Redemption Fighters Eldridge, Kirk Show True Heart and Skill

Team Redemption MMA was back in action this past weekend in Melvindale, Michigan and showed what true fighter heart is all about.

Redemption veteran Tyler Kirk made his third appearance in the cage and was matched against a much bigger and stronger fighter in local Thomas Fodole. Kirk came out with a solid flurry of hands and feet and mix of offence that nearly hit its mark on Fodole.

In Kirk’s aggression for the kill Fodole was able to take the fight down to the mat.

Once there, the bigger fighter was able to work some really effective ground and pound, all of which Kirk survived. Kirk remained calm and defended well from the back but in the process, suffered a sprained ankle and was able to continue in the third round.

A valiant effort and great learning experience for the tough-as-nails Tyler Kirk (2-1).

Redemption fighter Steve Eldridge made his anticipated MMA debut going up against a veteran fighter in Chris Baretta.

Eldridge came out looking extremely sharp with his new and improved striking skills and put immediate pressure on Tae Kwon Do fighter Baretta. In the exchange, Baretta was able to sneak a skilled kick in that landed hard on Eldridge dropping him to the mat.

Baretta, thinking Eldridge was hurt, immediately pounced in for the finish on. In an incredible show of poise and calm for a debut fighter just dropped, Eldridge tied up Baretta controlled on the ground and secured a rear naked choke victory shortly before the end of the first round. A brilliant debut win for Steve Eldridge.

Team Redemption will be taking the cage again in Michigan September 17th and then again in October.

Dwight Wakabayashi is a Featured Columnist at CKSN.ca (Also a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA and a correspondent for MMACanada.net).