Aaron Kennedy (right) - Photo by William McKee
Maverick 25 results – Aaron Kennedy flawless, graceful, in first-round victory
Maverick MMA officials held their Maverick 25 fight card from the Signature Event Center in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania on Friday night.
The December 1 event is the first of a two-night doubleheader at the center, ending the 2023 calendar year for the promotion.
In the night’s main event, Aaron Kennedy returned to Maverick MMA for the third time when he met promotional newcomer Jeremy Balboa in a 140-pound contest.
Kennedy, who took several years off from competition to “find himself,” has returned in recent months to prove that he is a different animal than once before.
Improving his professional mixed martial arts record to 3-2, Kennedy made quick work of Balboa, yet humble in victory. Following the win, Kennedy told the audience in Brodheadsville that he was like a Chinese bamboo tree that takes five years to grow.
“It has to be watered and fertilized in the ground where it has been planted every day. It doesn’t break through the ground for five years. After five years, once it breaks through the ground, it will grow 90 feet tall in five weeks,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy continued to say that it took time for him to learn about himself and the sport, but that this is his passion. Look for this kid to be in the UFC one day.
The co-main event slot was decided between Maverick MMA star “Strictly Business” Christian Carr and New York native Nathaniel Grubham who fought in the Keystone State for the first time. The ninja came out once again as Carr steamrolled through his opponent and submitted him in under three minutes. Very impressive with for Carr and his fan base only continues to grow. “I owe each of you a debt, and this is how I repay you,” Carr said after his win.
Nick Carrelli picked up a unanimous decision in a hard-fought battle over Tyler Mees. Carrelli’s top game is a force to be reckoned with and it will take a special type of opponent to crack the nut.
Chris Alcala was extremely impressive tonight after going 0-3 in his first three pro MMA bouts. Alcala took Kenyon Moore to a split decision victory to pick up his first win, but his grit and tenacity to win carried him through.
Randi Miley did what Randi Miley does, and she snatched another armbar submission win tonight, making that three straight in MMA.
Denis Hickey and Shaun Maloy was a spectacle to watch. If this one isn’t up for the ‘Amateur MMA fight of the year’ award, I don’t know what should be. Hickey edges out the scorecards for a split decision win.
Alex Kelly shined in her MMA debut. Coming from a kickboxing background, she had her hands full with Therese Shkreli. But in another ‘Fight of the Night’ type bout, Kelly came through to win a split decision that really could have gone either way. Great fight ladies.
Maverick 25 Results
Aaron Kennedy defeated Jeremy Balboa vis submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:14
Christian Carr defeated Nathaniel Grubham via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 2:56
Nick Carrelli defeated Tyler Mees via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Chris Alcala defeated Kenyon Moore via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Randi Miley defeated Sydnee Leeth via submission (armbar) – Round 3, :11
Denis Hickey defeated Shawn Maloy via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Alex Kelly defeated Therese Shkreli via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Brennan Slater defeated Jerome Sellers via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 0:51
