Fittingly named “Cupid’s Chokehold,” February’s AFC 44 goes down Wednesday Feb. 20th at the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage, AK. Headlining the card is a match between former middleweight champion Charles Karron (8-5) and young, up-and-comer Rolando Dominique (2-0). The winner of the bout will earn top contendership in the division, and look to challenge champion Ricky Shivers (5-3-1) in either May or June.
Karron and Dominique have never squared off before, but they aren’t strangers either. They were scheduled to face off in the past, but sickness prevented Dominique from fighting. “It was supposed to happen a year ago, but I got mono and had to bail out,” Dominique said.
In preparation for that cancelled fight, Karron’s trainer Rob Couture watched and scoured video looking for weaknesses in the game of the 6’2” Dominique—and feels that Karron has more than one way to win. “We’ve lost more fights that Rolando’s had. He comes forward real aggressive, but it gets him in trouble. We have the advantage everywhere.”
Well prepared as he may be, Karron realizes there’s no reason to cater to his opponent’s strength; trading hands on the feet. Although Karron’s record is spotted with some of the AFC’s fastest KO wins, it’s no secret the former Norwich University wrestler excels when his opponent is scrambling to pull guard. “I think I have the advantage everywhere on the ground…wrestling, jiu-jitsu. I have respect for his hands; he’s gone at a couple of guys. And I’m not really known as a standup rock ‘em, sock ‘em kind of guy, more GnP, but I got some KO’s too.”
The versatility that the former champ has displayed over his 13 career fights has impressed his younger opponent. The ability to finish fights from everywhere doesn’t come as a result of just talent, but also hard work. “He’s a really mature fighter and in experience, he has a decent advantage,” says Dominique.
Karron most certainly does, but Dominique feels he’s minimized the difference in experience by surrounding himself with a new team. “You know, I see the problem, so I can fix it. It’s not the biggest advantage [for him]. We started our own gym at the community center, we call it Fairbanks MMA. It’s a good atmosphere, everyone wants to be there.”
If there’s one area of the fight that might be the key for either combatant, it’s the cardio department. Karron only has one lung and despite having thirteen fights, just one has gone beyond the first round. Dominique has not been known for being longwinded either, and even he’ll admit that. But, he has been working on it specifically, along with training habits tailored in the mold of “Superman” Karron. “I know he’s a wrestler who likes to clinch, so I’ve been rolling with bigger guys,” Dominique said.
Karron and his team speak of weathering the initial storm that Dominique usually brings in the first two minutes; a stiff assault as he comes forward throwing leather. There’s no sense of urgency or imminent danger as Karron calmly explains, “He comes out powerful and aggressive. He’s an up-and-comer, and I want the best competition. I’d love to get another shot for the belt.”
Both of these 185lbers are hungry for a shot at the belt, and willing to do anything to get that fight. The bull’s-eye falls on the back of Ricky Shivers. Shivers last fought in Hawaii in the X-1 middleweight tournament. After a decisive first round TKO win, he lost to Hawaiian superstar Falaniko Vitale after a flying knee opened up a three inch gash on his forehead.
Just days away from showtime, Ricky and everyone in attendance will soon know who will be challenging for the belt come late spring. Regardless of who goes home the victor, it’s a guarantee that both Karron and Dominique will be leaving it all in the cage. They both want the belt, and despite the Valentine’s Day holiday and mutual respect, there will be no love lost when the bell sounds.