MMA fighters earned Muay Thai wins on the night as Cristiane Cyborg and Cosmo Alexandre won their respective bouts.
It took Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino three rounds to dispatch of the late replacement Jennifer Colomb via technical knockout stemming from a flurry of body shots.
Cosmo Alexandre won his bout via anticlimactic decision over Thai fighter Nampon in five rounds. A veteran of the sport himself, it did not take long for Alexandre to find his rhythm in the ring. In the end, Cosmo was able to land the better strikes and avoid damage. The victory is No. 42 in his Thai boxing career.
The Lion Fight 11 event was held under the dazzling lights of Fremont and Third Street in front of The D Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas Friday night. Three amateur fights and eight pro bouts entertained approximately 1,000 fans. However, there was no secret who fans were waiting for as Cyborg’s name and image brought out continuous ovations on queue.
Cyborg’s opponent seemed to be attempting to implement much the same strategy as Marloes Coenen did in Cyborg’s last MMA bout. She looked to tire Cyborg and to keep her distance in order to pick her openings for attack. But just like Marloes, Colomb learned that Cyborg leaves little in the way of opportunity, and the French fighter wilted in the third after being battered against the ropes.
To be fair to Colomb, it was a strong effort given there was a 10-day notice and a trip from France involved in her preparation to take on one of the most intimidating women in combat sports. Colomb kept her poise prior to her almost inevitable demise and did not show fear as she took on the Brazilian juggernaut.
Still, her gutsy showing was enough to show Lion Fight she deserves a follow-up bout.
Kevin Ross and Tetsuya Yamato gave Fight of the Night performances in the co-main event. The two gave as good as they took for five full rounds. In the end, Yamato took the appropriate win via split decision.
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