The final instalment of the Four Nations Tournament concluded today. Winners were crowned, cheques were handed out, Q & A’s and so much more! Here’s a recap off all the action from the Four Nations.
What Went Down at the Four Nations
Both cages were in action today, with youth and senior bouts taking place simultaneously throughout the day. A total of 36 senior, and 55 youth fights took place today. A star studded Q&A session also took place today with Wales’ own Jack Shore. He stated that he is eager to get back in the cage, but is undergoing hand surgery soon to repair an ongoing injury. During the break, Marc Goddard talked about how impressed he’s been with the amateur talent. He then introduced Richard “Shakey” Shore to say a few words. Richard thanked the crowd for attending and showing support for the event, and finished by repeating his mantra of “never give up”. A true inspiration after recently overcoming his battle with cancer.
Standout Performances:
Befan Hall- Befan continued to impress today as he fought it out for gold in the finals of four nations. The first round began with some fast striking exchanges between the two fighters, which later transitioned to cage wrestling. Round one was fairly even until the fight went to the ground. This is where Befan landed some nice ground and pound strikes. Round 2 begins and goes straight to a wrestling exchange, many scrambles happen here with both fighters looking to gain top position. Befan secures another back take and attempts a rear naked choke that was well defended and fought out of. After this, Befan reaches full mount position and begins to land some serious ground and pound strikes until the referee has no choice but to step in. Both fighters left it all in the cage here, but ultimately, Befan Hall proved himself to be the better fighter.
Miriam Grubb- Miriam Grubb faced off against Lauren Allwood today in a battle for gold. With both fighters coming into this bout off a victory, the stakes were high. Round one begins with some range-finding striking exchanges from both fighters. Miriam displayed some good offensive striking that kept her opponent at bay. Lauren then looked to change levels and went in for a takedown which was well defended by Grubb, and reversed into some nice clinch work. It was here where Miriam landed a well-timed knee to the body which left Allwood covering up. Miriam continued to land strikes until the referee called off the bout via TKO. This secured a gold medal for the young fighter in impressive fashion.
Continued
Lorenzo Parente- Lorenzo Parente made his way through some difficult challenges after defeating Jay Aspinwall and Kane Darcy in the previous days. He faced off against Team Ireland in a battle for gold. Round one begins with some fast striking and transitioning into cage wrestling, where Lorenzo’s opponent then pulled guard hoping for a submission opening. Lorenzo defended multiple submission attempts and eventually took the back where he proceeded to land some effective strikes. Round 2 then starts with Lorenzo pushing the pace looking for a takedown and he gets it. It was here where he landed some great strikes from the back position. With a body triangle locked up, and his opponent defending these strikes, Lorenzo locked in a rear naked choke, ending the fight in the second round. Lorenzo overcame some very tough opponents demonstrating great skills and adaptability in this tournament.
Owen Cartridge- Owen Cartridge closed out the senior fights today facing team Ireland in a heavyweight bout fighting for gold. As soon as the first bell went, both fighters took the centre and began to trade some huge shots early on. After this, his opponent initiated some cage wrestling and looked to go to the ground. The first round ended on the floor making it very even early on. Round two begins with the same energy as the first, both fighters landing some well-timed, powerful headshots looking for a knockout blow. With both men beginning to fatigue, another cage wrestling exchange ensued. Cartridge then breaks this exchange and throws a flurry of body and head kicks, landing some damaging teeps in the process. Round three then begins and both fighters are leaving it all in the cage, standing and swinging until the other falls. Both fighters landed, but it was Cartridge who mixed up his shots with beautiful body punches and kicks which is what made all the difference in this fight. Cartridge wins via unanimous decision. This was fight of the day for spectators as many were highly entertained by this bout, and left on their feet by the end.
PFL Prospect Grant Winners:
Dan Hardy announced that he was watching the bouts closely, and had selected three fighters to receive a PFL prospects cheque for £1,000 to help towards their training fees. He selected fighters who impressed on all basis, from skill set, entertainment value, and crowd pleasing finishes. The three fighters selected were:
Lorenzo Parente
Alfie Parker
Charlie Lynch Spence
That’s all from day three! Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post covering all the Four Nations medallists from today.
