Stawell’s Jeremy Joiner suffered the first loss of his mixed martial arts career at the weekend.
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The 29-year-old was defeated by South Australia’s Mike ‘The Turnerator’ Turner in the second round by submission at the Diamondback Fighting Championships at Adelaide Oval.
Joiner was looking to claim his sixth professional victory and add the DFC heavyweight title to go with his XFC championship he won in May.
‘The Answer’ took the upper hand in the first round, keeping the fight on his grounds by remaining on his feet and avoiding a wrestling contest.
Turner was able to make it to the second round after sustaining a barrage of blows at the end of the first round.
The hometown fighter quickly made an effort to get Joiner to the floor, where he successfully locked him up and forced the tap out.
Joiner said Turner’s method of fighting was different to anything he had faced before.
“Styles make fights and it obviously played a part, but the biggest factor were my mistakes and I paid for them,” he said.
“Obviously the loss was not ideal but I knew this day was inevitable. It’s not the result that disappoints me the most, it was my performance.
“I made a lot of mistakes – things I was ready for and trained for but I didn't react.”
The heavyweight title fight was shown at Stawell’s Gift Hotel after Diamondback promotions granted the venue broadcast rights for the community to watch and support Joiner.
Gift Hotel owner Peta Duns said about 50 people watched the bout.
“Everybody was there riding the punches with Jeremy,” she said.
“While it was a bit of a disappointing result for him to get his first loss we are all proud of him.”
The hotel is a sponsor of Joiner and has supported him throughout his journey.
“It is great to see him not only doing well in the ring but also looking fit and healthy and enjoying his life,” Duns said.
“All of Stawell is behind Jeremy for whatever comes next.”
DFC4 saw two title fights held in one of the biggest mixed martial arts event in South Australian history.
Diamondback media and marketing manager Justin White said the event ran “smoother than expected”.
“It actually went a lot better than we thought it would,” he said.
“Every fight was action packed and the crowd enjoyed them all.”
Joiner fought at DFC1 and DFC2, recording victories to boost his reputation as one of the best heavyweight fighters in Australia.
White said the event is set to return for DFC5 in March, with a total of three fights expected to be held in 2018.
“The whole reason this promotion is here is to grow the sport and the profile of Australian fighters,” he said.
“It gives guys like Jeremy a platform to get noticed. We would love to see guys who have fought at DFC events get picked up by the UFC.”
Joiner said he is unsure of what the future holds for him following the loss.
“I’m not sure what’s next – my manager and coach plan all that out for me.” he said.
“Right now I have some teammates who have big fights next month so I want to get back (to Melbourne) and help them.”
Joiner, who is now based out of Melbourne gym Westside MMA, said he will learn from the loss.
“I want to thank everyone for the support, sorry I couldn't deliver. This is the fight business, these things happen and I will be back.”