Kicking off the event was a lightweight matchup between promotional newcomers John Cholish and Mitch Clarke. The two submission specialists quickly looked to make their mark on the 155-pound division.
Cholish entered the bout riding a seven-fight win streak. The Strikeforce veteran wrestled at Cornell and has been under the tutelage of Renzo Gracie since the start of his MMA career.
The Canadian Clarke steps into the Octagon for the first time carrying an undefeated record. Six of his nine wins have come by way of submission.
Cholish barreled in early and locked for a takedown. Clarke stuffed it and briefly looked for a guillotine choke. Clarke connected with a pair of uppercuts. Cholish scored with a big leg kick. A stiff jab from Cholish popped the head back of Clarke. Cholish slipped and Clarke moved to take his back. Cholish rolled for a kneebar and landed in the top position. Clarke used the cage to try to stand, but Cholish put him on his back again. Cholish let Clarke stand. Cholish followed a left hook with an outside leg kick. Clarke fired away, but failed to land a number of punches. Clarke stuffed another takedown attempt from Cholish as the round concluded.
Cholish scored with a right hand to start the second round. A sluggish Clarke ate more right hands before Cholish again worked to the take the fight to the mat but failed. Another right hand from Cholish landed flush on the jaw of Clarke. Clarke continued to reach for his punches and repeatedly took right hands from Cholish. With two minutes remaining in the round, Cholish landed a double leg takedown. The pair scrambled as Clarke tried to escape and Cholish took his back. The slick transition gave Cholish the ability to rain punches and open up a big cut on Clarke. Referee John McCarthy saw enough and waived off the bout.
Speaking with Joe Rogan after the bout, Cholish credited Clarke for being a tough opponent and thanked his coaches for the win.
Official Result: John Cholish def. Mitch Clarke by TKO (strikes). Round 2, 4:36
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Rob Tatum is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. You can also find Rob’s work at TheMMACorner.com. For anything related to MMA, you can follow Rob on Twitter @RobTatumMMA.