Damian Grabowski lands a left against Scott Barrett

Where were you, Chicago? Another disappointing turnout for a major MMA event in the Windy City. But the event was still entertaining. The local fights injected a ton of excitement into the card, as all 4 of the main card bouts went to decision. To the results:

The Chicagoland area will get treated to plenty of MMA this week. Here’s a rundown of the events.

Bellator 25, Thursday, Chicago Theatre

Bellator returns to Chicago for Bellator 25. The exciting Zoila Frausto (7-1) will battle the undefeated, #6-ranked flyweight Jessica Pene (7-0). Damian “The Polish Pitbull” Grabowski (12-0) will take on Scott Barrett in a battle of heavyweights. Bellator Season 2 Welterweight Tournament runner-up and local favorite Dan Hornbuckle will face off against UFC veteran “Bad” Brad Blackburn. Undefeated Division I NCAA Wrestling Champion Cole Konrad takes on submission specialist Rogent Lloret in another heavyweight tourney showdown. “Mr. International” Shonie Carter will take on Torrance Taylor, a one time Strikeforce fighter. Brian Gassaway will battle Kevin Knabjian in a match of two local fighters. Mark Miller was supposed to fight on the card, but he has been forced to withdraw due to injury. Keoki Cypriano will face Eric Kriegermeier in the promotion’s third show in the Windy City. Visit Bellator.com for ticket info.

G2 Fight Night Live, Saturday, Tinley Park Convention Center

The Gilbert Grappling produced event is back with another card full of promising amateur fights. Here’s a great fight video from the last G2 featuring Jon Reed vs. Kenny Jordan.

For more information contact 630.479.6304 or send an e-mail to g2fightnight@live.com.

American Predator FC, Saturday, Lithuanian World Center

The second event produced by APFC will once again be held in Lemont. You can buy tickets and check out the full fight card at the American Predator FC website.

Bad Boy Pro Series Handwraps 3-Pack w/Wash Bag

Team Top Notch lightweight Keoki Cypriano brings fireworks all the way from Hawaii. Don’t blink when he’s in the cage because he can finish the fight in a flash.  Check out “Hawaii’s Bad Boy” as he faces Mark Sinclair at Total Fight Challenge 14. This is how you ground and pound.

Come watch Keoki Cypriano and other local fighters at Bellator 25 on August 19th at the Chicago Theatre.

Ranger Up War Eagle Crown T-Shirt

MMA Junkie is reporting TUF veteran Kevin Knabjian will face journeyman Brian Gassaway, and Keoki Cypriano(training partner of WEC lightweight Ricardo Lamas) will face Eric Kriegermeier in the promotion’s third show in the Windy City.  Those matchups join a lineup already featuring Chicago favorite Shonie Carter and Dan Hornbuckle, who has fought in several regional promotions including Ironheart Crown, Total Fight Challenge, and The Duneland Classic.

The Gassaway /Knabjian will be interesting to watch because both trained together at Midwest Training Center, although Gassaway has since left the gym.   The “Mandingo” hasn’t fought since 2008 when he lost to Mike Pyle by armbar at SuperFights MMA in Las Vegas.  Knabjian will make his second appearance in Bellator.  He lost to Jacob Volkman at Bellator 7  by Brabo Choke.

Cypriano goes by the nickname “Hawaii’s Bad Boy” and brings a heavy-handed exciting style to the cage.

Bellator has not officially announced these fights, nor have they officially announced Carter’s fight(against Torrance Taylor) or Hornbuckle’s(against Brad Blackburn.)   The only officially announced fights are two tournament matches.

In the heavyweight tournament Damian Grabowski faces  Scott Barrett in opening round action.  Meanhwhile, Jessica Pene will face Zoila Frausto in the first round of the female 115 pound tournament.  Grabowski and Frausto are two names to watch in season 3 of the Chicago/Los Angeles based fight promotion.

Damian Grabowski is undefeated at 13-0 and has finished all his opponents.  Zoila Frausto has a Muay Thai background and is fresh off an upset knockout victory over highly regarded Rosi Sexton.  That knockout helped the “Warrior Princess” steal the tourney spot originally intended for Sexton.

Fighters from Team Top Notch headed down to Georgia for some MMA action and return home with mixed results.

Keoki Cypriano and Matt Sassolino fought in Colmbus, GA last night at the event “Blood, Sweat & Victory.”   Both fighters started the night undefeated, but in the end only one left with an unblemished record.

Cypriano challenged Kalvin “Hot Boy” Hackney for the Lightweight Title.  Prior to this fight the hard-hitting Hawaiian had finished all of his opponents in the first round.  This time he learned what that experience is like as Hackney keeps the belt after winning by TKO due to strikes in the first.  However questions linger about the outcome, and according to Top Notch head coach Mack Ramos they’re being encouraged to file a petition for what they feel was an early referee stoppage.

Keoki Cypriano’s record  drops to 4-1 with the loss.

His teammate, C3 Lightheavyweight Champion Matt Sassolino, remains unbeaten after winning his match against Heath Davis.  “Sass” now boasts a record of 5-0 after finishing Davis in the opening round by TKO with two seconds to spare in the five minute round.  The former Elmhurst College All-American wrestler suffered no injuries although he does walk away with what he calls a “sweet” black eye.

Team Top Notch in Elmhurst is making quite a name for itself in the Chicagoland area.  Originally a Muay Thai gym it now boasts a growing MMA team featuring UFC and IFL veteran Gideon Ray, the WEC’s Ricardo Lamas and C3 Light Heavyweight Champion Matt Sassolino.  Keoki Cypriano is looking to be the next breakout figure when he fights for the “Blood, Sweat & Victory” Lightweight Title in Columbus, GA this weekend.  ChicagosMMA.com’s L.J. Tabano had chance to talk with Keoki before his trip down South.

Click Here To Listen To Keoki’s Interview