21 Dec The Fokai Combat Unit “Victorious in Vegas”!
This post is overdue but more than worthy. We want to recognize all the guys who competed in the UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter Season 6 Finale at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Amongst those who competed there were a few soldiers from the FOKAI Combat UNIT & Familia who deserve special recognition.
John “War Machine” Koppenhaver won by TKO in the third round over J-Roc. This fight displayed the true essence of MMA. From top to bottom the fight never stopped and in the end the only regret is that the person standing across the cage was our brother. No doubt it sux, but thats what happens when you run with the worlds best! Mad respect to J-Roc a true Sav! Special recogintion goes to Robert “The Hitman” Garcia (Head Boxing Instructor @ UND1SPUTED SD,CA) & Baret “The Finisher” Yoshida (Head Jiu Jitsu Instructor @ UND1SPUTED SD,CA) for coaching War to his victory.
George “of SPARTA” Sotiropolaus- Won by rear naked choke and left his opponent Billy “The Kid” Miles taking a nap on the mat. This is not uncommon for a Black Belt Jiu Jitsu guy and props to Billy for fighting to the finish and not tapping to a choke. Enson Inoue stood by in George’s corner with a few other guys from Matt Sera’s Camp. Bottom line, “Georges jits is still kux”!
Troy “Rude Boy” Mandalonez of Marc Laimon’s Cobra Kai Gym in Las Vegas and a very close freind of the FOKAI Familia finished his opponent and friend Richie “The Dirty Samurai” Hightower with a heavy punch that was thrown late in the first round. Respect to Richie for coming to fight and making it to the after party…
O’ya the after party was at the Moon. I think it was in the of the new Playboy Tower at the Palms. Crazy- 3 levels, insane sound, casino, and patio that overlooks Vegas. Probabply the sickest club I’ve ever got into for free- thanks to War Machine. I guess thats standard for a place like Vegas but to a local boy from Guam, word of advice, bring your fancy zori! I mean the leather ones you don’t wear when its raining, and maybe they’ll let you in. Money is kuxika!
Finally a special thanks to the road crew who came up from SD and the Vegas locals who came out to support the Familia!
In no specific order; RJ, Pauly, Mike, Milan, Cotch, Jonny H, Frank “The Tank” Selgado & Carina, Jason “Halfbreed” Wessling & the wifey, Jimmy Shoulders, Suel, Ozzy & his Familia, Wade “The Nightmare” Shipp & his own, Eric Delfiero (Total Combat) George, Lopaka & his Nao, Cousin Boom, Napu, Stewart, Cita’s Mercedes Benz CL 500 (FAST!), and man if I missed you sorry bout that. We can always edit this thing and add you. Oya’ big up to the old school homie Big Mike Taitano for taking care of us at Coyote Ugly! Keep it local brotha’.
Shoot,
Tone
Fokai SoCal Project
A few days later in W.E.C. (To be continued…)