US OPEN KICKBOXING & JIU-JITSU FIGHTING SMOKER took place in Houma, Louisiana on August 25, 2007. Jeff Bordelon hosted the event under the direct supervision of Grandmaster Shi De Ru Shawn Liu of the Liu Institute International. This year the venue included competitors from Houma, New Orleans, and Alabama. Open to all schools and styles. The gym was set into a four-sided viewing area with the ring making up its main focus. The spectator's filled more than 140 seats. You could see the anticipation as the fighter's lined up for their weight-in. Immediately upon entering the gym, it was clear that although these fighter's were competing against each other, they were also respectful of each other's skills. The event kicked off with a much-anticipated bout between Team SKA's leading competitor, Dustin Carbajal and Justin Verdin's, Patrick Billiot. Patrick displayed impressive speed and conditioning, but was no match for the 143-pound "Crazy Chicken" who won by dominating both the first and second rounds. Next on the card was the "Fight of the Night" as Teams SKA’s; Kyler Tarr entered the ring to take on Justin's "Crazy Horse", Steve Solet. Steve came out swinging, but at what I don't know. Steve landed a few great punches, but that wasn't enough for the "Head Hunter" KY, who displayed true technical and precision fighting skills. Kyler went on the take the win after dominating both rounds. "We are currently attempting a rematch." Then, we switched it up by introducing a little bit of Jiu-jitsu. To start this event off was Team Tour's, Lance Foussell who took on Greg Rodrigue of Team Black List. The crowd at first look was slightly disappointed, but as Lance worked his magic they were quick to creep to the edge of their seats to cheer on Lance as the victor. Lance won by tapping out his opponent with a technical key lock. Immediately following Lance was Black List's owner and Chief Instructor, Derrick Breaux who was representing Team Creeder. Derrick took on Team Touro's, Alvin Tillman. Both fighter's displayed extreme skill, but Derrick fell short as Alvin snaked him in for a constricting ankle lock. Derrick had no way out and was forced to tap. The referee stopped the fight as the victor; Alvin Tillman was presented to the crowd. As the night grew later we continued on the competition with some more non-stop action of San Shou. Up next was Team SKA's, Kent "Bruiser" Brien who matched up with Justin's, Chad Wallis. The round started off with a small exchange of punches, but came to an unfortunate end when Kent executed a reversal and threw Chad to the mat. Chad unknowingly extended his left arm as his body contacted the mat causing the elbow to dislocate. Chad was transported to the local hospital were he was examined and released. Chad will receive orthopedic surgery in the near future. We will continue to pray for Chad and his family and surely look for him in the near future. Our next fight took the center ring as we welcomed the "Beast from the East", Randy Billiot who took on Team SKA's, Adam Verret. Randy came out strong and determined, but found Adams front kicks unavoidable. Randy overcame the kicks in the first round, but found the second round came to a screeching halt after receiving another front kick to the midsection. The towel flew in the ring, as Randy's corner-men knew Randy could not safely continue. Adam was named the winner in the second round by forfeit. The crowd barely had a chance to cool down as Team SKA’s; Nicholas Davaine entered the ring to take on Team Spyder's, Jason Hayes. Tonight, Nick had his work cut out for him as he attempted to avoid the powerful punches of his 300-plus pound opponent. Nick started off slow with a few return punches, but found himself domination the first round with unstoppable low kicks. After the second round Nick was crowned the victor, as his opponent couldn't ward off those heavy low kicks. And to add to the heavy-weight excitement, Weal Mohammed of the Liu Institute International took on Team Spyder's, Jason Horne also know as "X". This was an event to remember, as the crowd did not sit down throughout the fight. Weal delivered unstoppable punches and kicks as "X" found himself either pushed against the rope or on the mat. In the second round "X" came back strong delivering precision kicks and hindered Weal from his punishable throws. Neither fighter's gave up in this extremely close bout, with the unanimous decision going to Weal. Lastly, Team SKA's, Jonathan Curole took on the Tom "2-Quick" Swindle from the Liu Institute International. This bout was the most technical and skillful bout of them all. The two fighters have displayed what we call textbook fighting. The bout ended with Tom as the victor after two amazing rounds. This was a great fight to end the night. Overall, event host, Jeff Bordelon expressed satisfaction with the fights and the turnout. The spectators appeared just as satisfied, thanks to a generous menu of good sportsmanship and a splash of great fighting skill.
