Bantamweight standout Brad Pickett kept his hopes of entering the title picture alive, defeating the always-tough Damacio Page via rear-naked choke in the second round.
Damacio started the fight well, pushing the pace and landing a solid up-kick, but eventually faded as Picket was able to take control with his grappling.
As the fight progressed, Pickett was able to take Page down at will and was also able to drop Page standing with a vicious left-hook.
Eventually, Pickett became too much for Page, and he was able to slip in the choke.
What we’ll remember about this fight:
The knockdown and the finish.
The punch that dropped Page was a well-timed left hook, and it was likely the biggest “OH SHIT” of the fight.
As for the choke, there wasn’t much special about it, but the fans always remember a finish.
What we learned about Brad Pickett:
Not much we didn’t already know.
He’s a very well-rounded fighter, and he’s dangerous in all areas. His skills aren’t developed enough to take on the elite of the division, but against lesser fighters, he has the tools to shine.
What we learned about Damacio Page:
Also, not much that we didn’t already know.
He’s aggressive and has heart but isn’t technically good enough in any one area to take out high-level opponents.
Page will likely never be any more than a gatekeeper for the bantamweight division.
What’s next for Brad Pickett:
The loser of Miguel Torres and Michael McDonald.
What’s next for Damacio Page:
Eddie Wineland.
Andrew Barr is a Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com. For updates on what’s happening in the world of MMA, follow him on Twitter @AndrewBarr8.
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