Machine Martial Arts: Jojo Wins Split Decision

Jojo Guilluame and Team Machine fought...

Christian, a very strong opponent from a reputable gym, Victory Muay Thai in San Diego.

"I was originally set to fight mma but they guy I was matched up against pulled out so I took a kickboxing fight just so I could compete. It was a great fight. Thanks to my opponent for taking the fight on short notice. Now back to the gym to start training for the next one." -Jojo

I almost couldn't believe what I saw when we arrived on time. This was some dudes property in Escondido. In the dirt and Ghetto as fuck. It looked like we were at the county Fair...In Kentucky. I have seen some ugly crowds before...We came to fight and I think that is what the promoters were banking on. No regulation or commissioners. "Amateur" event.
Jojo's match was moved to first on the card at the last minute and then there was just a bunch of last minute shit. Jojo did not get distracted by the 7 lbs he gave up to a strong Muay Thai fighter and adapted a good strategy of making him miss all of his strikes, except the two that landed to the groin. Christian was deducted a point in the second round and lost a unanimous decision. -Coach Lober

We were finally there...after almost two and a half hours we were there and the smell of the fight lingered in the air... Actually the smell lingering in the air was a combination of skunk (not the good kine), urine, and something off in the bushes decaying. The venue had the foresight to put the spectators and octagon downwind from all of it. Luckily the smell of the puakenikeni leis we wore was enough to mask most of the noxious odor. I walked out to the car in the dirt parking lot and grabbed some water. This definitely wasn't the casino I thought the venue was at and I'm definitely not getting the $2 prime rib I hyped myself up for... I was luck we brought water... Ah, finally the weigh ins. Jojo weighed in at 127.5... Christian weighed in at 134... Problem? Nope! Team Machine is up to it. The fight card informed us that he would be number four of the night. The fight card changed and up in 5 minutes was Jojo vs. Christian.
The Glove clusterfuck.....
"Your opponent only has 12 oz gloves"
"Roy told me to bring my 10's"
"Well your opponent is wearing 12's"
"Roy told me to bring my 10's"
"You don't have any other gloves?!"
"Roy told me to bring my 10's"
After a couple minutes of this back and forth the not so bright, gentleman came back and said,
"Your opponent has 8's"
"Okay well I have 10's"
So after giving up 2 ounces (gloves) and 7 lbs Team Machine was ready to go.
After butchering the name "Guillaume," believe me its not anything new, Jojo made his way out to the octagon. Coach Lober and I took our corner, and that's when Jojo was approached by the ref.
"Where are your shin pads?"
"Nobody said I needed shin pads?"
Lets remember that up until the Wednesday before the fight, Jojo had been training for an MMA brawl, not kickboxing. Shin pads were the last thing on his mind. His opponent wouldn't enter the ring until the pads went on. Soooo, after giving up 7 lbs, 2 oz for gloves, and shinguards the fight was on. 3 Rounds, 2 ball shots, and a split decision later we were getting the F*CK outta dodge and headed back to Costa Mesa.
TEAM MACHINE got the Win. But that's just what they do...
Train. Fight. Win. -JG