Kickboxing returned to the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis with a huge bang as Team USA hosted Team Ireland. The event was a huge success and fans were treated to some incredible fights as Team USA’s Chris Cichon won by first round KO, “Speedy” Swenson won a 5 round decision, and Jamie McDermid lost a back and forth decision in one of the best fights ever! Thanks to our many supporters who attended the event.

In front of a packed house and some sections with standing room only, several types of martial artists and competitors took to the ring.  Spectators were treated to exciting forms and tricks demonstrations from National Karate’s Alex Dingman, Jake Boone, and Joe Boone. They also witnessed a 3-man team point fighting competition between National Karate (B.J. Carnahan, Alex Dingman, and Joe Boone) and a mixed team from The Edge and Metro Karate (Nate Thorn, Donald Brady, and Scott Smith).  But the night was headlined by some of the most action packed kickboxing fights Minneapolis has ever seen, including a 3 international bouts between fighters from the United States and Ireland.  Results from the night are below:

• 3-Man Point Karate Team Challenge
  • National Karate defeats Team Edge/Metro Karate
• Heavyweight Full Contact Kickbxoing – 230lbs
  • Jon Laplant (St. Cloud, MN, KB:0-0, MMA 3-1) defeats Mike Yount (Eau Claire, WI, 4-3)
• Full Contact Kickboxing Exhibition
  • Elijah Thibodeaux (The Cellar, Minneapolis, 2-0) puts on action packed match with Bryn Ollerman (The Cellar, 0-2)
• Low Kick Kickboxing – 160lbs
  • Anthony Bendjebar (The Cellar, Minneapolis 0-0) defeats Josiah Lorsong (North Branch, MN, 0-1)
• Full Contact Kickboxing – 170lbs
  • Greg Betlach (National Karate, Minneapolis, 0-0) defeats Subah Moluwai (Blooming, MN, KB:0-0, MMA: 1-0)

Team USA vs Irealand

• Full Contact Kickboxing – 67kg/148lbs
  • Aaron “Speedy” Swenson (Chicago, IL, 12-4) defeats Wilson Snoddy (Larne, No. Ireland) by unanimous decision
• Full Contact Kickboxing – 75kg/165lbs
  • Sean O’Neill (Waterford, Ireland, 9-5) defeats Jamie McDermid (Duluth, MN, 10-4) by unanimous decision
    • This fight will go down in history as one of the best fights fans have ever seen.
• Full Contact Kickboxing – 71kg/156lbs
  • Chris Cichon (The Cellar, Minneapolis, 20-7-1) defeats Ronan MacSweeney (Dublin, Ireland, 32-2-3) by Rd 1 KO