SHAWNEE, Okla. – Rage in the Cage of Oklahoma hosted a two-day event on May 26-27 with back-to-back fights. Two of those fights showcased Mvskoke citizens Brooklyn Freeman (Mvskoke/Yuchi/Cherokee) and Zechariah Tecumseh (Mvskoke/Seminole) at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center in Shawnee.
Tecumseh kept his undefeated “Submission Only” record intact after collecting a submission victory in the grappling-only portion of the event called Roll in the Cage on May 26.
Using a triangle choke hold, Tecumseh was able to gain a victory by submission. It was just under the 3 minute mark of the match, setting his submission-only record to 8-0.
Even though his opponent from Texas, Reese Risner was overweight at weigh-ins, Tecumseh said he wasn’t nervous going into the match because he had a match up with him in late 2022 that ended in his favor.
Grappling is very hands on, there are no gloves, no punching, and no kicking involved. It is very close to a wrestling-style fight.
The fight started slow, but the intensity built as the two put their hands on the back of each other’s heads and started to move around the mat, taking each other down.
Tecumseh found himself in a hard spot, but flipped his opponent over to a weaker position, gaining power over him. He then wrapped his legs around the neck of his opponent, sending from his knees to his side until he tapped in submission.
The match was quick, lasting about five minutes before Tecumseh claimed his victory.
His uncle brought up his black felt hat with a feather to the ring. Tecumseh put on his signature hat as he threw his hands up. The fight’s announcer proclaimed, “and your winner is Zechariah Tecumseh.”
Tecumseh started participating in this sport three years ago to help aid him in wrestling at Wilson Public Schools. He started training with his uncle Jeremy Tecumseh. They now train at Prowess Fitness in Okmulgee with the Mojo Grappling Academy where they primarily teach Jujitsu.
Next, Tecumseh is headed to the American Grappling Federation Kids World Championship in Ft. Worth, TX.
Freeman Fight
Freeman’s fight came to a draw of 28/28 in a catchweight kickboxing match against OKC opponent Chelsea Johnson.
In a catchweight match opponents negotiate a weight limit that does not fall within the traditional weight class divisions.
Johnson came in weighing four pounds over. Freeman accepted the challenge.
There was intense energy between the women who started off the fight without hesitation, throwing jabs and kicks.
After the first 30 seconds or so, the adrenaline slowed down and it seemed as though Freeman might have been caught off guard. She quickly caught herself, and came in strong with her opponent watching her every move as if she didn’t know what to expect before Freeman knocked her to the ground.
The second round began with Freeman bursting out of her corner with intimidating energy. Freeman’s strength in the second round appeared to be her flexible kicks. As the opponent used her right arm jab, Freeman kicked straight out sending the opponent flying.
In the last round, both ladies wanted that “W”. Despite being tired, each fought each other back. After challenging their exhaustion, the match ended in a draw.
According to a Facebook post, Freeman said it’s not the outcome she came for, but she will be back and better.
Freeman is a fighter, a business owner, an entrepreneur and a mother of two. She never gives up, whether it’s in the ring, at work, or at home.
She trains alongside her significant other and partner, Sampson Tabbytite at Forza Combat Sports in Broken Arrow.
Freeman’s business, SkoTrim LLC was something she started so she could provide for her family while Tabbytite pursued his dream of becoming a professional mixed-martial arts fighter.
“Many people look up to us,” Freeman said, “and it’s not easy.”
Freeman said more often than not, to be a “power couple” it takes a lot of sacrifices.
Freeman promoted a sports set with a Native pattern that was custom made by Mvskoke citizen, Michael Deo.
For more information, follow the Rage in the Cage Oklahoma’s Facebook page.