Rocktagon MMA XXIII - Warriors, Raise Your Shields

One of the country's premier national cage fighting events returned as Rocktagon MMA presented Rocktagon MMA XXIII - Warriors, Raise Your Shields at the La Villa Event Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Rocktagon MMA has been on a rampage since its launch in 2010 having promoted more than 20 shows showcasing the rising pro and amateur fighters from around the Midwest, West Coast and East Coast. With 10 finishes in 13 total bouts Rocktagon MMA XXIII - Warriors, Raise Your Shields is definitely must-see TV for MMA fans that like fast paced, action-packed, evenly matched fights.

In the main event, Cody Stevens (9-9) and Cory "The Irish Car Bomb" Mahon (9-5) fought to a draw after three rounds in an epic back and forth bout in the featherweight division. After the bout both men looked like they went to hell and back, because they did. Both gladiators had swollen and bruised faces including black eyes and cuts everywhere. The warriors went after each other right from the opening bell, with Mahon landing the crisper, cleaner punches in the opening round. Mahon took the center of the cage and was the aggressor walking Stevens back, while Stevens tried to pivot and counter with big overhands when he could. Mahon also mixed up the striking by landing some leg kicks to Steven's thighs, keeping the bigger Stevens off balance a bit in the opening stanza. In round two, Mahon landed a nice head kick that hurt Stevens, but Stevens did the smart thing and pulled guard bring the fight to the mat and giving him a minute to clear his head. Stevens mostly stymied Mahon's attacks from the top and managed to land a few nice elbows to Mahon's head from the bottom. Later in the round, Stevens went for a variation of a shoulder lock-armbar submission on Mahon but Mahon fought out and during a scramble both men were fighting for position and Stevens landed an upkick to Mahon's face while Mahon was on the ground, an illegal strike. A point was deducted from Stevens and Mahon took a couple minutes to gather his thoughts and then they were right back into the swing of things like nothing ever happened. Stevens landed a takedown shortly after and probably won the round with that final move, but it would be scored even, because of the point deduction. In round three, Stevens had the better showing as he was able to get Mahon to the mat and use his wrestling to control Mahon on the mat. Both men continued to look for submission to end the fight, but it went to the judges after 3 rounds of absolute balls to the wall action. Even though neither man got the victory, both deserve to be commended for their effort as you won't find many better main events than this.

In the co-main event, Bellator veteran Anthony "The Recipe" Lapsley (22-5) made short work of Gerald "The Machine" Meerschaert (15-6) as Lapsley slapped on a rear naked choke in round one to get the tapout in a bout contested at 175 lb. The southpaw Lapsley started off by throwing a few jabs and some overhand lefts looking to close the distance on Meerschaert. But it was Meerschaert who connected with a counter left hand of his own, but Lapsley got the distance he wanted and landed a double leg takedown on Meerschaert while quickly moving to side control. Meerschaert tried to roll out of the position, but in doing so gave his back to Lapsley who took advantage of the situation and sunk in a figure-four with his legs around Meerschaert's torso making it almost impossible for Meerschaert to free himself. But Meerschaert did just that, freeing himself, but after a quick scramble on the ground, Lapsley regained control of Meerschaert's back and sunk in the choke for good this time, getting the tapout win. It was a solid victory for Lapsley over a strong fighter in Meerschaert and only adds to Rocktagon's growing Pro Series by bringing in such top quality fighters.

Rocktagon MMA XXIII - Warriors, Raise Your Shields provided the same quality entertainment that every Rocktagon MMA event offers which is competitive, well matched MMA fights in front of a packed, enthusiastic crowd. Experience the thrill of every punch, kick, takedown and submission via the comfort of your home. Stream it now on the GFL Combat Sports Network.

Founded in mid-2010, Rocktagon MMA has successfully completed 20 events on two coasts and is the only national amateur fight series in the country and the only promotion able to offer four types of shows to meet the needs of various markets: all Amateur, all Professional, Pro-Am, and Rock-n-Rage. Rock-n-Rages are premium events combining the cage of mixed martial arts with a stage featuring live musical performances by well-known artists.

To find out more about Rocktagon MMA, please visit www.RocktagonMMA.com. Fans may also follow Rocktagon MMA on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/Rocktagon_MMA, like Rocktagon MMA on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RocktagonMMA, or watch Rocktagon MMA videos on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/TheRocktagonMMA.