Prangley rages in Cage By JASON ELLIOTT/Sports writer

WORLEY - Former North Idaho College wrestler Trevor Prangley got his start in the mixed martial arts arena in 2001.

On Thursday night, Prangley helped launch the careers of some of those fighters in his American Kickboxing Academy based in Coeur d'Alene - as well as continue his own.

Prangley used a rear naked choke hold to defeat George Stork 2 minutes, 42 seconds into the third and final round in the main event of the King of the Cage Wild Card MMA fight card in front of a sold-out crowd estimated at 1,500 at the Coeur d'Alene Casino and Hotel on Thursday night.

"It was a tough fight," Prangley said. "I fought 10 days ago in India and got a bad stomach bug. I got right yesterday, but man I was tired."

Prangley, who improves to 25-9-1, added that he's got two more fights in India, but hopes to continue with King of the Cage.

"I don't know what's next," Prangley said. "I'm going to take some time with my family. After having two fights in 10 days, I'm going to take some time and get some stuff together."

Coeur d'Alene native Jordan Cook, who trains under Prangley at the American Kickboxing Academy, entered the professional ranks on Thursday night, taking on Jacob Harkness of Spokane in a 155-pound lightweight bout.

Midway through the second round, Harkness caught Cook with a punch, knocking Cook to the mat 2:10 into the round and improved to 4-1 via technical knockout.

"I felt I played into his game," Cook said. "He definitely had the reach advantage. I thought I could bang it out with him early, and it didn't work out."

Cook, who fought at 145 pounds as an amateur, was attempting to get up, but had the match stopped by the referee.

“I felt the stoppage was early,” Cook said. “Now I’ll go back to 145. I’m strong as a bull, but can’t make up the height. I’ll be back in the gym on Monday and do some (stuff) and get it done from there.”

In the other main event, Lyle “Fancy Pants” Beerbohm defeated Chris “The Ginger Ninja” Ensley by submission via a straight arm bar 1:26 in the first round. Beerbohm, who broke his left foot six weeks ago in a fight in Texas, was cleared by doctors on Wednesday after the foot was 85 percent healed.

“It was an awesome night,” Prangley said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had a quality fight like this. It was great to have another show here.”

In other bouts: Josh Rettinghouse knocked out Will Noland of Coeur d’Alene in the first round, dropping Noland to 5-4 as a professional.

Zack Lari defeated Josh Rettinghouse of Spokane at 140 pounds by tapout 2:52 into the first round.

In a women’s bout, Fallon Fox defeated Elisha Helsper by TKO in the first round.

Spokane’s Nathan Gow defeated Joseph Cleveland 4:33 into the first round by tapout via a triangle choke hold.

In a catchweight bout, Tony Neal knocked out Colville’s Skylar Donner 23 seconds into the first round.

On the undercard, Gabe Lopez won by a 29-28 decision over Spokane’s Tony Bambino at 205 pounds. Trevor Robb of Legacy MMA outlasted Andrew Whitfield in a 155-pound bout, ending the fight 1:30 into the third round by technical knockout. Lewiston’s Austin Arnett used an arm bar to defeat Josh Gow via submission 2:20 in the first round at 145 pounds.

Will Comstock of Spokane choked out Aaron Goedhart of Post Falls 53 seconds into the first round at 165 pounds.