Conquest of the Cage

On March 18, 32 mixed martial arts fighters joined together for Conquest of the Cage at Northern Quest Casino in Airway Heights, Washington.
Rick Little is the promoter of Conquest of the Cage fights. He is also the owner and head coach of Sik-Jitsu Fighting Systems in Spokane, Washington.
Sik-Jitsu is the home of UFC fighters Mike “Maverick” Chiesa, Julianna “The Venezuelan Vixen” Pena, and Sam Sicilia. Little’s passion for mixed martial arts was inspired by Brazilian fighter Royce Gracie.
Royce Gracie used his jiu jitsu skills to defeat larger and much stronger opponents than him. Little studied under Gracie for a year and has since used his skills he learned as a promoter.

Rick Little, promoter of the Conquest of the Cage event and owner of Sik-Jitsu in Spokane, WA.

Little demonstrates the qualities of a great promoter in that he puts together smart and evenly matched fights based on skills and weight. As a promotor, he controls who fights who and knows if he does not make the right fighting matches someone could get really hurt.
With all that being said, the fights were very professional and extremely entertaining. All 16 bouts were filled with blood, sweat, and tears but the main event really brought true grit and unmistakable force to the night.
Adam “Crusher” Smith, fighting out of Spokane entered the cage with Michael Khehne, fighting out of Kalispel, Montana. The main event was set for three five-minute rounds as opposed to the amateur bouts at three three-minute rounds.
UFC fighter Sam Sicilia was the ref for this fight. Both men entered the right hungry for the win. As the ring girl rounded the cage the crowd erupted in cheer for these two men. They touch gloves and were off.
Round one began with Khehne landing several punches and taking Smith against the cage. Smith pushed his way off and got a take down. Khehne then took control and began some vicious ground and pound with hammer fists to Smith’s face.
Smith continued to fight back, keeping the fight alive. Both men know that the moment you stop defending yourself, you’ve been defeated.

Adam “Crush” Smith lifts Michael Khahne in preparation for a takedown. Smith ultimately lost the fight, but both men went all out for all three rounds. One punch could have changed the entire momentum of the bout.

In round two both fighters found their groove and began throwing punches as well as leg kicks. Khehne then began to take control of the fight early on by landing several blows but Smith still continued his fight.
As Smith got back to his feet he began landed high knees into Khehne’s chest and then taking him to the ground taking control of round two. He threw several hammer fists that jarred Khehne’s skull and could be heard around the cage. Khehne, soon took control again by landing a takedown controlling the rest of round two. The fight continued with a few leg kicks by Smith before the bell rang.

Round three began and the crowd was louder than ever. Both men were visibly tired but not yet ready to give up. Khehne, soon took Smith to the ground and began controlling to first few minutes of the fight.
Smith continued to fight back on the ground landing side punches. After a quick exchange on their feet Khehne took Smith by the neck and flung him to the ground where he finished the round in complete control. He landed several punches, racking up the points and winning the fight by unanimous decision.
Michael Khehne won the fight but both men won the night. Every fighter had mutual respect for each other and again reiterated the fact that Rick Little was a great promoter, putting together equally matched fights.