MMA: 3 RIVER THROWDOWN 13 A SMASH HIT

Ironworks Training Center’s 3 River Throwdown 13 was a literal smash hit for both fighters and fans on Saturday, April 28 in LaCrescent, Minnesota. “It was an insane card, that’s for sure!” cageside photographer Jamie Seidel of UH82NVMy Photography told Minnesota Fight News. “What an amazing time it was.”

14 total fights went down and spectators at the venue describe the show as action packed from top to bottom.  Lloyd “Albie” McKinney of La Crosse, Wisconsin upped his impressive record to (12-5) in the main event with a submission of the night (rear naked choke) win over game Iowan Marc Tongvan (7-6). Both main eventers came out swinging to begin the fight and continued trading into the second round. Tongvan took McKinney to the canvas in round two which played right into the hands of Mckinney. Without hesitation, McKinney took Tongvan’s back, locked in the choke, and secured the win at 1:50 of round 2.

“It was an honor to be in a tough fight with a worthy and game opponent in Marc” McKinney told Minnesota Fight News afterwards. “I am thankful that he challenged me, as it forced me to bring my best out. I remember there were some good exchanges and I felt like we both landed some clean shots. On the ground, I felt very confident once we got into some grappling sequences and I was able to capitalize on some technical errors he made to take his back and secure the rear naked choke. I want to thank God, my family and team, everyone that came to the show, and you guys for continuing to cover the sport and showing us love.”

Lloyd McKinney wins by rear-naked choke. Photo credit Jamie Seidel of UH82NVMy Photography

The fight, or punch that everybody is still talking about was delivered by 135 pound Three River Throwdown female champion Jordan Nickelatti’s right hand in a featured undercard fight. Nickelatti, of Genoa, Wisconsin, won knockout of the night with a one punch, walk-off home run of a punch over tough challenger Taylor Lamonska. The two women went right after one another with head punches and later battled for position in the clinch. Nickelatti landed the better shots while the clinch battle was a stalemate. Nickelatti separated herself from Lomanska and that is when the shot heard around Minnesota landed and put an end to the fight at 1:50 of the opening round.

Jordan Nickellati following her knockout win. Photo credit Jamie Seidel of UH82NVMy Photography

“My coaches wanted to try a few different styles for this fight” said Nickelatti. The first round was strictly going to be a round where we felt out how she would react to movement and standup (it was a scheduled 5 round title fight). I went out and hit her with a couple of solid shots right off the start and bloodied her nose so she started to try and pressure me against the cage with the clinch. In my mind, I knew if I could just break the clinch, I would continue with striking since it was working. After the big shot, my mind flipped between a couple hats I wear. At first, I saw her eyes open and nobody was  home so my nursing instinct kicked in and I almost stepped in to help but the ref waved me off. So I showed respect and waited. Once I saw her come to, my fighter instinct kicked back in and the celebration came. I knew what I did was special, but I didn’t realize how special until the comments and fan base poured out to me after the event. I am humbled and excited to see what opportunities come from this!”

Jay Paulson of Owatonna, MN became a multi-divisional champion after defeating former champ Joel Shear by tap due to shoulder lock at 2:47 of round 3. Paulson holds the Driller Promotions lightweight title and adds the 3 River throwdown strap after three intense rounds.

“It went three rounds and it was a war” said Paulson. “Joel was a tough dude and brought a good fight. In the third round, I finally got a takedown, got on top, and put in some ground and pound until he eventually gave up his back. I was able to sink in a deep body triangle and a 3/4 Nelson which he eventually tapped to.”

Jay Paulson lands a punch in his title fight. Photo credit Jamie Seidel of UH82NVMy Photography

Fight of night honors went to Stefan Ungerer and Felipe Martinez. Martinez successfully defended his 145-pound title and Ungerer was in the mix throughout.

Visit Tapology’s archive page to see more fighter details on the bouts below. Tapology’s 3 River Throwdown 13 Page

To see Jamie Seidel of UH82NVMy Photography’s full photo gallery of the action, VISIT HIS FACEBOOK PAGE HERE.

Lloyd McKinney def. Marc Tongvan (7-6) by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:50 of round 2
Jonas Flok def. Craig Eckelberg by submission (arm triangle) at :27 seconds of round 2
Jay Paulson def. Joel Shear by tap due to shoulder lock at 2:47 of round 3
Felipe Martinez def. Stefan Ungerer by UD 50-45 50-45 49-46
Jordan Nickelatti def. Taylor Lamonska by KO at 1:50 of round 1.
Garrett Carlson def. Eric Johnson by UD 29-28 29-27 29-27
Bobby Oldenburg def. Tyler Manning by Standing Guillotine at :53 of round 2
Josh Clark def. Javier Moreno by UD 30-27 30-26 30-25
Nikkole Balsewicz  def.  Olivia Beeskau by KO at 1:05 of round 3
Christian Rodriguez def. James Bennett by TKO at :44 of round 2
Alfonso Bell def. Derek Gottlieb by TKO at 1:05 in rd 1
Lexis Punzel def. Katie Koenig by TKO at :18 of Rd 1
Jonah Ruby def. Jonny Mack UD 30-27 30-27 29-28
Rodney Nash def. Dustin Waytashek UD 30-27 all three

THE FIGHTS CAN BE WATCHED ON YOUTUBE HERE

3 River Throwdown XIV will be back in Wisconsin on September 8th, 2018 at the Onalaska Omni Center.