Harford County resident Maik Ferrante, a North Harford High School graduate, was back in the cage last weekend, using his mixed martial arts skills to win another match.
Ferrante, who trains at and competes for Team Method MMA, traveled to the API Sports Complex in Gambrills in Anne Arundel County Saturday for a Maryland Cage Combat promotion match against Ray Sydnor, a 23-year old from California. The bout was competed in the 170-pound weight class.
Ferrante, 21, who had a battle mark below his left eye and a scratch above his right, won a unanimous decision.
"I dominated the whole time, got on top and was in control," Ferrante said.
Sydnor was not the opponent Ferrante was supposed to face.
"The opponent changed two weeks out, but I trained the same," Ferrante said. "He'd throw a punch and that's when I shot for a takedown."
In control, Ferrante says Sydnor was kind of stalling. Ferrante tried to work toward a submission, but it didn't really come available.
"I had a double wrist lock in for a submission at the end of the second period, but time expired," Ferrante said.
In this style of fighting, competitors can force submission by locking on arms or legs and also by choke. Ferrante says he'll go with whatever opportunity presents itself. "I'd rather get them in choke, keep it safe," Ferrante said. Choke doesn't sound safe, and the opponent will likely pass out if they don't tap out and submit. "I'm not out to hurt anyone, just win," Ferrante said.
Ferrante says he trains seven days a week, but just six says in the Method MMA facility in Forest Hill. Ferrante's coach/trainer is Eddie Abney. Ferrante has had to take time off because of injuries and what he calls setbacks.
Ferrante's ultimate goal is to become a professional. The difference is getting paid. "It would be nice to get paid to do it," he said.
For now though, Ferrante will continue to work at Da Mimmo Fine Dining Italian Restaurant in Baltimore, where he waits tables and is training to be a bartender. Ferrante also has one semester to finish at Harford Community College. He is studying exercise science and plans to enroll at Towson University.
As for the fighting, Ferrante figures to be in another match in late August or September.