Monte Cox's Extreme Challenge in New Jersey last Friday night was called the War at the Shore, but it turned into the Wow at the shore.  It was a great night of action, highlighted by New Jersey's own Tara LaRosa finishing her opponent in a main event that was nothing short of a barn burner. Tara was fighting against Alexis Davis, a purple belt under Royler Gracie, who nearly finished the fight with a triangle choke at the end of the second round.  Tara was somehow able to escape the choke and in the third round she stepped up the action, opening cuts on Davis' face and prompting referee Kevin Mulhall to stop the contest near the end of the round.  Tara, who'd been out of action for over a year, looked great in her comeback.  And Davis showed herself to be a top level fighter herself.  Expect to see lots more from both of these talented mixed martial artists in the future. Also on the card were some very exciting prospects.  Josh "Barnyard" Barnes came all the way from Indiana to choke out former UFC fighter Sherman Pendergarst in under a minute.  Tuan Pham made a splash in his debut, KOing Nat McIntyre in just 4o seconds.  Zach Makovsky also shined against a very tough Justin Robbins.  Robbins, you may remember, had his arm broken against Wilson Reis back in May on the Kimbo vs. Thompson undercard, but refused to tap and continued fighting.  This time, however, Zach was able to sink the rear naked choke and force Robbins to tap. All in all it was a great event.  It was a real pleasure meeting Monte Cox and Greg Swanson, and it was great working with them.  And even though Eddie Alvarez and Wilson Reis didn't fight, the crowd went home satisfied because all the fighters fought to win and brought their A-games to the event. Some quick notes:  It was great to finally get to introduce referee Big Dan Miragliotta, or Dan "Magooglyoogly" as the "official" officials document had it spelled. Great seeing NJSACB commissioner Aaron Davis and Nick Lembo, counsel to the NJSACB (and official state prankster) at the show. Thanks to Doctor Sherry Wulkan for the hand sanitizer.  At first I thought it was just lotion and I declined by saying: No thanks, my hands are naturally soft.  But then the good doctor said something to the effect of: It's hand sanitizer, you idiot.  And I gratefully took a dose. And of course it's always great hanging out with the usual suspects from NJ, you guys know who you are.

< Prev		Next >