Huckaba Swings Steel at Rebel Fighter By: Tommy Cowan/MMA-KO

Saturday, May 26th: Rebel Fighter done got down at Plymouth county fairgrounds. It looked like rain at first, but the MMA gods said, “No! Let there not be thunderbolts, but thunderous fists a’crashing!”, and it didn’t rain, unless you count the spurting blood. Just kidding. (I’m not kidding).

Opening bouts saw wins by up-and-comers Ethan Poor (guillotined Clint Berdoldt in rd. 1), Steve Gruber (K.O.’d Tommy Murray by punch in rd.1), and Melvin Washington who came away with the Rebel Fighter 155 lbs. Amateur Belt via a Unanimous decision over Michael Crowell.

The professional bouts followed with such blistering action that it rubbed the cage raw. Notable wins included: Derrick Easterling who came from behind to armbar the more experienced Frank DiMartino and picked up the sub. in rd. 2; George Interiano who battled to overcome a very competitive Scott “Battling” Nelson and edge out a unanimous victory; and, Mike Person who leveled a game David Villescaz via right hand to the jaw at 2:41 of rd. 3.

Then came the main: Hole in the Wall’s Dave “Badman” Huckaba versus Rob Jackson of Weapons Factory. Huckaba was a heavy favorite with much more experience, but Jackson seemed composed and skilled as he showed an excellent chin and landed several good leg kicks over the course of two rounds which saw a lot of boxing; however, a defensive lapse late in the second round caught him with his hands down and Huckaba swung a crushing blow to the dome. Jackson was knocked down and tried to pull guard, but the Badman followed up on it and swung thumping hammerfists from on top till the ref stopped it at 3:30 of rd. 2. The crowd went berserker status.

The thing about Huckaba is that he hits too hard for most people. Word on the street is that he’s a steelworker. This brings to mind that Scott Smith was also a steelworker, forging an iron grip which allowed him an impressive knockout reel. It’s a tacit reminder of the most important part of the body involved in the act of punching: the hand. If the fist isn’t tight, the punch means little; the tighter the fist, the more meaning it carries. And apparently, a Badman’s fists are not to be trifled with.