Sometimes it’s just best to tap and take the L.
Fight Pass played host to one of the east coast’s most notable, longest-running regional MMA promotions on Saturday, February 1st: Cage Fury Fighting Championships. The New Jersey based organization held their 81st event this last weekend, featuring three title bouts.
And at the top of the card, in the main event, featherweight champion Pat Sabatini (11-2) put his belt on the line against 5-3 contender James Gonzalez. However, if Sabatini was hoping to run through his less experienced competition, then his plans were badly derailed.
Early in round 1, Sabatini countered a low kick from Gonzalez, with a low kick of his own. The clash brought both fighters tumbling to the canvas, where Gonzalez quickly threw his legs up and latched onto an armbar. Sabatini tried to slam his way out of the submission, to disastrous results.
Arms are not supposed to bend that way (via @UFCFightPass) pic.twitter.com/jHCcB9Eus7
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 2, 2020
MMA Junkie reports that event medical staff treated Sabatini for a suspected dislocated shoulder and elbow, following the submission. Hopefully that means no broken bones, but the fighter will know more about the extent of his injuries after more extensive treatment. Gonzalez spoke to former WWE star and UFC fighter CM Punk – who was on color commentary dute for the event – after the bout, and gave his regrets about injuring his opponent.
“First, I would like to say I wish that didn’t happen. I wish he could have tapped and saved his arm from breaking like that,” Gonzalez said. “I respect Pat Sabatini. He’s been on the circuit with me since I started, and I always thought I was going to fight him sooner. But we fought him tonight, and this is what happened. But I wish him a speedy recovery.”
The loss breaks a 3-fight win streak for Sabatini, and is the second straight win for Gonzalez. Gonzalez also told Punk he hopes to chase the CFFC bantamweight title in the near future.