Former Ceres Unified School District wrestlers Mike Tubera, Victor Tubera and Tony Spinella posted a combined record of 3-1 at IFC Caged Combat Warriors Challenge XXXII on Oct. 20 at Feather Falls Casino.
Mike Tubera, a 2008 Central Valley High School grad, had a 1-1 mark while competing in a four-man Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) amateur tournament for the 125-pound flyweight championship.
He fought twice in one night for the first time.
"It was completely exhausting," Mike said. "It was really intense."
He won his first fight by knockout (elbows) in the opening round versus Illinois' Isaac Reyes.
"I gashed his face open," Tubera said.
Mike lost by decision, 29-28, 29-28, 27-30, in the finals to Redding's Manny Rojas.
"The scores were weird," Tubera said. "I gave him all I had. I hit him hard. He didn't go down."
Mike took a knee to his right eye at the beginning of the third round.
"I was sitting down," he said. "I was holding both of his wrists. I didn't expect it. It was illegal. They didn't take away a point."
Mike's career record moved to 4-2-1.
"It was a tough match," said Tubera, 0-2 in title fights. "I did a lot of good work on my feet. He got four good takedowns. That's what won it. I need to go back to my roots and work on wrestling. I know for sure I'll get another title shot."
Younger brother Victor Tubera, a 2009 Central Valley grad, won by TKO (ground and pound) in the first round against Upper Lake's Chris Darby.
Victor (3-0) competes at 155 pounds.
Spinella, a 2010 Ceres High grad and 155-pounder, improved to 3-0 after winning by TKO (strikes) in the third round over Chico's Derik Tenckhoff.
"I kept coming forward and hit him with a few big punches," Tony said. "The referees called it. We went at it. I was exhausted."
Spinella will fight for the IFC Warrior Challenge 145-pound featherweight title in Oroville in March.
Tony will face current 135-pound champion Benito Lopez of Chico.
"I just found out recently," Spinella said. "They called me. I'm excited. I get to see where I stand against tougher competition. I've seen his fights on YouTube. He's definitely more experienced than me. I'm stronger and have heavier hands. I'm going to stand up and bang with him."
