Flyweight prospect Kodey Gulley rallies in round three to down Bruce Gunter at USFFC 8 Under Siege

October 17, 2012

By Ryan Gibson 

Nestled in the majestic mountains of North Carolina lies the small town of Marion. This quiet and peaceful mountain town was the backdrop to one of North Carolina MMA's hidden gems The US Freedom Fighter Championships. It was the 8th installment of what will soon maybe a staple in the mountains for years to come. Under Siege was the perfect name for the card that sported four bouts and three title fights, all of which finished in less than three rounds.

The main event featured Bruce Gunter (8-2 AM) the flyweight champion taking on Kodey Gulley (4-0 AM). The two warriors were ready for battle from the moment they stepped into the venue. Gunter, an amateur scene vet, came out in the first round showing power far beyond his 125 pound frame.

Gunter displayed his power by tossing Gulley around like a rag doll. The champion showed off his versatility by attempting many deep submission attempts. Gulley was determined and stuffed each attempt. Gulley in the second round proved to be a hard target for Gunter to keep pinned down. After continuous submissions and vicious ground and pound by the champ, Gulley's heart showed through.

In the third round Gunter attempted a devastating rear naked choke that was reversed. The reversal was the small hole Gulley needed and he slapped in a deep triangle choke. Despite being slammed again by the champ the choke was set in. Eventually Gunter tapped out making Gulley the new champion.

When Gulley was asked how it felt to be the champ he replied "this is just the beginning".

In the co main event light heavyweight champion Isaac Fine (5-3 AM) and Chris Cameron (3-5 AM) put together a great battle with a twist at the end. Though the bout only lasted 3:53 into round one, the ending left many in the crowd confused. The ten second warning instead of the normal cracking of wood was actually a light ringing of the round bell. So when Cameron tapped to Fines suffocating triangle choke the fans and judges thought he was saved by the bell. Despite the cage side confusion the champion retained his title in dramatic fashion.

The last title fight featured Leo Perez (3-1 AM) taking on Josh Carter (4-1 AM) for the interim featherweight championship. Joseph Ray (7-4 AM) the current champion was in attendance but wasn't able to fight due to an injury. Perez showed tremendous heart and determination was out manned by Carters' striking and ground game. Carter would go on to win with a first round submission and put himself on track for a rematch with Ray, the only man to ever defeat him.

In other action Fight of the Night honors went to Nathan Marsh (1-1 AM) and Dustin Messer (2-2 AM) for their two round battle that ended with Marsh winning by TKO.

In bantamweight action rising star Michael Torres (3-0 AM) was paired with Brandon Quindry (0-1 AM). The fight turned into complete domination by Torres, by the 1:24 mark in the first round the bout was over with the win going to Torres by rear naked choke.

The night started with a sizzle when lightning fast Marcus Levester (1-3 AM) dispatched Allan Mendez (2-3 AM) with a quick 0:22 standing guillotine choke.

The US Freedom Fighter Championship, the hidden gem promotion, tucked away in the majestic mountains of North Carolina, cemented itself by showing that a quiet, peaceful town can ignite the MMA world.

US Freedom Fighter Championship 8 Under Siege results
Marion, NC

*Kodey Gulley def.. Bruce Gunter via Submission Triangle Choke 2:24 R3
Isaac Fine def. Chris Cameron via Submission Triangle Choke 3:53 R1
Josh Carter def. Leo Perez via Submission Rear Naked Choke 3:39 R1
Nathan Marsh def. Dustin Messer via TKO (strikes) 1:31 R2
*Michael Torres def. Brandon Quindry via Submission Rear Naked Choke 1:24 R1
Caleb Reck def. Jacob Hatton via TKO (strikes) 2:22 R1
Marcus Levester def. Allan Mendez via Submission Standing Guillotine 0:22 R1

*Prospect to Watch