Vagner Rocha and Cody McKenzie squared off in what many expected to be a quick fight by way of submission.
In fact, of their 18 combined fights, fiften have ended in a submission victory for both Rocha and McKenzie.
In one of the more exciting bouts of the evening, Rocha and McKenzie exchanged strikes early and fairly evenly. While the two engaged in throwing strikes, it was just a matter of time until the fight was taken to the ground and the submission attempts began.
As expected, Rocha took control on the ground and looked to end McKenzie’s night early. McKenzie, unexpectedly showed exceptional submission defense as Rocha wouldn’t find an answer how to end his opponent.
While McKenzie demonstrated improved submission defense, the constant “fighting for his life” appeared to get the best of him as he began to gasp for air.
McKenzie, who looked to repeat history tried submitting Rocha via Guillotine Choke several times but was unsuccessful.
Finally, Rocha took complete control and began punishing McKenzie. The longer the fight went on the more entertained the fans became.
McKenzie truly demonstrated his heart as it appeared as if he was never going to tap.
While Rocha was unsuccessful in many submission attempts he finally connected on one that put an end to McKenzie’s night.
McKenzie walked out of the Octagon taking a step back in his mixed martial arts career and Rocha gained the biggest win of his career.