(Video via AXSTV)
Former CagePotato Proving Grounds winner Nick Newell kicked, suplex-slammed and choked his way to victory in Nashville, TN last night, earning the XFC 155 pound title in the process. As you can see in the fight video above, Newell took out Bellator veteran Eric Reynolds quickly and improved his unblemished record to 9-0.
Reynolds himself has before gone the distance with both Jorge Masvidal and maybe UFC-bound Eddie Alvarez. Newell beating Reynolds in such dominating fashion, then, has to put him one step closer to consideration for the big leagues.
The southpaw Newell began his attack against Reynolds with rear and and lead kicks, both low and high, before closing the distance and getting behind Reynolds with a body lock. From there, Newell maintained control and bided his time before lifting his opponent high up into the air and slamming him face down onto the mat. Newell quickly spun around to get his legs around Reynolds and took his back.
Reynolds stood up with Newell on his back while trying to defend the rear naked choke attempt but could not loosen the soon to be champion’s grip. Reynolds fell backwards onto the ground and submitted to the hold, tapping out. Overcome with emotion, Newell got up, ran around the ring with his arms outstretched before falling to his knees and looking up to the sky.
