Caged Madness: Year in Review 2016

By Jeff Gorman

Explosive Fight Promotions emerged on the national scene in 2016, as FloCombat began to televise it Caged Madness events.

Caged Madness 40, the first show of the year on Jan. 16, grabbed the nation’s attention by culminating with a highlight-reel knockout. Jeff Hughes walloped Jason Riley with a spinning back kick, which was featured on the “Inside MMA TV” show.

Also that night, Devonte Smith kept his undefeated pro record intact with a second-round TKO win over Mike Wiseman.

In addition, EFP crowned two new champions: Kenny Locsei in the lightweight division and Nikolai Gionti at flyweight.

One month later, Austin Meese headlined Caged Madness 41 with a TKO win over Hazel Hyde at the 1:51 mark.

Caged Madness 42 in April featured a pair of pro fights. Josh Rohler put away Mike Cardona with a rear naked choke, and Kyle Nickle knocked out Davis Oracio Jr. to earn the Fighter of the Night trophy.

The action literally heated up in the summer, with EFP invading Goodyear Hall in Akron for Caged Madness 43. Four pro fights topped off a card in which the fighters battled each other and 110-degree heat in the cage.

Frankie Festa made a successful pro debut with a win over Tony DiPiero. Andrew Law won a unanimous decision over Brandon Suber.

Also, Tony Parker beat Tony Sylvester with a rear naked choke, and Jerrell Hodge won a unanimous decision over Isaiah Chapman.

The first Caged Madness show on FloCombat was Caged Madness 44 on July 30 at the Tadmor Shrine in Akron, EFP’s usual home. J-Mar Moore won Fighter of the Night honors with a unanimous decision win over Austin Meese.

The televised action shifted to Emidio’s Banquet Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, for Caged Madness 45. Tyler Collins won a unanimous decision over Desmond Ford to earn the Fighter of the Night trophy.

In the main event, T.J. Rigel used an armbar to beat Austin Meese.

Andrew Law wrapped up the year with another win on Thanksgiving Eve at Caged Madness 46. Law scored a disqualification win over Scott Hudson in the main event.

Another pro fight on FloCombat saw Dru Schottenheimer score a unanimous decision over Brandon Davis.

Caged Madness will continue to deliver more wild, unpredictable action in 2017. Stay tuned!