On Saturday, November 21, 2009, Coach Rodney "Sledge Hammer" Guignet fought in the co-main event of First State Fights Total Disregard, an amateur Mixed Martial Arts event at Delaware State University in Dover, DE.  Coach Rodney was confident and relaxed as he entered the cage in his second amateur MMA fight.  His fans roared as the face-off against Stephen "Chief" Dodson began. 

At first glance, Dodson appeared to have the advantage in size and age.  At 44, Coach Rodney was 13 years older than the 31 year old Dodson.  At weigh-ins on Friday, November 20, Coach Rodney weighed 198 pounds; whereas, Dodson weighed 212 pounds, two pounds over the agreed upon weight of 195-210 pounds.  With a true fighter’s spirit, Coach Rodney agreed to the fight even with the weight discrepancy.

As the fight began, Dodson came out fast and aggressive, but Coach Rodney used his experience to counter Dodson’s attack with punches and kicks, hurting Dodson with every strike.  Coach Rodney dominated the first round with better cage control, landing combinations of punches and kicks and scoring often.  At the start of the second round, Dodson came out aggressive, but careless, showing early signs of fatigue.  After a few exchanges, Coach Rodney ducked under a wide left hand thrown by Dodson and landed an overhand right to knock out Dodson for the win.  The crowd went wild as the referee stepped in to stop the fight.  Coach Rodney received several votes for Knock Out of the Night, but missed winning by one vote.  The impressive knock out and the rest of fight can be viewed online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdFASgnNcJo.

Although Coach Rodney made it look easy, he would be the first to admit that training for a fight is a lot of hard work and dedication.  He spent several hours each day training and conditioning and it shows.