Ex-Palmdale wrestler working way up Mixed Martial Arts circuit

What a smooth transition from the wrestling mat to the octagon for former Palmdale High wrestler Cameron Froede, a rising Mixed Martial Arts combatant who is 2-0 after soundly defeating Mike Penifeil in three rounds Friday at a cage-fighting event at Antelope Valley Fairgrounds in Lancaster.

Four years after qualifying for the Southern Section Masters meet and falling just one victory shy of state championship berth, Froede, 23, has learned to use his fists – bloodying and bruising Penifeil to win a unanimous decision in one of the most entertaining – though one-sided – bouts of the evening.

“The guy just wouldn’t go down, but it was good win,” said Froede, 166 pounds. “I thought I’d try cage-fighting just for fun, and it’s become something I just love do.”

Meantime, another promising Palmdale cage-fighter, Daniel McWilliams lost Friday for the second time in a row by referee stoppage to fall to 2-3, and it might be time for McWilliams, 171, to consider other pursuits. …