LEWISTON, Maine — Ryan Sanders of Veazie remained undefeated in his professional mixed martial arts career with a victory during the Fight Night 1 card held before a crowd of 3,100 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday night.
Sanders, improved his record to 3-0 with a first-round victory over veteran Dan “The Ghost” Keefe in the co-main event.
Two other fighters competing out of Young’s MMA gym in Brewer participated in amateur bouts, with Ray “All Business” Wood of Bucksport earning a first-round technical knockout victory over Ashan Abdulla and Zackary Adams of Bangor losing in the first round to Jason Libby.
Keefe (7-3) had the early advantage over Sanders in their welterweight (170-pound) bout, but Sanders then locked an arm bar against his opponent from the bottom position and forced Keefe to tap out at 4:40 of the five-minute first round.
Abdulla, a late replacement to face Wood after three other potential opponents bowed out due to injury, twice had the former Bucksport High School wrestler in a choke hold, only to have Wood free himself both times. He followed that second escape with an attack on Abdulla that prompted the bout to be halted at 2:29 of the first round of their 155-pound bout.
Wood is now 4-0 and currently is ranked fourth among New England featherweights (145 pounds). Abdulla fell to 3-3.
Adams fell victim to a quick knockdown punch from Libby in his MMA debut, with Libby then going on the attack to close out the victory in the opening round of their 155-pound bout. Libby is now 3-1.
The Lewiston card featured 19 bouts overall.
Very proud of my little brother ryan sanders. He’s worked VERY hard to get to where he is today, and the way he’s going you will probably see him in the UFC in the near future. I’m glad to see how well the state has been in support of the MMA sport. it’s made it alot easier on these guys to be able to fight in events here in the state of maine, not to mention the economic impact these events bring to the area(s) they’re being held in. on that note. thanks to all who came out and supported my brother, and all other fighters this past friday night. . .
Proud of you Ray Ray!!!! :)