Kaos in Kankakee 5

This was a great event hosted by UFC fighter Mike Russow. This event was held in Bourbonnais in a huge sporting facility called the Hidden Cove Sports Plex which is the summer home of the Chicago Bears. It was a massive facility and the attendance for the event was fairly packed as well with what I was told around 1000 people, but from my estimation maybe slightly more then that. I talked to Heavyweight champ Ryan Knowles before the event and he was thrilled with the facility.

This is Mike Russow’s 5th event under the Kaos in Kankakee banner and it seemed to be a very tightly run ship, that shows no signs of slowing down. What is unique about this event compared to other local MMA events is Russow’s openness to the younger crowd. I have gone to other amateur MMA events and they were 21 or older but this one was to all ages and under 12 was free. I really do like that he is making an effort to make this a family event but I have to admit it was unique to see kids running around during an MMA event.

What is really great about events like these local amateur MMA events is the closeness to the action and how close you can get to up and comers or big names like Mike Russow. I walk in the door and Mike Russow’s mom is tearing tickets for the event. Then I go to get some food and Mike Russow is eating some food and Heavyweight champ Ryan Knowles is talking to friends, so the people you came to see where right there when you walk in the door. It is rare to not see other big name UFC fighters walking around at these events as well so if you want to get close to the guys you see on television on a monthly basis you have to make it out to one of these local amateur events.

The main event was between the Heavyweight champion Ryan Knowles and Mike Bubacz. This was a battle from the opening bell. The first round had some early fireworks with Bubacz knocking down Knowles and controlling most of the round. I gave the stand up and the first round to the challenger Bubacz. The second round was more of the same with the stand up being slightly closer with Knowles landing some good shots but Bubacz landing the more powerful shots. Then the fight went to the ground and that is when Knowles took over. After about 30 seconds on the ground Knowles was able to mount Bubacz and the referee ended the fight due to strikes and Knowles was able to retain his Heavyweight title.

By Kyle Stoltz
kylestoltz@fighttrader.com