Apple Takes Sixth Win

 

June 12, 2005

Soboba Casino

San Jacinto, California

 

 

Laguna Niguel, CA - This past Sunday June 12th, action sports TV personality Erik Apple entered the ring

for his sixth professional Mixed Martial Arts match. Apple (5-0) was taking his undefeated record and putting

it on the line in King of the Cage at the Soboba Casino against Paragon Jiu Jitsu's own Mark Kempthorne

(4-1).

 

For the first time in his career , Apple would be competing as a Welterweight (170 pounds and under) and

this proved to be a class he is going to make his mark in. As a Ruas Vale Tudo student fighting directly

under the tutelage of the famed Marco Ruas, Apple used his well rounded skills to dominate Kempthorne

from the beginning of the match to the end.

 

 

In the first round, Apple controlled the pace with an early takedown. He then immediately brought

Kempthorne who was on his back, into his corner, where he could follow the direction of his cornerman,

Justin Levens and Mike Guymon. Apple defended many submission attempts on the way to landing

multiple thunderous punches and skin splitting elbow strikes. Twice he gained mount position and finished

the round on top.

 

The second round was opened with an exchange of punches and a strong thai kick to the thigh of

Kempthorne who visibly groaned in pain. Shortly there afterward, Apple once again got the takedown, and

passed to mount position. At that point, Apple fired strong lefts and rights to the head of his opponent until

Kempthorne's corner threw in the towel asking for the punishment to be stopped at 1:57 into the second

round.

 

 

Look for Apple to continue competing in King of the Cage later in the year, after a short break from training

and fighting. "This was my fourth fight in eight months, and I need a little time to rest and recharge. I can't

wait to get back in the cage later this year and get another chance to represent my team like this." said

Apple.

 

Of his opponent, Apple said , " Mark had very good jiu jitsu and was extremely active on the bottom no

matter how hard or often I hit him. I consider him a tough fighter who possesses a lot skill and the nerve to

put me to the test. I know he was taken to the hospital after the fight with a severe concussion and a badly

broken nose, and I certainly hope he will make a full recovery."

 

Thanks to Erik Apple's sponsors, Hitman fight gear, Metal Mulisha, Bite Me mouthguards, Etnies, KMC

Wheels, and OCMuayThai.com.

 

 

- From OCBA, including pictures, with a little editing from us (color, highlights, etc...)

 

 

(6/18/05)