21-09-24 - The Hammer and the Apex bring home two wins and a new World Title to USKA!

Two of our fighters were in action in Telford this evening in tough bouts on the War Fight Series, War Of The Warriors Fight Gala at the Mercure Hotel.

In an on paper very evenly matched K-1 Contest made at 64kg we had USKA's Ateeq 'The Apex' Al Rehman take on Connor Stephenson from the PCT Gym in Bristol.

Round 1:
A very sharp start from Al Rehman sees him keeping the fight at range and making great use of his low kicks.
Al Rehman's level switching and great technique variety is keeping Stephenson off tempo and struggling to find and rhythm.
The USKA fighter is getting off first with his Knee in close and lands a scissor knee to the body of Stephenson that seemed to hurt him nearing the end of the round. 

Round 2:
Al Rehman again starts strong picking Stephenson off on the outside and outworking him on the inside still making great use of his knees.
The Bristol man looks like he has no answer to Al Rehman's work as the USKA fighter shifts through the gears.
Al Rehman lands a lovely jump turning side kick and follows with an excellent level switch combination that has Stephenson covering up.
Stephenson shows great resolve and comes back by landing two well timed straight right hands to show that he is still in the fight and still a live opponent but Al Rehman again takes the shine off them by finishing the round strong again landing another turning side kick to the body.

Round 3: 
It was a fast start to the final round by both fighters but it was Al Rehman that came away the stronger landing a hurtful knee to the body followed by a clean jump turning side kick and two alternating head kicks that seen Stephenson dip in the corner causing the referee to step in and administer a standing 8 count.
Stephenson showed great resolve continuing the fight but Al Rehman's body attack seemed by having an effect every time he landed.
Stephenson was looking desperate now and Al Rehman was getting stronger and growing in confidence which is a testament to his fitness and conditioning. 
On the sound of the final bell there was no doubt where the decision was going... A Unanimous points win and a career best performance to Ateeq 'The Apex' Al Rehman.

WATCH ATEEQ'S FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS HERE
WATCH ATEEQ'S FULL K-1 FIGHT HERE 

Main event for USKA on the night seen the Undefeated WRSA World Champion Zain 'The Hammer' Amer challenge for the ICO -45kg Kickboxing Junior World Title against Belgium's talented Amir Roudani.
Roudani brought with him a fantastic record losing only 1 fight previously so between them they had over 50 wins against a solitary loss meaning we were going to be in for a great contest.

Round 1:
Roudani takes center ring showing his strength with Amer working well picking his shots off the back foot.
Amer turning his man beautifully and countering with clean scoring shots.
Roudani strong on the inside with his boxing exchanges with Amer having more success in the mid to long range.

Round 2:
A strong start from Amer with more fakes before his attacks lead to early success culminating in a well timed turning side kick that seemed to hurt Roudani backing him up to the ropes.
An over eager Amer was getting a little too close at times smothering his work and turning it into a scrappy dog fight that favoured the Belgium fighters style and making it closer than it should have been.
Nearer to the end of the round Amer again establishes range picking the clean eye catching shots to claim the round.

Round 3:
A great start from Amer sees him establish range picking clean shots and making Roudani miss widely.
Amer was anticipating the aggression from Roudani and using it against him as he over committed hitting him cleanly as he was rushing in.
Amer was really starting to find his flow going through the gears using great variety in his technique to make round 3 a one sided round.

Round 4:
More of the same with Amer continuing where he left off in this round picking and moving beautifully and growing in confidence and swagger totally dominating the action.
Mid way through the round Amer lands a perfect rear teep to the body that troubles the Belgium fighter with him turning away claiming it was low. Cracks were starting to appear.
the referee gives Roudani the benefit of the doubt and allows him time to recover instead of a standing count despite the kick clearly landing over the belt line.
The round continues and Amer continues where he left off, making him miss and dissecting his opponent.

Round 5:
Amer opens up the round big landing a jump turning side kick to the body knocking Roudani back
The USKA Fighter has found his perfect flow now mixing up clean technique on the outside but also showing his strength on the inside against the tiring Roudini.
Really going through the gears Amer landed another jump turning side kick to the body and then a superb 360 jump whipping round kick to the head incredibly as he was moving backward which takes exceptional skill.
With Amer in total control now and Roudani having no answer to the skill, speed and accuracy of the English fighter it had now turned into a one sided showcase.
With the clock ticking Roudani in an attempt to stop the USKA fighters rhythm and flow grabbed, wrestled and smothered his way in close to make it scrappy and to stop the rot but it was all in vain with Amer way out in front 5 rounds to nothing on the score cards.

No complaints about the decision on this one, a Unanimous Points decision win and new ICO World Champion... Zain 'The Hammer' Amer.
With a performance like that against a very tough and talented opponent it is hard to see anyone standing in this young mans way as he continues to wreck havoc throughout the World Junior Kickboxing Rankings.... Who's Next?

WATCH ZAIN'S FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS HERE
WATCH ZAIN'S FULL ICO WORLD TITLE FIGHT HERE 

Big thank you to promoters Jo and Daz Underwood and the War of the Warriors team for having our lads on the show and the ICO (International Combat Organisation) for the opportunity to have Zain challenge for their World Title Belt.

Massive appreciation as always to our USKA Corner Team of Qasim Beg, Mushy Younis and Julia Glowacz and to each and every spectator who purchased a ticket to come and see our Champions showcase their skills. Thank you so so much for your continued support!