When Reggie “The Regulator” Pena clashed with Tom “Da Tank” Gallicchio at the M-1 Selection 2010 – Americas second round and took a split decision loss in what was considered ‘fight of the night,’ little did he know that his performance earned him a trip to the semi-final round through a wildcard spot.
“Pena fought a terrific battle and clearly the judges had a hard time in giving a split decision victory to Gallicchio,” says M1-Global’s Director of Operations, Evgeni Kogan. “I think this was an easy decision for Paul Domenech to make [M-1 Global's North American match-maker]. If anyone from the second round deserved to return, it was Pena. I’m expecting another ‘fight of the night’ performance from him on August 7th.”
With crisp striking, ground control and countered submission attempts, Pena had no qualms with his performance in the fight. “Obviously coming away with a loss is heart-breaking but I know I fought my ass off and left nothing in the ring. I gave everything I had and it just wasn’t my night,” says ‘The Regulator’. “I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity M-1 Global has given me to come back and continue. Right now I’m focussed on earning a victory against Colin Schrader – then we’ll see if the re-match against Gallicchio presents itself in the finals.”
M-1 Global matchmaker, Paul Domenich, has made a stellar decision in bringing Pena back for the Americas semi-final round on August 7th and Pena certainly understands the high expectations placed upon him to deliver another stellar performance in the ring. If all plays out, Pena and Gallicchio will battle again at the Americas finals in September and put forth another barn-burning tilt to get the crowd fired up.
The M-1 Selection – Americas tournament semi-final round takes place live on August 7 at Bally’s Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Tickets are available through www.TicketMaster.com. Doors open at 7.00 pm, first fight at 7:30 PM/ET.
Free broadcast coverage of the entire 2010 M-1 Selection tournament will be available live to viewers worldwide on www.M-1global.com and selected affiliate partner sites.
