Fighters from local Ground Control Academy won four of their five bouts at Maryland’s first legal mixed martial arts fight Saturday night, including a come-from-behind victory by Columbia native Ryan Mackin.

Chants of “Ma-ckin, Ma-ckin” filled 1st Mariner Arena, in Baltimore, after the 27-year-old Hammond High wrestling coach submitted Colorado’s Joe Kelso at 1:57 of the second round.

“I think a couple of people here know me,” Mackin said, acknowledging a loud cheering section that included many current and former Golden Bears wrestlers among the approximately 5,000 spectators in attendance.

Kelso looked to have Mackin in trouble early in the fight, taking him down and bloodying him against the cage. Kelso, a former Colorado wrestling standout, appeared to win the first round. But Mackin battled back, dominating the second round, before forcing Kelso to tap out as he twisted his arm in a keylock.

“He gave me hell in that first round,” said Mackin, who was 9-0 as an amateur before winning his first pro fight Saturday night. “I think my head was going to fall off. We got it done, didn’t we? I’m so happy right now.”

Headliner James “Binky” Jones and former Penn State lacrosse player Dave Danieki were also victorious for Ground Control in the 11-bout event promoted by Shogun Fights.

Jones, who lives in Nottingham, won a close decision against a tough Jason McLain of New Jersey, and Danieki, who lives in Perry Hall, made short work of local fighter Wade Drake, submitting him with an anaconda choke in the first round. 

Jones and Danieki were both high school wrestling standouts in the area, for Mt. St. Joseph and Loyola, respectively.

Baltimore Raven Ray Rice joined Danieki in the ring after his victory.

After his victory, Jones hoisted the Maryland flag above his head and thanked his coach, John Rallo, who led the charge to get the sport of mixed martial arts legalized in the state. The sport became legal and regulated here in Maryland on Oct. 1.

“This was an awesome night. First time ever!” Jones said after his win, turning to the crowd. “I love you, Baltimore.”

Jones dedicated his bout to his friend and former teammate Marty Kusick, who passed away earlier this year.

“We were supposed to do this together,” he said in an interview before the fight. “

In addition to Ray Rice, several local celebrities and well-known mixed martial arts fighters were on hand for the event.

Former Baltimore police commissioner and radio show host Ed Norris served as the post-fight interviewer.

Famous mixed martial artist Renzo Gracie, as well as current stars Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and Kurt Pellegrino, attended.

The bouts were officiated by Mario Yamaski and Dan Miragliotta, who frequently ref the matches in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

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