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By Ed Chargualaf

Robert ‘The Real Deal’ Wusstig would retain his belt in Saipan Friday night over Fasi Jesse. (courtesy photo)

SAIPAN – The Rites of Passage 13 – Destiny lived up to the hype and provided the sold out crowd with a night full of MMA action Friday night at the Saipan Word Resort.

In the first of two main events, the 145 lb. champion, Guam’s Rob “The Real Deal” Wusstig improved to a 5-6 record with a well-deserved win over Trench Tech’s Fasi “Quikdraw” Jesse (9-5). Wusstig, coming off a dislocated elbow in aPXC event in the Philippines three weeks ago, earned the win by referee stoppage in the third round.

“This is what we’ve been training for,” Wusstig’s Countershot coach Sonny Chargualaf said. “We’ve been working on his standup and he did exactly what he was supposed to do.”

“I could go either way – stand up or take it to the ground,” Wusstig added. “I just followed our game plan.”

After the fight, Shane “Pikaboo” Alvarez made his way to the cage and gave a preview to a possible rematch in December’s Trench Warz event. Alvarez is the former champion who gave up the belt to Wusstig with a loss last year.

In the second main event, Ground Fu’s Jarred “The Haole Horror” Mellon improved to 8-1 with his victory over Trench Tech’s Martin “Ningbo Slice” Cepeda (4-4). In what was expected to be a heavyweight slugfest, Mellon surprised Cepeda and caught him in a rear naked choke in the first round.

Mellon took the fight on just two days notice after France’s Ferrid “The Hurricane” Khedder  pulled out because of an injury.

“I am ready for whoever Cuki (Alvarez) puts in front of me,” Mellon yelled after he threw down his mouth piece in excitement. “I think it’s time to get a belt for the 175-lb class.”

Battle for the Belt (135 lbs) – Champion Mark “The Dark” Nuique  vs. Jacob “One Shot” Ilo
The champion, Mark “The Dark” Nuique from Trench Tech, dominated Team Zalaka’s Jacob “One Shot” Ilo and took the victory by verbal submission as the fighters were heading into the third round. Nuique improved to 9-1 and Ilo fell to 1-6.

Saipan’s Mark Nuique sports the 135-lb. belt after his submission win Friday night. (courtesy photo)

In what was arguably the fight of the night, “Oh My Gosh” Josh Cruz was dominated by Roman “Boom” Alvarez (Trench Tech/ Tiyan Tough Walkers, 3-0) who controlled the pace of the bout from the opening bell. The referee stopped the fight 1:59 into the first round due to strikes.

Trench Tech fighters showcased their jiu jitsu skills as Shane “PikaBoo” Alvarez defeated Derick “El Peligro” Rangamar with a first round kimura and Vince “The Clinch” Masga remained perfect with a tapout by triangle over Team Zalaka’s Joe Duenas.

The Alvarez family continued to dominate the event, as Marianas Elite’s Vince “Vinsanity” Pua took the loss to “Shiska” Bob Alvarez after the first round. Medical staff called the fight because of injuries sustained by Pua.

“The Rites of Passage is really our proving ground,” promoter Cuki Alvarez said. “Based on fighters’ performances, we determine whether a fighter is able to move up to compete on a higher level and participate in other professional events in the region.”

Next up for the CNMI, Trench Warz in December 2012!

In other action

Jomar “Dynamite” Danas def. Jared “The Spartan” Martin by unanimous decision

Renz “The Intense’ Benghit def. Kyle “300” Martin by unanimous decision

Jordan Manglona  def. Wini Roldan, Jr. by unanimous decision

Regino Mundo def. Nick Jones via forfeit

Kevin “KJ” Villagomez def. Leo Mendiola  via guillotine choke (1st rd)

Ray Teregeyo def. Garry Ray via verbal submission (2nd rd)

Donivan Mendiola def. Pete Keju via verbal submission (1st rd)

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