Minnesota lightweight prospect Zach Juusola impresses with pro win number nine at Caged Chaos

September 25, 2012

Two Midwest prospects under the age of 25 walked away with statement wins at the latest SEG and Driller Promotion collaborated event entitled Caged Chaos. The seven fight pro card emanated from Shakopee, Minnesota. In the main event Minnesota Martial Arts Academy lightweight Zach Juusola (9-2) picked a much needed first round submission over Billy Christianson (6-3).

Juusola entered the fight on a two fight losing streak fighting for Florida's CFA promotion. The fight opened on the feet before Juusola brought Christianson down to the mat. Juusola launched a brief ground and pound attack but lost position when Christianson was able to scramble out and take top position.

Off his back Juusola threw up a triangle choke that sealed Christianson's fate and forced the tap out moments later. The official time of Juusola's submission was the 3:17 point of round one. After posting a 1-2 record in 2011, the win was Juusola's first of 2012.

Only 25 years old Juusola turned pro in February 2010 and promptly ran off eight straight victories to begin his pro career. Working out of the best camp in the state of Minnesota, the 6'1 Juusola is quickly rising as a 155 pound prospect. With big league offensive submission game and improving wrestling Juusola is maybe only one or two wins away from getting a possible call-up to the UFC or Bellator in 2013.

On the undercard Wisconsin light heavyweight Cully Butterfield (8-2) gutted out a three round decision over Minnesota veteran Derek Smith (8-7). The bout was a rematch of August 2011 one round affair won by Butterfield. Butterfield took the first two rounds with a steady diet of takedowns and ground pound that Smith was unable to avoid.

All three judges scored the fight 29-28 in favor of Butterfield. The win was the sixth in a row for Butterfield. At 6'0 tall Butterfield is a tweener prospect that competes at 205 pounds but may be best suited for a permanent home in the 185 pound division.

Only 23 years old Butterfield has built a solid reputation on the Midwest MMA scene. Butterfield posses overlooked power in his hands and above average ground skills for a fighter his size. With no wins over a UFC, Bellator or Strikeforce vet on his resume, 2013 should be the year Butterfield takes a step up in competition.A potential deal with a national MMA promotion is the clear goal and attainable sometime in the next 12-18 months for Butterfield if he continues to build on his winning ways.

Caged Chaos results
Shakopee, MN

*Zach Juusola def. Billy Christianson by submission triangle choke 3:17 R1
Will Shutt def. Courtney Buck by split decision
John Castaneda def. Brandon Abrego by KO 0:36 R1
*Cully Butterfield def. Derek Smith by unanimous decision
Josh Henry def. Caleb Wolff by submission strikes 0:33 R2
Justin Rheaume def. Curtis Madson by submission rear naked choke 2:18 R1
Marzett Turner def. Nate Hoffman by TKO 2:15 R2

*Prospect to watch