XFC 17: Apocalypse turned out to be a decent night of fights, but nothing compared to the fight between Nick Newell and Chris Coggins.
A bout that when made had all the potential for a submission win did not end in such fashion. However, despite going to a decision, the fight was a war of the ground game nonetheless.
Starting off strong, Newell used his superior wrestling and strength to dictate where the fight went. After exchanging some blows, Newell proceeded to get Coggins on the ground, where both men have had success
Coggins went into the fight 5-1, with his last three wins ending by armbar. An interesting note, considering his next opponent would be none other than the one-armed Newell.
While Coggins tried to work from the bottom, Newell decided to go for a familiar move. Dropping back and going for Coggins’ heel, Newell tried to go for yet another heel hook submission. While he visibly put a lot of effort into it, he was not able to submit Coggins and went back into a struggle with him. The round ended with Coggins attempting an armbar, but Newell ultimately was saved by the bell.
The first round ended with the judges favoring Newell. The second round started similar, but what would come would be the most dangerous five minutes of Newell’s career so far.
After getting into advantageous positions, Coggins gained some control on the ground and began to take Newell’s back. After much struggle, Coggins locked in a deep rear-naked choke but was unable to finish.
To everyone’s amazement, Coggins again secured another deep rear-naked choke, one that would have Newell fall back from a standing position in attempt to shake him off.
Newell seemed in danger, and the referee was in close to observe the action. He verbally and physically signaled to Newell to squeeze his fingers to indicate he was not passed out. Newell miraculously survived yet again, and ended the only second round he had ever been in.
The third round was back to control by the strong wrestling of Newell. After controlling the fight and still looking for a guillotine and rear-naked choke himself, Newell stayed in the top position for most of the round. Coggins had attempted more submissions, but was unable to get them setup properly.
The fight was over and the crowd erupted.
After three rounds of grueling competition, the judges scores were announced. The first judge had it 28-28. The last two had it both 29-28, giving the majority decision to Nick Newell.
After the fight, Newell expressed during his interview that during the second round he was out for a very short period of time and was thankful the referee didn’t stop it. While this is normally a dangerous occurrence, the time Newell might have been out would have been quick.
Based on positioning of the fighters and the referee, the referee assumingly did not catch this small lapse in consciousness.
Newell put on an amazing display of heart and determination that many have come to expect from him. While his disability is unique, he does not allow it to overtake him and he works to prove himself with each fight.
With each win, he makes more of a case for himself for all of those out there who refuse to fight him. Newell is now 7-0, with one TKO, five submissions and one decision. How far he will climb is yet to be seen.
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