The First 80 Seconds: Elements MMA's Dominic Raymond Makes Headlines

In a significant milestone, Keene's Elements MMA gym saw its first officially sanctioned Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter, Dominic Raymond, step into the cage and deliver an electrifying victory at Battle in Barre 14, held in Barre, Vt. Raymond, just 18 years old, made his debut against 29-year-old Austin Allen, a seasoned amateur with five previous cage fights. What unfolded was nothing short of a thrilling display of skill and composure, and despite his age and lack of prior cage experience, Raymond proved himself a force to be reckoned with — as the fight culminated in a TKO win for him within the first minute and twenty seconds of the first round. As reported in a recent press release, the fight started intensely, with Allen pushing forward and forcing Raymond onto the back foot. Known for his heavy hands, Allen sought to dominate the striking exchanges early. However, the fight took a turn during a grappling sequence when Raymond showcased his judo skills, successfully executing a throw that put him in full mount. From this advantageous position, Raymond wasted no time, raining down strikes on his opponent. Allen, trapped and unable to escape, was left defenseless, prompting the referee to stop the fight and declare a TKO in favor of Raymond. It was a stunning victory for the young fighter and a wonderful demonstration of his training, discipline and natural talent. Ari Heart, the owner and lead instructor at Elements MMA in Keene, was proud to witness the culmination of years of hard work, and in a statement following the fight, Ari praised Raymond's dedication and maturity, noting the cautious approach the gym takes when allowing younger fighters to step into the cage, "We are always cautious about encouraging our students to take cage fights, especially younger ones. Dom was an exception." "Over the past two years, I've coached him in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments and been amazed at his level of composure and overall mindset in the heat of battle. I am very proud of Dom for the work ethic he displayed which ensured his debut victory, and I look forward to seeing where his MMA training will take him in the future." Raymond's journey at Elements MMA began just two years ago, at the age of 16. Under the guidance of coaches like Ari Heart, MMA/Striking Coach Shane Zabrowski and Assistant Grappling Coach Alex Kemp, he quickly honed his skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, grappling and striking. His natural ability, combined with a relentless work ethic, allowed him to grow rapidly as a fighter. Shane Zabrowski and Alex Kempf, both of whom worked closely with Raymond on his overall MMA preparation, also commented on his progress. "Watching him improve his skills over time has been very fulfilling as his coach." Zabrowski said, "He has the right mindset to go far; he listens to instruction well, trains consistently and doesn't let frustration or ego get in the way of his growth." Kempf emphasized Raymond's hard work and the impact he has on the gym environment, "Not only has he improved massively in such a short time, but he also helps the whole team improve through being a great training partner." After his spectacular debut, Raymond was humble in victory, attributing his success to the team and the support he has received from Elements MMA. "My past two years at Elements have shaped my life significantly and made me a better man overall," Raymond said. "The team and coaches at Elements adequately prepared me for my first MMA fight and successful win. I could not have done it without my team and cannot thank them enough for their coaching and support." For Elements MMA, this fight was more than just a victory — it was a reflection of the gym culture that Ari and the members of Elements have cultivated. As all of their journeys progress, this first TKO will undoubtedly be remembered as the start of something special for both Raymond and Elements MMA.