Marcus McKeever (facing) versus Josh Togo.
Camera IconMarcus McKeever (facing) versus Josh Togo. Credit: Supplied/Hitman Photography

Next Generation MMA Mandurah fighters hit the cage in first bout since ban

Vanessa SchmittMandurah Coastal Times

TWO mixed martial artists from Next Generation MMA Mandurah headed back into the cage for the first time since the ban was lifted.

First of the pro fights was Marcus McKeever versus Josh Togo, which ended with Togo getting the decision.

In the first round McKeever tried to secure the takedown against the fence, but was well defended.

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He changed tactics and locked into a tight guillotine.

In an escape to rival the Shawshank Redemption, Togo managed to get out and make it out of the first.

The action was even in the second round, with both fighters getting take-downs.

McKeever attempted submissions but Togo managed to sneak in a couple of left hands straight down the middle.

Togo took over on the feet in the third round and it was evident who was the striker and who was the grappler of the two.

A few more straight lefts were landed by Togo and a good liver kick.

At the end of the round he went in for the takedown and McKeever went for his guillotine but time ran out.

The co-main event between Anthony Drilich and Mark Familari resulted in a spectacular showing by Drilich, who won some new fans.

At first look Drilich seemed unassuming compared to his blue-haired opponent, but he soon showed he was no joke.

As soon as the bell sounded, Drilich was fighting to win.

He fought with calculated ferociousness and started to tag Familari using heavy hands and good footwork.

Realising he was overwhelming Familari on the feet, he got the takedown and landed some devastating ‘ground and pound’.

He then secured the rear, naked on the knees.

From that position he was able to use the ground to add more pressure to a tight choke and got the tap.

Drilich is an exciting fighter to look out for on the local scene who left the crowd on their feet applauding in amazement.

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