Riordon vs Sigala... The Recap (finally)

Okay, surgery is done and I'm coming off the pain meds, time for the recap of my 5th amateur fight.  Wow, what a ride! Ugh...

As many of you know by now, on October 13th, 2012 I took my second loss in my amateur MMA career.  I was highly disappointed by the unfortunate turn of events of this fight.  From my best estimate, less than halfway through the first round I broke my right hand, the metacarpal of the index finger to be exact, off of a right hook.  There wasn't a doubt in my mind from the second of impact that it was broken.  However, shock must have started to set in immediately as my decision making skills became obviously skewed and I wasn't able to put anything together through the rest of the round, despite gaining side control and back control.

To spare my coach any accusations, I for whatever reason, decided not to tell him in between rounds that my hand was broken.  In fact, he told me that had I mentioned it he would have called the fight immediately.  What I can remember of my thought processes, not finishing the fight simply wasn't an option and I didn't want to waste my 60 seconds opportunity for coaching on discussing something that we couldn't do anything about until after the fight anyhow, so I just tried to focus on what he was telling me and how to try and finish the fight as soon as possible.

I really don't remember much of the fight, even after watching footage, other than the first 30 seconds and a few moments interspersed here and there. For the most part, I believe I fought the rest of that fight blacked out in shock.  I don't remember speaking to Michael in between the second and third round, and what was said during the first break is hazy.  The next thing I clearly remember is the bell ringing to signal the end of the third round and thinking 'oh good, we can fix my hand now'. Those were the first words out of my mouth when I went back to my corner.  I couldn't wait to get the glove off and put ice on it.  I remember being able to feel it swelling inside my hand wraps (that's a gross feeling, by the way).

Dr. Alex confirmed the break and sent us off to the hospital (not the best after party location). They scheduled surgery for a week later and I had a plate and SIX screws put in (didn't even think there was room on a single metacarpal for that). Today the splint came off and I was given orders to start rehab so that is going to be my upcoming focus. Along with training one heck of a jab and ninja kicks! :)

With every adversity comes great opportunity! I'm excited to see what opportunities come of this, as I've already seen a few doors start to creep open. I can't wait to start full training again in a couple months and get back in that cage, ring, or mat. I ADORE the competition so where ever the competition is at next, I'll be there.

Would I revisit this fight? Absolutely. The words "I walked right through her" were mentioned. Nah... three rounds on a broken hand that went to a decision isn't quite walking through anything. I would be excited to see the outcome with a healthy hand! She brought it, no doubt, and that's my kind of fight... but I hate to think there's confusion out there now. ;)www.maureenriordonmma.com

Weighing in :)

Ultimate Blue Corner Battles 16

Thursday, September 27th, 2012 we drove out to Kansas City, MO for my boxing debut against Molly Magness.  The weight cut was difficult! Sticking to my strict diet, and starting my weight cut a day early, I still found myself having to cut weight on the long drive out to Kansas City.  Once there, despite driving out with the heater on wearing thermal underwear, sweat pants, a long sleeved shirt, AND three sweatshirts (yes boys, I was the most desirable thing you've ever seen walking around in my Marshmellow Man looking outfit) I still had to spend a couple hours at the local health club sweating the last few pounds off in the sauna.  Ugh... but weigh ins found me right on spot with my weight after cutting a total of 21 pounds in less than two weeks.

After weigh ins I had discussed with the promoter my desire to call out the winner of the female 135 lb title bout the following night for the next show on November 30th.  I was in for a surprise the next day!

Arriving at the venue, we found out one of the opponents of the 135 female title bout had been picked up that afternoon for shop lifting (WHAT?!?!).  Turns out she was stealing a dress from JC Penny's to wear that night (insert eye roll, followed by a disapproving groan).  So one person's bad decision turned out to be an open opportunity for me.  The promoter asked my coach if we knew of any 135'ers that could take the fight on a last second notice, at which point my coach pointed at me and I smiled and accepted.  They moved my boxing match to an exhibition match in order to allow me to take two bouts in one night under the sanctioned rules.

So 12th fight of the night had me facing Molly Magness, Kansas City's "hometown rising star".  It was a good fight, but in the end Magness out pointed me and won to a split decision.  Well, good sportsmanship or not, that had me fired up! LOL I did NOT drive all that way to lose to a split decision to the home town favorite. I was bound and determined to make sure there was absolutely NO question about who won in the next fight.

I was given two fights and one intermission to rest before I was up again as the Co-Main event against Molly Welsh (yes, two Molly's. I will CERTAINLY never forget that name). It was quite the experience to walk out a second time and hear the shock and support from the crowd that I was fighting again.  What a rush I get when I hear the crowd cheering for me!

The bell rang, we touched gloves and Welsh started out the fight with a left round house kick to the body.  I was angry already, and that hit just the button.  We clenched up fairly quick and she delivered several knees right between the legs before the ref had a chance to warn her.  That pushed any last button I needed pushing and I delivered a few solid knees back myself before we separated from the clench and I landed a series of clean strikes to her face.  I was angry, tired from my first match, and in no mood to drag this one out for ring time, so I drove her across the cage where I ended the fight with continual hooks until the ref called it at 1:24 of the first round.

I cannot begin to explain what a wonderful experience fighting twice in one night was. Wow! I learned a lot about myself and what I'm capable of.  Hands down, that was the BEST experience I've had so far in my MMA journey.