg Rebello def. Jerry Spiegel – Unanimous Decision
Tom Moreau def. Don Carlo-Clauss – Split Decision
John Benoit def. Damien Trites – Split Decision
Elias Rivera def. Scott Rehm – Submission-Heel Hook – 2:43 Round 1
Travis Bartlett def. Guillermo Echuaca – Ref. Stoppage – 2:18 Round 1
Saul Almeida def. Dan O’Keefe – Submission-Peruvian Necktie – 1:16 Round 1
Nick Evangelous def. Matt McKusker – Ref. Stoppage – 2:41 Round 1
Aniss Anlhajjajy def. Aaron Petrucelli – Split Decision
Marcos Escalante def. John Walsh – Submission-Rear Naked Choke – 1:24 Round 1
Zack Burhans def. Jeff Silva – Unanimous Decision
Nelson Gaipo def. Ryan White – Ref. Stoppage – 1:07 Round 1
Noah Wiseman def. Steve Beck – Submission-Rear Naked Choke – 1:50 Round 1