4 UCA Titles On The Line

It was a night of nonstop action at the NorCal Battle of the Badges Saturday night. The event produced great performances and gave fans a glimpse of the new talent and future champions. Four UCA Championship titles were on the line and two new champions were crowned.  “Fight of the Night” honors were given to UCA Super Heavyweights Mike Pesole, CDCR CSP Sac and Tullee Brown, CDCR DVI. The UCA Golden Fists award was given to Cesar Sosa, CDCR CMF, Bogdan Gushchin, Stockton Police Dept. and Alex Tafoya, SJCSO. The UCA Gladiator award was given to Carlos Quezada, Yolo County SD, Steven Howard, CDCR, DVI and Bobby Nichols, CDCR, SCC. Click on the Results tab to see the full results. 

The first title fight of the night featured the Masters UCA undefeated
Welterweight Champion Frank Quitugua, CDCR California Medical Facility defending his title against an opponent who traveled all the way from Miami Florida for his shot at the title.  City of Miami Fire-Rescue Captain Joe Fuentes. Fuentes knew he would have to put on the performance of his life to take the title from the champion. After 3 rounds of back and forth of action the judges had a winner. These warriors brought out the best in each other. Quitugua fought hard but it wasn’t enough to sway the judges to give him the decision. Quitugua would suffer his first defeat and lose his title. And the new….Masters UCA Welterweight Champion Joe Fuentes.

The main event of the night featured James Dorris, Folsom Police Dept vs Bryan Williams, Fresno Police Dept. This fight was ten years in the making. The timing was never right for them to meet earlier. The stars aligned and the timing was right for Saturday night.  Dorris and Williams would finally square off for the vacant Masters UCA Jr Heavyweight crown. This fight would go the distance and with no knockdowns or anyone landing any significant blows or taking control of the fight it was very tough to score. After 3 rounds the decision would be left in the hands of the judges to decide. When the scores were added up one judge had Williams winning and two judges had Dorris winning. And the new….Masters UCA Jr Heavyweight Champion James Dorris.

The only female fight featured the undefeated reigning and defending UCA Super Welterweight Champion April Martinez, CDCR CHCF defending her title against #3 Jessica Segovia, Banning Police Dept. Whenever you have two highly skilled female fighters matched up you know you are going to see a great fight. That’s what the fans got Saturday night. When the bell rang both fighters came out showing good balance and great boxing fundamentals. Both fighters were using feints to set up shots, throwing crisp counter punches and going to the body. After 3 rounds of action we are going to the score cards. Two judges scored it for the Champion and one judge had it for the challenger. And still…..the UCA Super Welterweight Champion April Martinez. The belt was presented to the champion by NextHome Premier Properties owner Corey Rasmussen. 

The last title fight of the night featured the undefeated UCA Cruiserweight belt holder Anthony Cross, CDCR CSP Sac going head to head with  #4 Juan Valle, Sanger PD.  Valle accepted the fight with Cross on 4 days notice. Cross’s original opponent Roman Grider, CDCR Corcoran SATF was forced to withdraw from the fight due to personal family issues. When the bell rang to start this highly anticipated fight the fans were on the edge of their seat. No feeling out period needed both guys came forward and started trading leather. Cross was first to land a heavy blow and Valle hit the canvas. Valle was on his feet before the 10 count finished but the referee waved off the fight one minute into the first round. When the referee is in the ring their #1 priority is the safety of the fighter. “I could have continued” Valle said. “Unfortunately it feels my chance was stripped away from me. I was upset with the ref for stopping the fight and not allowing me to continue. If possible I would like a rematch this time with proper training time.” There is no doubt Juan Valle has warrior blood running through his veins. Not many fighters would accept a fight with an undefeated champion on 4 days notice. Valle absolutely deserves a rematch. When the emcee announced, “And still…..The undefeated UCA Champion Anthony Cross” the belt was put around the waist of the best Cruiserweight in the game. What is next for Cross? As of right now Cross is in control and looks to clean out the division. There are a lot of possibilities,  Shawn Baker, LAFD, Rodney Cavanaugh, Pomona PD, Efrain Moreno, LAPD and a rematch with Juan Valle, Sanger PD.  Any of those four names mentioned would make for a compelling, blockbuster fight.