OBellator 220: “MacDonald vs. Fitch” airs TONIGHT (Sat., April 27, 2019) from SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., streaming exclusively online via DAZN (watch it). The title is on the line in the Welterweight Grand Prix as champion Rory MacDonald (20-5) squares off with former World Series of Fighting (WSOF) and Professional Fight League (PFL) champion Jon Fitch (31-7-1, 1 NC). Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (9-0) also has a women’s Flyweight title defense against Veta Arteaga (5-2).
Bellator 220’s main card will start at 10 p.m. ET with “Prelims” undercard bouts at 7:30 p.m. ET on DAZN (watch it). MMAmania.com will deliver results and play-by-play for the entirety of the Bellator MMA card.
Many readers check in before, during and after the fights to share their thoughts on all of the action. Feel free to leave a comment (or 220) about the bouts and chat with all the other Maniacs during the show — it’s always a lot of fun!
BELLATOR 220 QUICK RESULTS:
Rory MacDonald vs. Jon Fitch — MD 47-47 X2 and 48-46 Fitch.
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane vs. Veta Arteaga — Macfarlane TKO (doctor) 1:50 R3.
Benson Henderson vs. Adam Piccolotti — Henderson SD 29-28, 28-29, 29-28.
Phil Davis vs. Liam McGeary — Davis 4:11 TKO R3.
Gaston Bolanos vs. Nathan Stolen — Bolanos TKO 2:21 R1.
Diego Herzog vs. Jordan Williams — Williams TKO 1:21 R3.
Thomas Ponce De Leon vs. Jamario Mulder — Ponce De Leon UD 30-27, 29-27 X2.
Justin Tenedora vs. Matthew Perez — Perez TKO 4:52 R1.
Abraham Vaesau vs. Justin Roswell — Vaesau TKO 1:59 R1.
Aviv Gozali vs. Travis Crain — Gozali sub (RNC) 2:15 R1.
Josh San Diego vs. Brandon Laroco — San Diego UD 30-27 X2, 30-26.
Boris Novachkov vs. Chris Inocencio — Inocencio SD 29-28, 28-29, 29-28.
Ignacio Ortiz vs. Roger Severson — UD 28-28 X3.
Chris Avila vs. Brandon Faumui — Faumui SD 28-29, 30-27, 29-28.
Chuck Campbell vs. Bruno Casillas — Campbell KO 1:45 R1.
Cass Bell vs. Peter Ishiguro — Bell KO 2:59 R2.
Hyder Amil vs. Paradise Vaovasa — Amil RNC 2:34 R1.
Erik Gunha vs. Jon Adams — MD 28-28, 29-27 Gunha.
BELLATOR 220 PLAY-BY-PLAY:
Rory MacDonald vs. Jon Fitch
“The Red King” Rory MacDonald is 20-5, the defending Welterweight champion, and coming in off a loss to Middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi in a superfight last year. The challenger Jon Fitch comes in 32-7-1 (1 NC) on a five fight win streak that included two world titles, and if he wins he not only takes MacDonald’s title but advances to the next round of the Welterweight Grand Prix. Fitch has blue gloves and black trunks, fighting out of AKA in San Jose and hailing from Fort Wayne, Indiana. MacDonald has red gloves and trunks and he hails from Quesnel, B.C. while fighting out of Tristar in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Our referee for this title fight is Mike Beltran. They touch gloves during final instructions.
Round 1: MacDonald charges in and lands a right hand immediately after the opening bell while Fitch digs for his legs against the cage. Fitch gets the takedown and puts MacDonald on his rear at 40 seconds. MacDonald starts to get back up and does at 1:25 although Fitch stays on his legs while MacDonald goes for a kimura on his arm. Eventually MacDonald steps over and out at 1:57 and Beltran does a quick check of MacDonald’s gloves before the bout continues. Fitch shoots again at 2:20 but this time can’t keep him down. Fitch throws a leg kick. MacDonald throws a right hand. Flush right from MacDonald. Fitch is not defending it well. Right jab by MacDonald followed by a kick. He misses with the left uppercut. Jab by Fitch. 90 seconds left. Fitch shoots again and gets elbowed in the head. He takes MacDonald down, his head is momentarily trapped, but MacDonald lets it go. Fitch throws nagging body shots on top as the time ticks away. 10-9 MacDonald.
Round 2: MacDonald fends off the first takedown eight seconds in. MacDonald grabs a strong warning to not grab the cage as Fitch tries and tries and tries to get another takedown. MacDonald finally gets free at 1:48 and immediately kicks Fitch in the head. Beltran thinks there might have been a groin kick but Fitch waves it off and we continue. MacDonald is dancing back and forth in front of Fitch looking for the perfect shot and throws a Superman punch. Fitch is standing right there and only occasionally stepping to the left. He throws a nice body kick at 3:40 and finally comes forward. His corner screams forward forward forward as he gets another takedown at 4:10. MacDonald gets right up. MacDonald takes him down at 4:33 after Fitch misses with a kick. 10-9 MacDonald.
Round 3: Fitch gets another takedown at 35 seconds but thanks to the butterfly guard with MacDonald’s knees blocking Fitch he’s not landing any damaging strikes. Fitch finally changes it up and passes to half guard landing an elbow on MacDonald’s right eye that draws blood. That’s the kind of work he needs to do to win round — actual damage from a dominant position. Another elbow lands at 3:22. MacDonald’s inability to get back to his feet isn’t helping him either. He goes for an armbar but Fitch easily escapes. MacDonald nearly gets back up with 20 seconds left but Fitch keeps his butt on the mat. 10-9 Fitch.
Round 4: MacDonald opens with a right hand and left jab. Fitch closes the distance and fails badly to get the uppercut and then gets kicked in the head for good measure. He’s woozy and goes for a single leg for good measure, and MacDonald just stays on top punishing him. He gets back up and goes for the single leg again and gets nailed with a hard elbow. Fitch spins his way on top but MacDonald gets up at 1:45. Fitch scores another takedown at 2:19 as MacDonald goes for a kimura. Blood from Fitch’s forehead smears onto MacDonald’s body. MacDonald draws repeated warnings not to link his toes in the fence. Beltran warns Fitch to get busy and work to a finish as he’s not doing much on top. Beltran stands them up with ten seconds to go and neither man can land a blow before it rings as they obey. I think MacDonald gets the 10-9 for rocking Fitch but some might argue Fitch “did more” with his little pitter-pat strikes on top. MacDonald has to fight R5 like it’s all even.
Round 5: MacDonald breaks the first takedown attempt at 29 seconds. Fitch goes for it again and gets it to the mat even though he’s in far from an advantageous position with MacDonald going for a triangle choke. Beltran is taking a close look to see if Fitch is going to tap. Fitch weathers the storm and is on top with 2:20 left. MacDonald starts to get back up at 3:20. Fitch is like a dog with a bone though and won’t let him up. Fitch pins an arm down to do damage. MacDonald finally gets up at 4:35. Fitch pulls him back down to one knee. I’m calling this a 10-9 for Fitch so it’s all coming down to how R4 was scored.
Final result: The judges score it 48-46 Fitch, 47-47 and 47-47 for a majority draw.
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane vs. Veta Arteaga
The challenger Arteaga is 5-2 and hails from Boise, Idaho. The champion Macfarlane is 9-0 and hails from Honolulu, Hawaii fighting out of San Diego. Arteaga sports the blue gloves with gray trunks and body suit. Macfarlane sports the red gloves, black trunks and black shirt. Both fighters stand 5’4”. Macfarlane’s reach is 66.5” and Arteaga’s is 64”. Our referee for this title fight is Jason Herzog.
Round 1: Tap of gloves during final instructions and at the start. Macfarlane wastes no time shooting for a takedown and rushing Arteaga into the fence. She’s deep on a single on the left leg but Arteaga is fending it off well. She switches to a double and gets it then goes for a single on the other side as Arteaga gets back up. Macfarlane presses her into the cage again and spins her way to another takedown, getting the back with both hooks in. Macfarlane takes hammers from Arteaga as she goes for a heel hook and cranks away. Arteaga tells the ref she’s not going tap. She’s right. Arteaga slips out and is over the top throwing knees as Macfarlane stands up. She’s out at 3:38. Arteaga comes forward looking to clinch and throw knees. Macfarlane breaks free again and circles back to the center. 10-9 Macfarlane.
Round 2: Arteaga comes forward throwing leather and Macfarlane responds by turning her into the cage and dropping levels to get the takedown at 45 seconds. Arteaga tries to kick Macfarlane away to no effect. She fights for arm control on the bottom so that Macfarlane can’t posture up and do damage. The San Jose fans chant EE-LEE-MAH in support. Arteaga mashed her nose on bottom with an elbow and drew blood. Macfarlane backs up to land more shots and Arteaga scrambles to her feet with two minutes left. Right hook by Macfarlane. Macfarlane is landing more shots standing than Arteaga although the latter hit a furious flurry right before the bell. I edge it 10-9 Macfarlane on my card.
Round 3: Macfarlane has the takedown again at 1:01. Macfarlane opens a GIANT gash on Arteaga’s forehead with an massive perfectly placed left elbow. Arteaga gets back up but Jason Herzog stops the fight to have a doctor look at it. Her face is a crimson mask of blood. The cut is too deep and the fight is stopped. Macfarlane is going to win by doctor’s stoppage when this is made official.
Final result: Ilima-Lei Macfarlane wins by TKO (doctor’s stoppage) at 1:50 in round three.
Benson Henderson vs. Adam Piccolotti
Black/white trunks with blue gloves for Adam Piccolotti, career record of 11-2, two fight win streak, hailing from and fighting out of Half Moon Bay, CA. White trunks and red gloves for Benson Henderson, 26-8, two fight win streak, hailing from Colorado Springs, CO and fighting out of Phoenix, AZ. Our referee in charge is Josh Rosenthal.
Round 1: A quick glove tap is followed by leg kicks from Henderson. Piccolotti answers with various kicks of his own before they clinch and Piccolotti pushes him to the cage. Henderson throws a knee. Piccolotti tries to get Henderson to the ground and does at 1:28, lighting him up with left hands and jumping on Henderson’s back. He’s going for the rear naked choke but lets it go when he sees it’s not there. He keeps fishing for it with his right arm then letting it go to throw right hands instead. Henderson stands up with Piccolotti riding him and nearly gets choked out there until he falls down and gets a little defense back. Henderson grabs hold of one arm to defend but loses control of it. Reverse hammerfists by Piccolotti from behind. Piccolotti goes for the arm triangle choke with under a minute left but Henderson gets back up at 4:21. Henderson comes forward throwing hands, kicks, and elbows. 10-9 Piccolotti but Henderson caught him with a strong kick late and was ready to throw a flying knee until the bell stopped it.
Round 2: Another glove tap to start. Henderson goes for that flying knee he teased at the end of round one. Piccolotti shoots for the single leg but Henderson fends it off and gets his own takedown at 34 seconds. Now it’s Henderson working to take Piccolotti’s back with the right hook in. Piccolotti shakes him off but Henderson takes him right back down again. Piccolotti stands up and Henderson is going for a standing guillotine while throwing knees. Piccolotti breaks free. Right hands by Henderson as they move across the fence. Slashing elbow by Henderson before he drops levels. Takedown by Hendo at 2:47. Piccolotti gets back up with Henderson riding his back. Henderson lands another elbow, Piccolotti goes for a heel hook and Henderson escapes. Piccolotti tries to trap an arm with his legs and that doesn’t work either. Piccolotti closes the guard but Henderson breaks it. He backs away at 4:49 and waits out the bell as Piccolotti misses with an upkick. 10-9 Henderson.
Round 3: Henderson was trying a flying knee and Piccolotti turned it into a takedown. Henderson traps his head until he can sit up against the fence and goes for a submission around Piccolotti’s neck but can’t get it. Henderson starts to get up and Piccolotti throws knees to the chest as he puts his weight on Henderson to hold him down. Henderson gets up, Piccolotti tries to take his back and slips off, and Henderson presses him to the fence. Henderson tries to take Piccolotti down but he winds up on top of Henderson as he’s sitting against the cage, hanging onto his right thigh. 90 seconds remain. Henderson turns to get up and Piccolotti jumps on his back and goes for the rear naked choke. He doesn’t have it and Henderson spins his way on top in guard. Elbows by Hendo on top. We’re going to the bell and the judges. The only striking damage done in the round appeared to be Hendo’s but we’ll have to see what the council of three say.
Final result: 29-28 Henderson, 29-28 Piccolotti, 29-28 for Henderson by split decision.
Phil Davis vs. Liam McGeary
McGeary is out first in the black trunks and blue gloves, career record of 13-3, former Light Heavyweight champion in Bellator. Davis is out in his trademark pink trunks with the red gloves, 19-5-1, also a former Light Heavyweight champion, making this a much anticipated rematch. McGeary fights out of Huntington Beach, CA by way of Honolulu, Hawaii. Davis fights out of Harrisburg, PA by way of San Diego, CA. Our referee is Blake Grice.
Round 1: Davis is staying at a cautious distance and testing the range with his left hand. McGeary is firing the left jab but hasn’t landed it solidly. Davis with a leg kick to the lead left of McGeary. Superman punch from McGeary. Davis makes McGeary move backward for a little bit. Davis is getting tighter on McGeary with the left jab and hook as the round wears on. Not even a hint of a takedown yet by Davis. Leg kick for Davis. Overhand right and a combo lands but he has to cover up to avoid McGeary’s response. McGeary throws another Superman punch. McGeary is rolling his hands over trying to wait for his moment. Davis with a body kick. The crowd is getting restless but Davis is outpointing McGeary. 10-9 Davis.
Round 2: McGeary takes the center with his right hand cocked high. He grazes Davis with a right hand as she pushes forward. Davis responds with multiple kicks to the left leg. McGeary keeps trying to come forward but Davis is repeatedly just out of range. Davis kicks the left leg again and you can see McGeary putting his foot down gingerly twice as he feels the pain. Davis grabs the clinch to throw a couple of knees. Davis lands a right hook and McGeary misses in return. Leg kick at 3:14 nearly knocks McGeary off his feet. Davis with a Superman punch of his own. McGeary rushes forward and gets nothing. Davis fires the right. Leg kick again at 4:07. Another at 4:20. McGeary tries to rush Davis to no avail. 10-8 Davis. It was that one-sided.
Round 3: McGeary is coming forward with what could be called a desperate urgency now knowing he’s down two rounds. Davis continues to attack the leg and body with kicks, and then he takes McGeary down at 42 seconds. McGeary tries to get up and Davis jumps all the way over him to take his back and jack him up with right hands. Davis avoids McGeary rolling for a submission and continues to land the hands and elbows. He lets McGeary up at 1:50 and kicks him right on the chin as he’s getting back to his feet. Body kick by Davis. McGeary throws a head kick that’s checked. Davis and McGeary trade knees and Davis gets the better of it. They break at 3:11. Right hook by Davis. Left jab. Left hook. Front kick. McGeary with the body jab. Davis hurts McGeary with a straight left and takes his back on the ground to pour on elbows with under a minute left. It’s over seconds later. Davis broke his jaw with that shot. It’s going down as a TKO but it appears McGeary submitted too.
Final result: Phil Davis wins at 4:11 of the third round via technical knockout.
Gaston Bolanos vs. Nathan Stolen
Stolen enters first wearing the blue gloves and trunks, fighting out of Aberdeen, Washington. He’s lost his last three fights coming into this bout. Bolanos has dark trunks and sports the red gloves along with some nasty spinning kicks and elbows, fighting out of Dublin, California. His record is 4-1 and Stolen’s record is 8-4. Our referee is Frank Trigg.
Round 1: High fist glove tap to start. Bolanos is trying to light Stolen up early, letting his opponent come toward him and delivering counter shots with power. Stolen eventually tires of the strikes and shoots but can’t complete the takedown. Bolanos clinches up and gets thrown but manages to sweep his way back on top. He pulls out and stands at 2:04. Bolanos drops Stolen on his butt with a left hook shot and the ref waves it off at 2:21 as Bolanos is pouring on heavy rights.
Final result: Gaston Bolanos via technical knockout at 2:21 of the first round.
Diego Herzog vs. Jordan Williams
This is a middleweight fight. Williams is 7-2 in the red trunks and blue gloves out of Santa Rosa, CA. Herzog is 4-2-1 fighting out of Morgan Hill, CA in the black trunks and red gloves. Our referee is Frank Trigg.
Round 1: No gloves tap as Williams rushes to the center and Herzog is slow to approach. He’s getting tagged early and frequently. Williams presses him into the fence at 34 seconds then backs off. Williams keeps his hands high so Herzog tries a leg kick and a front kick. Both men trade hooks. Williams lands a solid left at 1:41. Head kick in return is checked. Herzog throws a body kick. Williams lands the right flush. More kicks for Herzog until Williams takes him down at 2:35 and takes his back against the fence. Herzog spins free. Williams lets him come forward to throw kicks then comes forward with power strikes. Herzog goes for a takedown off a leg kick but can’t capitalize. Williams gets tagged with a left hand. Herzog and Williams stand and deliver to end R1. 10-9 Williams. FWIW “Big” John McCarthy has it the other way.
Round 2: Herzog was coming on late in R1 and is trying to start R2 the same way, but Williams clips him with a left and continues to throw combos coming forward. Williams takes the back standing when Herzog charges at him. He throws knees to the body and backs off at 1:19. Williams complains for the second time to Trigg about an eye poke and is told for the second time it was a punch. Williams comes forward popping shots. Both men are getting progressively more bloody from their willingness to trade and the crowd is getting louder watching it. Very nice combo for Williams at 3:06. Leg kicks for Herzog. Williams continues to pressure. Herzog’s arms and legs seem heavy. Williams’ strikes seem crisp. Straight left clean to the chin. Leg kick for Williams. Left hook for Herzog and two rights for Williams. Right left right for Williams. Herzog shoots and Williams rams his head right into the cage. 10-9 Williams.
Round 3: Herzog has some swelling around his left eye before R3 so he gets checked over by the doctor, who clears him to continue, and he reluctantly taps gloves with Williams. Herzog lands a nice jab to the nose as they trade blows but Williams backs Herzog up with multiple right hooks. Herzog turns away and stops throwing shots back, falling to the ground. Williams steps away as he tries to snake the leg and forces Herzog to stand up. This could be stopped standing as Herzog has become a punching bag — and in fact that’s exactly what occurs.
Final result: Jordan Williams via technical knockout at 1:21 of round three.
Thomas Ponce De Leon vs. Jamario Mulder
Mulder is 2-3 out of Oakland in the red trunks with blue gloves. Ponce De Leon is 2-0 out of San Jose in the black trunks and red gloves. Jason McCoy is our referee.
Round 1: Ponce De Leon took Mulder down and started mauling him at two minutes and change to the point McCoy warned him to move or he’d stop the fight. Ponce De Leon is a teammate of Piccolotti and Fitch at AKA and looks the part. Mulder gets back up at 3:45. Ponce De Leon gets another takedown at 4:25. He pours on the elbows but doesn’t get a stoppage. 10-9 Ponce De Leon.
Round 2: Another takedown a minute in. Mulder gets up at 1:27 after taking a serious of elbows and hammerfists. Ponce De Leon shoots for a single leg and Mulder flees. Mulder tagged him with a hard body shot. That may actually turn around the fight…. or not. Ponce De Leon gets another takedown. Mulder fails at one submission attempt and Ponce De Leon is on top with a minute left. Mulder is going for a kimura and rolls on top — maybe he’ll get this one. Ponce De Leon backflips his way out of danger. 10-9 Mulder.
Round 3: Ponce took him down and mauled him on top. 10-9.
Final result: 30-27 and 29-27 X2 for Thomas Ponce De Leon.
Justin Tenedora vs. Matthew Perez
Tenedora came in 3.2 pounds over for this 125 lb. fight. Perez has black trunks and blue gloves, he’s 2-2, and he fights out of Fresno, CA. Tenedora has red trunks and gloves, his record is 2-1 and he fights out of San Jose, CA. Our referee is Josh Rosenthal.
Round 1: Perez is content to circle around Tenedora as he tries to set up big hooks. He pushes Perez into the fence as we pass the one minute mark. Perez turns him around and throws multiple knees to the legs. Tenedora counters a takedown and is briefly on top until they stand up with Tenedora trying to take his back. Tenedora tries and fails to trip him. There’s a lot of clinch work and head control on the cage but not many strikes thrown. Perez and Tenedora reverse each other’s positions multiple times. Tenedora once again counters a takedown and gets the dominant position on the ground, taking the back with a body triangle. Perez sweeps on top but Tenedora goes for a triangle. Perez pounds his way to a stoppage though with devastating right hands, making Goldie scream IT IS ALL OVER.
Final result: Matthew Perez via technical knockout at 4:52 of round one.
Abraham Vaesau vs. Justin Roswell
Time for a 170 lb. fight. Vaesau is 4-2 out of San Francisco in the blue gloves and brown trunks. Roswell is 3-2 out of Sacramento in the gray trunks and red gloves. The referee in charge is Blake Grice.
Round 1: Enthusiastic glove tap to start. Roswell gets a takedown at 9 seconds. Vaesau tries for an armbar and Roswell easily avoids it. Vaesau goes for a triangle and gets a sweep because of it, on top in half guard throwing shots. Roswell fails on an armbar, he turns over and tries to cover up from the right hands that are landing, but he gets jacked up with even more of them and the referee waves the fight off.
Final result: Abraham Vaesau via technical knockout at 1:59 of round one.
Aviv Gozali vs. Travis Crain
Round 1: We join the fight with Gozali trying to get a leg lock submission on the ground. He’s wearing the red gloves and his opponent Crain the blue. He sweeps to a full mount, Crain gives up his back and Gozali looks to sink in a rear naked choke. It’s over!
Final result: Aviv Gozali wins via submission (rear naked choke) at 2:15 of round one.
Josh San Diego vs. Brandon Laroco
Laroco is 5-1 out of Vallejo, California in the black trunks with blue gloves. San Diego is 8-4 out of Milpitas, California in the black trunks and red gloves. Our referee is Ed Collantes. This is a 140 lb. catchweight bout.
Round 1: Laroco knocks San Diego down with a right hand at 40 seconds but he quickly gets back up. Laroco’s head kick is checked but the next grazes an ear. San Diego pressures and lands a combo. Laroco continues to be incredibly fast with the right hand but San Diego is using leg kicks to keep him at range. San Diego clips Laroco but he recovers quickly to throw his own shot. 80 scones remain. San Diego tries to take the back or get a takedown against the fence while throwing elbows and knees. They break at 4:06. San Diego teases a cartwheel head kick. Laroco goes for a flying knee. Close first round. 10-9 San Diego.
Round 2: San Diego is pressing forward to open R2 while continuing to work leg kicks. Laroco misses with a big left. Right jab by Laroco. Body kick for San Diego. San Diego goes for a clinch and lands an elbow on the break. Laroco pushes him to the fence looking for a takedown. San Diego blocks it and breaks away at 2:35. Laroco misses with an uppercut and is pushed into the cage. They reset at 3:05. Leg kick and body kick for San Diego. Left hand follows. San Diego tags Laroco with a hard left and a combo and avoids another uppercut. Front kick. He checks a head kick. Laroco is landing very little in the way of effective strikes this round. 30 seconds. Leg kick San Diego. Left and body kick. 10-9 San Diego.
Round 3: San Diego goes for a takedown 15 seconds in and breaks off 21 seconds later. San Diego rocks Laroco with a head kick and jumps on top in full mount. Laroco gets him back to half guard at 1:47. Laroco tries and fails to get up at 2:18. San Diego regains full mount at 2:45. Laroco gets him back to half guard again. San Diego tries to work the head with his left hand and elbow. San Diego passes the rubber guard to the left and is working toward side control but Laroco gets him back to full guard. San Diego has finally had enough of the back and forth and stands up with 45 seconds left avoiding upkicks. He finally lets Laroco up and looks for another takedown against the cage. Both men swing hard for the last 10 seconds and hug it out. 10-9 San Diego.
Final result: Josh San Diego wins via unanimous decision 30-27 X2 and 30-26.
Boris Novachkov vs. Chris Inocencio
Novachkov makes his pro debut in the black trunks and red gloves out of Santa Clara, CA while Inocencio is 0-1 in the blue gloves and black/white trunks, fighting out of San Andreas, CA. Mike Beltran is the referee.
Round 1: Novachkov lets Inocencio come toward him, his right hand held way up high, taking a pair of leg kicks as he feels out the cage. Goldie lets us know Novachkov was a 2016 freestyle wrestling Olympian from Bulgaria. I wonder if he knows Rusev? Anyway he was eliminated in the second match at said Olympics so he didn’t progress very far. Inocencio keeps pressing forward while Novachkov keeps having to brush his long flowing mane from in front of his eyes. Inocencio hurts him with 2:19 left and Novachkov responds by going for a single leg and getting it. Inocencio is warned not to grab the fence and Novachkov takes him down again. Novachkov gets full mount and takes the back at 3:50. Inocencio turns again and forces him into half guard on top. 10-9 Inocencio.
Round 2: Novachkov is executing the Jon Fitch strategy of takedowns albeit less successfully as a 0-1 fighter is able to get back up from them. Novachkov gets another takedown with 90 seconds left to go. “The wrestler on top again” quips Goldberg. Inocencio makes a pathetic attempt to get a triangle and doesn’t come close. Novachkov gives him a power bomb to make him pay. Maybe he should follow Rusev to WWE. Novachkov machka. 10-9 Novachkov.
Round 3: Inocencio drops Novachkov in the first minute. He really ought to shave his head so he can see these right hooks coming. The amazing part is there are still two fights left to go. They should pay them their show money and send everybody on their way so these fine people in San Jose can go out for a night cap. Inocencio sprawls to block a takedown. He pops him with a left hand. He sprawls to block another. I’m suddenly thinking that the dropoff from “best Bulgarian wrestler in the Olympics” to “second best” is awfully steep — like so steep this guy wouldn’t even be an alternate in the U.S. He’s beating beaten by a 0-1 man. He misses wildly with a right hook and then gets popped immediately in the chin. Even giving him the second round feels generous now. 10-9 Inocencio.
Final result: 29-28 Inocencio, 29-28 Novachkov, 29-28 for Inocencio by split decision.
Ignacio Ortiz vs. Roger Severson
Severson is 3-3 in the blue gloves and trunks out of Vallejo, CA. Ortiz is 2-0 in the red gloves and black/yellow trunks out of Oakland, California. Our referee in charge is Josh Rosenthal.
Round 1: Ortiz is the aggressor early pushing Severson toward the outer circle and dancing back and forth. Severson misses with a couple of uppercuts as he tries to come forward, then settles back into going backward and away from Ortiz. Ortiz responds with a leg kick. Ortiz just misses with a left high head kick. Severson lands the right hand and left foot and suddenly he’s the one pushing the pace. Ortiz swarms and they wind up in the cage. Ortiz pops him in the head with a shoulder. Severson hits a knee to the body. Both men trade knees. Ortiz and Severson keep trading positions and medical bills against the fence until they return to the center at 4:08. 10-9 Ortiz.
Round 2: Ortiz is teeing off with every shot he throws whether it lands or not. Severson is trying to keep him at range with the kicks but he gets tagged with a couple of nasty right hooks in the second minute. Ortiz throws a shot straight to the Jimmy at 2:01 and Rosenthal calls time. Remember you’re never too old… Jimmy’s wearing a hat. Severson doesn’t need long to recover so we’re quickly underway. Severson gets hurt by a left hand and Ortiz pulls guard for a guillotine. He doesn’t have it though and Severson pops out on top. Ortiz goes for an armbar and Severson breaks free at 4:12. Ortiz is back up 20 seconds later. Ortiz kicks him in the junk again and Rosenthal calls time for a one point deduction. That makes this a 9-9 round.
Round 3: Both men clinch to throw knees and Ortiz lands the elbow over the top on the break. Severson moves backward constantly as Ortiz comes forward with his left hand high. Severson clinches him but Ortiz turns him into the cage for some dirty boxing and both men break at the halfway point. Severson throws combos but Ortiz had his arms up to block them. They trade dirty boxing and knees on the fence.Ortiz hurts him with a left elbow and right hand at 3:47. He continues to grind away and throw knees to the body with Severson pressed into the cage to the closing seconds. 10-9 Ortiz so I have him winning this fight. If two judges scored R1 for Severson it would be our second draw in a row.
Final result: All three judges score it 28-28 for a unanimous draw.
Chris Avila vs. Brandon Faumui
This is a catchweight fight at 160 lbs. Blue gloves and black trunks for Faumui, 4-3, fighting out of San Francisco, CA. Red gloves and black trunks for Avila, 6-7, fighting out of Stockton, CA. Our referee in charge is Blake Grice.
Round 1: Avila is the early aggressor, pawing at range with his left hand (drawing a warning from Grice for his extended fingers) and throwing kicks. Faumui gets pushed into the fence as Avila tries to find a takedown. Grice calls for more work. Faumui blocks the takedown and peels Avila off before shooting for a single leg. Faumui can’t get it and throws a knee on the break. Nate Diaz is shown in an inset camera cornering Avila. Faumui goes for the knee again then throws a kick that Avila trips him to the ground from to throw right hands at his head. Faumui gets back up and breaks free with 35 seconds left. 10-9 Faumui.
Round 2: Avila is throwing wild left hooks. Faumui goes for a head kick. Overhand right by Avila. Front kick. Left jab for Faumui. Avila throws a leg kick. They are tagging each other with jabs and hooks. Big overhand right tags Faumui. Avila pushes him into the cage and goes for a single leg. Faumui spreads his legs and uses good balance to avoid a leg trip. After the break Faumui comes forward swinging and throwing leg kicks. He’s attacking Avila’s left leg. Avila pushes him into the fence again. Faumui once again eludes his grasp. Knee to the body from Avila. They break with 10 seconds to go. Faumui throws a head kick but Avila blocks it. 10-9 Avila but it could go either way.
Round 3: Avila continues to chase the looping right hand. He pushes Faumui to the fence and goes for another single leg. Faumui escapes at 1:28. Faumui shoots but Avila quickly pushes his way out. Avila waves off a potential groin kick and the fight continues. Leg kicks from Faumui. One left hook for Avila lands — one misses. Faumui shoots again. Foot stomps. Avila throws a knee toward the head to force Faumui to let him go. Avila lands the overhand right at 4:08 and shoots. Knees to the thigh. 30 seconds. Avila stomps and throws more knees. Both men throw wild and land little in the last seconds. 10-9 Avila.
Final result: The judges score it 29-28 Avila, 30-27 Faumui, 29-28 for Faumui by split decision.
Chuck Campbell vs. Bruno Casillas
Casillas makes his pro debut out of San Diego, CA. Campbell is 1-0 out of San Jose, CA. Our referee in charge of this fight is Jason Herzog. Red gloves for Campbell, blue for Casillas.
Round 1: Campbell lands a hard leg kick 20 seconds in and looks for a right hook. We’re told he was a D1 football player for the University of Idaho. Casillas seems to be having a hard time dealing with Campbell’s height and reach. It’s clear Campbell favors the power in his right hand but it’s his RIGHT KNEE that destroys Casillas with one blow at 1:45.
Final result: Chuck Campbell wins via knockout at 1:45 of round one.
Cass Bell vs. Peter Ishiguro
Green hair and red gloves for Bell, 2-0. Blue gloves and black hair for Ishiguro, record of 1-0. This is a catchweight 140 lb. fight. Bell fights out of Humboldt County, CA and Ishiguro fights out of Mission Viejo, CA. Our referee in charge is Jason Herzog.
Round 1: Glove tap gets us started. Bell’s height and reach advantage are immediately evident and he tries to capitalize with a head kick Ishiguro avoids. Bell tags him with two strong left hooks, then a body kick, then another left hook. Ishiguro takes his back and drags him down, Bell gets back up and he throws him down. He gets up and goes for a ride a third time. Bell finally breaks the chain like Dokken at 1:35. Bell comes forward clipping Ishiguro with strikes but Ishiguro catches a kick and gets a takedown to side control. Bell gets him back to half guard but can’t peel him off. Ishiguro throws elbows to the body and tries to pull his leg through for mount. Bell sweeps on top at 3:39. Ishiguro gets up 10 seconds later. Head kick from Bell is checked. Ishiguro tags Bell with a right coming in. Bell gets a takedown at 4:29. He takes the back and is landing elbows and hands to the head. Ishiguro stands up and then takes Bell down hanging onto his back AT the bell. That was a wild first round of action. Bell won the striking, Ishiguro won the wrestling, but I think Bell did more damage so I edge it 10-9 to Bell.
Round 2: Bell lands a leg kick and Ishiguro pops him in the head in return. Bell throws a body kick and Ishiguro opts to stay standing instead of taking Bell down when he caught it. Left jab by Bell. He lands a combo and Ishiguro goes for a single leg but doesn’t take it. Leg kick for Ishiguro. Double leg takedown by Ishiguro at 2:23. They scramble to the fence and Bell gets up and out at 2:50. Bell comes forward with a flurry, lands a HUGE left knee to the chin, and quickly pounds it out while Ishiguro is stunned.
Final result: Cass Bell wins via knockout at 2:59 of the second round.
Hyder Amil vs. Paradise Vaovasa
Blue gloves and black trunks for Vaovasa, 6-3, fighting out of San Francisco, CA. Red gloves, black trunks, 2-0, Amil fights out of San Rafael, CA. Our referee in charge is Jason McCoy.
Round 1: Amil knocks Vaovasa down just eight seconds into the fight but Vaovasa gets back up. Vaovasa slips throwing a shot and then gets thrown before both men return to the stand up exchange. Amil with a left hook and several rights in a row. Vaovasa is trying to cover up but still getting tagged. Amil blocks a head kick and stuffs a takedown. Amil catches a kick and trips Vaovasa to the ground into guard landing elbows then spins to take the back and put his hooks in. He’s got a deep rear naked choke and this one is OVER.
Final result: Hyder Amil via rear naked choke at 2:34 of the first round.
Erik Gunha vs. Jon Adams
Gunha is 2-0 and Adams is making his pro debut. Adams is in the white trunks and blue gloves fighting out of San Jose, CA. Gunha is in the black trunks and red gloves and also fights out of San Jose by way of Brazil. Our referee is Ed Collantes.
Round 1: 10-10 round. Nobody landed a significant strike.
Round 2: 10-9 Gunha. He took him down and controlled him on top and nailed him with a kick at 4:10 when he got up before taking him right back down again.
Round 3: Gunha got kicked in the balls 35-40 seconds in and milked the clock on his timeout, making this already long card even longer. Collantes even said to him “At some point you’ve got to fight, alright?” Adams throws strikes that don’t even seem to come close to landing other than his opponent’s crotch. Collantes tells them to “pick it up.” Gunha gets a late takedown and after a scramble ends up on top. 10-9 Gunha.
Final result: 29-27 Gunha and 28-28 for a majority draw.