the madscotsman
11-09-2013, 04:18 PM
MATT JONES
VS.
LINTON VASSELL
ROUND 1
Jones drives forward for a takedown, but Vassell sweeps him immediately and passes his guard. Something has lacerated Jones, who scrambles to all fours but is soon after suplexed twice by the Brit. The Texan fights his way back to his feet, but a knee to the body hurts him against the cage. Vassell wings left hands to Jones’ left eye but then a knee appears to stray low. Jones drops to his hands and knees, and referee Don Turnage halts the action. The bloody American elects to continue, but Vassell meets him with three hard jabs followed by a two-piece combination. Jones is bleeding badly from the cut above his left eye and is now squinting. He continues struggling to get inside the long reach of his opponent, who cracks him with a low kick and a lead right hook, followed by a straight left. Another cracking right hand from the Brit lands, and Jones fruitlessly bulls foward to end the frame.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Vassell
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Vassell
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Vassell
ROUND 2
Jones drives forward to start round two, but Vassell counters with a double-leg takedown. The Englishman steps over his foe’s legs and takes his back, dropping left hands and elbows as he searches for an opportunity to sink in a second hook. Jones does well to shrimp and recover half guard, but Vassell continues to pound away with elbows from top position. The Texan turtles and drives hard on a double-leg, but Vassell easily sweeps him and takes mount for a split second before Jones bucks him off. Vassell recovers mount soon after, however, and takes Jones’ back in the waning moments of round two. With 10 seconds left in the round, he threatens with a rear-naked choke briefly, but doesn't commit fully before the bell.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Vassell
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Vassell
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Vassell
ROUND 3
Photo: Keith Mills/Sherdog.com
Vassell blew Jones out on the floor.
Vassell revisits his jab to begin the third and pops his shorter opponent with a series of snappy shots at the end of his range. The Brit plows ahead with another double-leg takedown try and finishes the technique after a bit of difficulty. Vassell is content to sit in half guard and drop more ground-and-pound on the crimson-coated face of Jones at this point and displays no real urgency. Perhaps out of boredom, Vassell goes for dominant position, suddenly taking his man’s back. Jones again recovers half guard with 20 seconds remaining, but Vassell passes to north-south just before the final bell sounds. A complete grappling domination by
Linton Vassell.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Vassell (30-27 Vassell)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Vassell (30-27 Vassell)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Vassell (30-27 Vassell)
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Linton Vassell def. Matt Jones via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27) R3 5:00
RAPHAEL BUTLER
VS.
JOSH BURNS
ROUND 1
Right from the get-go, Butler immediately cracks Burns with a right hand and a left hook. A staggered Burns clinches and grinds the former Golden Gloves champ against the cage, but Butler punishes him with a pair of knees to the body and then three more to the head. Burns drops to his hands and knees, and Butler assaults him with nasty hooks to the ears. Butler keeps winging on him with both hands while Burns feebly covers up beneath him. Burns then verbally submits to the powerful strikes, and referee Jason Herzog waves off the contest after a brief moment of confusion.
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Raphael Butler def. Josh Burns via Verbal Submission (Knees and Punches) R1 2:14
RYAN MCCURDY
VS.
MIKE MUCITELLI
ROUND 1
Mucitelli lands a low kick before shooting for a takedown. McCurdy stuffs him, and the men separate after a minute against the cage. Mucitelli lands a left hook-right straight in the center of the cage, followed by a body kick, but McCurdy drives forward with a solid jab of his own. McCurdy stifles another takedown and lands a knee to the belly. McCurdy lands a nice right hand and a low kick, along with another jab. The Oklahoman suddenly lands a right hand behind Mucitelli’s ear that drops him to the mat. McCurdy dives into his man’s guard but allows him to stand before catching a kick and putting him on the canvas once again with a right hand.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 McCurdy
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 McCurdy
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 McCurdy
ROUND 2
Mucitelli sees another desperate takedown stuffed to begin round two, and McCurdy is now stalking the New Yorker with his jab. McCurdy catches two consecutive kicks and throws Mucitelli to the mat both times, electing not to follow his foe down. Mucitelli eats another jab but answers with a one-two of his own. McCurdy blocks a head kick but eats one to the body shortly thereafter. McCurdly looks fatigued now, and Mucitelli appears to have found a second wind, winging a left hook upstairs and then firing a hard round kick to the ribs as the round expires.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Mucitelli
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Mucitelli
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Mucitelli
ROUND 3
Photo: K. Mills/Sherdog.com
Mucitelli took over in the final 10.
Mucitelli lands a solid knee to the ribs, but McCurdy responds in kind and follows up with a pair of stiff jabs. His undefeated opponent presses the action and lands a sharp right hand on the inside, moving forward with two low kicks to McCurdy’s lead leg. Both men are cut over an eye. “Crazy” Mike lands two hard right hands, but McCurdy connects with a hard right of his own, followed by a jab and a solid left hook. McCurdy catches a kick and sweeps Mucitelli to the mat. However, the Oklahoman once again stands out of Mucitelli’s guard to avoid the ground game.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Mucitelli (29-28 Mucitelli)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Mucitelli (29-28 Mucitelli)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Mucitelli (29-28 Mucitelli)
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Mike Mucitelli def. Ryan McCurdy via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00
JONAS BILLSTEIN
VS.
CORTEZ COLEMAN
ROUND 1
Billstein leaps forward with a left hook, but Coleman pushes him to the matt. The German rolls him to his back, but Coleman uses the momentum and rolls back into top position. The prospect fishes for a triangle choke from his back, prompting Coleman to return to his feet. Billstein bounces on the outside, and Coleman pursues patiently, but neither man is throwing anything with frequency. Billstein clinches and presses Coleman’s back to the cage, dropping for a double-leg and slamming “The Crazy Cowboy” to the canvas. Billstein postures of and lands three rights to the ribs before passing to half guard and then to full mount to end round one.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Billstein
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Billstein
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Billstein
ROUND 2
Billstein resumes his elusive approach in the standup and flicks out a front kick to keep Coleman out of punching range. The German lands a low kick and then closes the distance, grabbing an over-under clinch and kneeing Coleman violently in the cup. The American takes two minutes to recover from the blow and then returns to the chase. Billstein drops for a single-leg, and Coleman counters with a guillotine attempt. The 22-year-old pops his head out and begins to pound away with punches to the head and body. Billstein steps into mount, and Coleman gives up his back with 60 seconds left in the frame. The German looks for the rear-naked choke but cannot secure it before the bell sounds.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Billstein
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Billstein
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Billstein
ROUND 3
Photo: K. Mills/Sherdog.com
Billstein dominated from beginning to end.
Coleman leaps forward with a left hook, and Billstein grabs ahold of him once again, slamming him to the mat just a minute into the final frame. Billstein lands in side control and connects with several elbow to the face before easily stepping into mount and then taking Coleman’s back. The American rolls out of the position and lands on top, but he can do little inside of Billstein’s guard. The prospect uses an underhook to sweep his foe and mounts Coleman once again, dropping hard shots to the mug of the 31-year-old. Billstein grinds away until the final bell.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Billstein (30-27 Billstein)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Billstein (30-27 Billstein)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Billstein (30-27 Billstein)
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Jonas Billstein def. Cortez Coleman via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
JAMES EDSON BERTO
VS.
PATRICKY FREIRE
ROUND 1
Berto fires a jab and a series of low kicks to start, and Freire dives in with a hard left hook that is blocked. Berto counters with a left hook of his own, followed by an inside low kick. Freire stings his foe with a hard overhand right, but Berto is not hurt and fires back with two more inside low kicks. “Pitbull” snaps an outside low kick, but Berto retaliates before being staggered by a stiff jab. Two more jabs land for Freire with a minute to go, and he follows up with a right uppercut to the body. Berto then cracks him with a hard right hand, but Freire answers with a nice one-two to the grill.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Freire
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Freire
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Freire
ROUND 2
Freire connects with a right straight to the body and fires a jab-straight that is blocked. “Pitbull” then lands a heavy outside low kick, and the lightweights then trade kicks to the thighs. Freire whiffs on a wild, superman-uppercut, and Berto misses on a left hand counter. “Pitbull” lands a hard jab and a low kick, but responds with a glancing right hand. Freire huts his foe with a right hand and then drops him with a left hook. The former Bellator tournament finalist pounces but Berto gets his wits about him quickly. Freire is forced step away from Berto to avoid a heel hook attempt, allowing his foe to regain his feet after getting his bell rung. A flying knee lands for Freire, but Berto grabs the technique and takes him down, pinning Freire against the cage and landing a nice left to close out the frame.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Freire
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Freire
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Freire
ROUND 3
Photo: K. Mills/Sherdog.com
Friere earned a much-needed win.
An aggressive Freire wings a right hand to start the final frame and checks a low kick before connecting with a right straight. Freire whiffs on a flying knee but lands a hard right hand on the ear that backs up the 30-year-old. Freire cracks his shin into Berto’s lead leg twice, and Berto tries a high kick that is blocked. “Pitbull” connects with a nice left hook and scores a takedown but once again stands to avoid Berto’s guard. “Little Tiger” steps in with a hard left hook and then a whipping right body kick. Berto snaps Freire’s head back with a right uppercut but circles away as the round winds down.
Freire gives chase, lunging with punches, but can't find his target as he slips up on the canvas before the bell tolls.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Freire (30-27 Freire)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Freire (30-27 Freire)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Freire (30-27 Freire)
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Patricky Freire def. James Edson Berto via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00
DEREK CAMPOS
VS.
MARTIN STAPLETON
ROUND 1
Campos leads with a hard left hook to start the contest and follows with another one that staggers Stapleton. The Brit recovers and connects with a low kick, but Campos takes him down and lands in side control. Stapleton bucks and regains his vertical base but eats another left hook. Stapleton retaliates with a good right straight and a left hook, but Campos again finds a home for his left. The Englishman whiffs with a big right uppercut but connects with a solid leg kick. Campos quickly closes the distance, however, and drags Stapleton to the mat. The American takes his foe’s back and transitions to an armbar, but Stapleton slips out. Campos lands a glancing spinning back kick at the bell.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Campos
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Campos
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Campos
ROUND 2
Campos scores with a double-leg takedown to open round two, but Stapleton quickly regains his base. The Brit just can’t seem to get out of the way of Campos’ left hook, but he finds success with a one-two down the pipe. “The Stallion” rips a left to the ribs and then doubles up on a jab upstairs, but Stapleton fires back with a right hand and two jabs of his own. Campos whiffs on a looping right but lands one flush after catching a low kick. The American drops a series of hard elbows from half-guard, riding out the last minute of the round on top.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Campos
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Campos
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Campos
ROUND 3
Photo: K. Mills/Sherdog.com
Campos dominated Stapleton for 15 minutes.
Stapleton lands two solid left hands and a left elbow to start round three, opening a cut over Campos’ right eye. Campos responds with a takedown, but “.50 Cal” works right back to his feet. However, the American takes him right back down and holds top position. The Brit plays good defense, using sharp elbows from his guard to stifle Campos’ offense, but Campos takes Stapleton’s back as he tries to stand and transitions to mount. From there, Campos mashes with a series of elbows, causing the Englishmen to roll and give up his back briefly before putting his spine on the mat. Campos ends the fight with a
flurry of punches to close out the contest.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Campos (30-27 Campos)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Campos (30-27 Campos)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Campos (30-27 Campos)
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Derek Campos def. Martin Stapleton via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
BELLATOR SEASON 9 MIDDLEWEIGHT TOURNAMENT FINAL:
MIKKEL PARLO
VS.
BRENNAN WARD
ROUND 1
Ward eats a stiff jab and tries a takedown that is stuffed. Parlo defends a pair of hip tosses and rips a knee to the ribs before pressing “The Irish Bad Boy” against the fence. Ward once again tries to use a whizzer to throw the Dane, but Parlo’s defense is stout. He stands and goes back to grinding his man against the chain-link and then connects with a right hand after separating. Ward scores with a lead left hook, and both men whiff with wild shots. Ward tries a double-leg takedown from distance, but Parlo easily stuffs the shot, and the middleweights trade knees to the belly against the cage. The separate again, and Parlo lands a hard low kick before stuffing yet another takedown try. Parlo pops his foe with a couple of light lefts from the clinch.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Parlo
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Parlo
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Parlo
ROUND 2
Photo: K. Mills/Sherdog.com
Ward's right hand did massive damage.
Ward lands a sharp uppercut, but Parlo counters with a snapping left hook. Parlo’s left eye is beginning to swell, and the man from Connecticut drops him with a stiff left. The Dane pops right back up, but the American swarms him with series of nasty body shots from the clinch. It is right hand after right hand to the ribcage from Ward, who is now smashing his foe. Ward then unloads upstairs, planting a series of right hands on Parlo’s jaw against the fence. The 23-year-old never goes down, but referee Kerry Hatley has seen enough and waves off the bout to save Parlo from more punishment. The dismayed and dazed Parlo looks
at Hatley quizzically after the stoppage.
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Brennan Ward def. Mikkel Parlo via TKO (Punches) R2 1:39
BELLATOR SEASON 9 BANTAMWEIGHT TOURNAMENT FINAL:
JOE WARREN
VS.
TRAVIS MARX
ROUND 1
The bantamweights touch gloves to begin their tournament final and Marx whiffs on a left hand. Marx lands with a hard body kick, but “The Baddest Man on the Planet” scores with a takedown, passing to side control but allowing Marx to escape to his feet. Marx backs Warren up with a low kick, but the former featherweight titlist closes the distance and elevates his opponent and slams him powerfully to the canvas. Warren works from half guard with short punches, and Marx does his best to butt-scoot to the cage and then regain vertical base. However, Warren secures double underhooks and drags his foe to the mat once again to end the frame.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Warren
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Warren
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Warren
ROUND 2
Photo: K. Mills/Sherdog.com
Warren closed the show with a brutal knee.
Marx looks for a left hand to to start the second round, but Warren gauges distance before closing the gap and scoring with another takedown. Though Marx again manages to work to his feet, Warren hangs on his back briefly and seizes a golden opportunity when Marx turns into him, grabbing a Thai plum and unloading with a nasty knee to the face that puts Marx down. Warren follows up with several punches to the ears of his fallen foe, smashing away on his ribs and head until referee Jason Herzog intervenes, but this one was over after the knee.
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Joe Warren def. Travis Marx via TKO (Knees and Punches) R2 1:56
BELLATOR SEASON 9 HEAVYWEIGHT TOURNAMENT FINAL:
CHEICK KONGO
VS.
PETER GRAHAM
ROUND 1
Graham cracks Kongo with a low kick to start the evening’s main event. “The Chief” continues to press forward drives his shin twice more into the UFC vet’s thigh. Kongo continues to retreat and flicks out a jab, followed by a right hand. The Frenchman lands a knee in the clinch and tries to snatch a front headlock, but the Aussie escapes. Kongo works a nice jab and connects with a solid uppercut midway through the frame, driving forward and landing a knee from the Thai plum before scoring with a body kick. Kongo is really turning up the heat now, firing body kicks and right straights to back up the K-1 vet. Graham clinches and presses Kongo against the cage. The men separate, and neither can connect with anything in the last 20 seconds of round one.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kongo
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Kongo
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Kongo
ROUND 2
Kongo maintains his aggressiveness to start the second stanza, connecting with a crisp combination that cuts Graham over his left eye. The Australian clinches, but Kongo makes him pay with knees to the body and an overhand right. Graham takes a deep breath, and Kongo presses forward, though Graham shucks him off and connects with a sharp right hand. The Frenchman responds with a right hand and more knee to the body. Kongo socks him with another right, and he is clearly the fresher man right now. Kongo clinches, and Graham nearly scores with a hip throw, but Kongo defends and regains his feet. The K-1 veteran looks exhausted, and Kongo is showing him no quarter, pinning him against the fence and unloading with hard knees to the ribs. Kongo ends the round with a takedown and scores with punches and elbows from half guard.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kongo
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Kongo
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Kongo
ROUND 3
Kongo also looks arm-weary to begin the final round, but he is nevertheless still the more active heavyweight, pushing out front kicks and jabs from distance. Graham fires back with a low kick and a counter right hand after slipping a Kongo jab. The Aussie drives forward with a flurry, but Kongo ducks underneath the punches and scores with a takedown, easily taking the mount and unloading with a violent elbow that dramatically worsens Graham’s cut. “The Chief” gives up his back but explodes out of the position and struggles back to his feet. Graham tries to land some clean punches, but Kongo will give him no space and hits another takedown with 60 seconds to go. Kongo is content to sit in half-guard and drop shots to the body, and a bloody Graham can do nothing about it until the final bell tolls.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kongo (30-27 Kongo)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Kongo (30-27 Kongo)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Kongo (30-27 Kongo)
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Cheick Kongo def. Peter Graham via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
VS.
LINTON VASSELL
ROUND 1
Jones drives forward for a takedown, but Vassell sweeps him immediately and passes his guard. Something has lacerated Jones, who scrambles to all fours but is soon after suplexed twice by the Brit. The Texan fights his way back to his feet, but a knee to the body hurts him against the cage. Vassell wings left hands to Jones’ left eye but then a knee appears to stray low. Jones drops to his hands and knees, and referee Don Turnage halts the action. The bloody American elects to continue, but Vassell meets him with three hard jabs followed by a two-piece combination. Jones is bleeding badly from the cut above his left eye and is now squinting. He continues struggling to get inside the long reach of his opponent, who cracks him with a low kick and a lead right hook, followed by a straight left. Another cracking right hand from the Brit lands, and Jones fruitlessly bulls foward to end the frame.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Vassell
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Vassell
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Vassell
ROUND 2
Jones drives forward to start round two, but Vassell counters with a double-leg takedown. The Englishman steps over his foe’s legs and takes his back, dropping left hands and elbows as he searches for an opportunity to sink in a second hook. Jones does well to shrimp and recover half guard, but Vassell continues to pound away with elbows from top position. The Texan turtles and drives hard on a double-leg, but Vassell easily sweeps him and takes mount for a split second before Jones bucks him off. Vassell recovers mount soon after, however, and takes Jones’ back in the waning moments of round two. With 10 seconds left in the round, he threatens with a rear-naked choke briefly, but doesn't commit fully before the bell.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Vassell
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Vassell
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Vassell
ROUND 3
Photo: Keith Mills/Sherdog.com
Vassell blew Jones out on the floor.
Vassell revisits his jab to begin the third and pops his shorter opponent with a series of snappy shots at the end of his range. The Brit plows ahead with another double-leg takedown try and finishes the technique after a bit of difficulty. Vassell is content to sit in half guard and drop more ground-and-pound on the crimson-coated face of Jones at this point and displays no real urgency. Perhaps out of boredom, Vassell goes for dominant position, suddenly taking his man’s back. Jones again recovers half guard with 20 seconds remaining, but Vassell passes to north-south just before the final bell sounds. A complete grappling domination by
Linton Vassell.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Vassell (30-27 Vassell)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Vassell (30-27 Vassell)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Vassell (30-27 Vassell)
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Linton Vassell def. Matt Jones via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27) R3 5:00
RAPHAEL BUTLER
VS.
JOSH BURNS
ROUND 1
Right from the get-go, Butler immediately cracks Burns with a right hand and a left hook. A staggered Burns clinches and grinds the former Golden Gloves champ against the cage, but Butler punishes him with a pair of knees to the body and then three more to the head. Burns drops to his hands and knees, and Butler assaults him with nasty hooks to the ears. Butler keeps winging on him with both hands while Burns feebly covers up beneath him. Burns then verbally submits to the powerful strikes, and referee Jason Herzog waves off the contest after a brief moment of confusion.
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Raphael Butler def. Josh Burns via Verbal Submission (Knees and Punches) R1 2:14
RYAN MCCURDY
VS.
MIKE MUCITELLI
ROUND 1
Mucitelli lands a low kick before shooting for a takedown. McCurdy stuffs him, and the men separate after a minute against the cage. Mucitelli lands a left hook-right straight in the center of the cage, followed by a body kick, but McCurdy drives forward with a solid jab of his own. McCurdy stifles another takedown and lands a knee to the belly. McCurdy lands a nice right hand and a low kick, along with another jab. The Oklahoman suddenly lands a right hand behind Mucitelli’s ear that drops him to the mat. McCurdy dives into his man’s guard but allows him to stand before catching a kick and putting him on the canvas once again with a right hand.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 McCurdy
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 McCurdy
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 McCurdy
ROUND 2
Mucitelli sees another desperate takedown stuffed to begin round two, and McCurdy is now stalking the New Yorker with his jab. McCurdy catches two consecutive kicks and throws Mucitelli to the mat both times, electing not to follow his foe down. Mucitelli eats another jab but answers with a one-two of his own. McCurdy blocks a head kick but eats one to the body shortly thereafter. McCurdly looks fatigued now, and Mucitelli appears to have found a second wind, winging a left hook upstairs and then firing a hard round kick to the ribs as the round expires.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Mucitelli
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Mucitelli
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Mucitelli
ROUND 3
Photo: K. Mills/Sherdog.com
Mucitelli took over in the final 10.
Mucitelli lands a solid knee to the ribs, but McCurdy responds in kind and follows up with a pair of stiff jabs. His undefeated opponent presses the action and lands a sharp right hand on the inside, moving forward with two low kicks to McCurdy’s lead leg. Both men are cut over an eye. “Crazy” Mike lands two hard right hands, but McCurdy connects with a hard right of his own, followed by a jab and a solid left hook. McCurdy catches a kick and sweeps Mucitelli to the mat. However, the Oklahoman once again stands out of Mucitelli’s guard to avoid the ground game.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Mucitelli (29-28 Mucitelli)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Mucitelli (29-28 Mucitelli)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Mucitelli (29-28 Mucitelli)
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Mike Mucitelli def. Ryan McCurdy via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00
JONAS BILLSTEIN
VS.
CORTEZ COLEMAN
ROUND 1
Billstein leaps forward with a left hook, but Coleman pushes him to the matt. The German rolls him to his back, but Coleman uses the momentum and rolls back into top position. The prospect fishes for a triangle choke from his back, prompting Coleman to return to his feet. Billstein bounces on the outside, and Coleman pursues patiently, but neither man is throwing anything with frequency. Billstein clinches and presses Coleman’s back to the cage, dropping for a double-leg and slamming “The Crazy Cowboy” to the canvas. Billstein postures of and lands three rights to the ribs before passing to half guard and then to full mount to end round one.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Billstein
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Billstein
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Billstein
ROUND 2
Billstein resumes his elusive approach in the standup and flicks out a front kick to keep Coleman out of punching range. The German lands a low kick and then closes the distance, grabbing an over-under clinch and kneeing Coleman violently in the cup. The American takes two minutes to recover from the blow and then returns to the chase. Billstein drops for a single-leg, and Coleman counters with a guillotine attempt. The 22-year-old pops his head out and begins to pound away with punches to the head and body. Billstein steps into mount, and Coleman gives up his back with 60 seconds left in the frame. The German looks for the rear-naked choke but cannot secure it before the bell sounds.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Billstein
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Billstein
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Billstein
ROUND 3
Photo: K. Mills/Sherdog.com
Billstein dominated from beginning to end.
Coleman leaps forward with a left hook, and Billstein grabs ahold of him once again, slamming him to the mat just a minute into the final frame. Billstein lands in side control and connects with several elbow to the face before easily stepping into mount and then taking Coleman’s back. The American rolls out of the position and lands on top, but he can do little inside of Billstein’s guard. The prospect uses an underhook to sweep his foe and mounts Coleman once again, dropping hard shots to the mug of the 31-year-old. Billstein grinds away until the final bell.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Billstein (30-27 Billstein)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Billstein (30-27 Billstein)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Billstein (30-27 Billstein)
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Jonas Billstein def. Cortez Coleman via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
JAMES EDSON BERTO
VS.
PATRICKY FREIRE
ROUND 1
Berto fires a jab and a series of low kicks to start, and Freire dives in with a hard left hook that is blocked. Berto counters with a left hook of his own, followed by an inside low kick. Freire stings his foe with a hard overhand right, but Berto is not hurt and fires back with two more inside low kicks. “Pitbull” snaps an outside low kick, but Berto retaliates before being staggered by a stiff jab. Two more jabs land for Freire with a minute to go, and he follows up with a right uppercut to the body. Berto then cracks him with a hard right hand, but Freire answers with a nice one-two to the grill.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Freire
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Freire
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Freire
ROUND 2
Freire connects with a right straight to the body and fires a jab-straight that is blocked. “Pitbull” then lands a heavy outside low kick, and the lightweights then trade kicks to the thighs. Freire whiffs on a wild, superman-uppercut, and Berto misses on a left hand counter. “Pitbull” lands a hard jab and a low kick, but responds with a glancing right hand. Freire huts his foe with a right hand and then drops him with a left hook. The former Bellator tournament finalist pounces but Berto gets his wits about him quickly. Freire is forced step away from Berto to avoid a heel hook attempt, allowing his foe to regain his feet after getting his bell rung. A flying knee lands for Freire, but Berto grabs the technique and takes him down, pinning Freire against the cage and landing a nice left to close out the frame.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Freire
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Freire
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Freire
ROUND 3
Photo: K. Mills/Sherdog.com
Friere earned a much-needed win.
An aggressive Freire wings a right hand to start the final frame and checks a low kick before connecting with a right straight. Freire whiffs on a flying knee but lands a hard right hand on the ear that backs up the 30-year-old. Freire cracks his shin into Berto’s lead leg twice, and Berto tries a high kick that is blocked. “Pitbull” connects with a nice left hook and scores a takedown but once again stands to avoid Berto’s guard. “Little Tiger” steps in with a hard left hook and then a whipping right body kick. Berto snaps Freire’s head back with a right uppercut but circles away as the round winds down.
Freire gives chase, lunging with punches, but can't find his target as he slips up on the canvas before the bell tolls.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Freire (30-27 Freire)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Freire (30-27 Freire)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Freire (30-27 Freire)
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Patricky Freire def. James Edson Berto via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00
DEREK CAMPOS
VS.
MARTIN STAPLETON
ROUND 1
Campos leads with a hard left hook to start the contest and follows with another one that staggers Stapleton. The Brit recovers and connects with a low kick, but Campos takes him down and lands in side control. Stapleton bucks and regains his vertical base but eats another left hook. Stapleton retaliates with a good right straight and a left hook, but Campos again finds a home for his left. The Englishman whiffs with a big right uppercut but connects with a solid leg kick. Campos quickly closes the distance, however, and drags Stapleton to the mat. The American takes his foe’s back and transitions to an armbar, but Stapleton slips out. Campos lands a glancing spinning back kick at the bell.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Campos
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Campos
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Campos
ROUND 2
Campos scores with a double-leg takedown to open round two, but Stapleton quickly regains his base. The Brit just can’t seem to get out of the way of Campos’ left hook, but he finds success with a one-two down the pipe. “The Stallion” rips a left to the ribs and then doubles up on a jab upstairs, but Stapleton fires back with a right hand and two jabs of his own. Campos whiffs on a looping right but lands one flush after catching a low kick. The American drops a series of hard elbows from half-guard, riding out the last minute of the round on top.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Campos
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Campos
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Campos
ROUND 3
Photo: K. Mills/Sherdog.com
Campos dominated Stapleton for 15 minutes.
Stapleton lands two solid left hands and a left elbow to start round three, opening a cut over Campos’ right eye. Campos responds with a takedown, but “.50 Cal” works right back to his feet. However, the American takes him right back down and holds top position. The Brit plays good defense, using sharp elbows from his guard to stifle Campos’ offense, but Campos takes Stapleton’s back as he tries to stand and transitions to mount. From there, Campos mashes with a series of elbows, causing the Englishmen to roll and give up his back briefly before putting his spine on the mat. Campos ends the fight with a
flurry of punches to close out the contest.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Campos (30-27 Campos)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Campos (30-27 Campos)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Campos (30-27 Campos)
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Derek Campos def. Martin Stapleton via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
BELLATOR SEASON 9 MIDDLEWEIGHT TOURNAMENT FINAL:
MIKKEL PARLO
VS.
BRENNAN WARD
ROUND 1
Ward eats a stiff jab and tries a takedown that is stuffed. Parlo defends a pair of hip tosses and rips a knee to the ribs before pressing “The Irish Bad Boy” against the fence. Ward once again tries to use a whizzer to throw the Dane, but Parlo’s defense is stout. He stands and goes back to grinding his man against the chain-link and then connects with a right hand after separating. Ward scores with a lead left hook, and both men whiff with wild shots. Ward tries a double-leg takedown from distance, but Parlo easily stuffs the shot, and the middleweights trade knees to the belly against the cage. The separate again, and Parlo lands a hard low kick before stuffing yet another takedown try. Parlo pops his foe with a couple of light lefts from the clinch.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Parlo
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Parlo
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Parlo
ROUND 2
Photo: K. Mills/Sherdog.com
Ward's right hand did massive damage.
Ward lands a sharp uppercut, but Parlo counters with a snapping left hook. Parlo’s left eye is beginning to swell, and the man from Connecticut drops him with a stiff left. The Dane pops right back up, but the American swarms him with series of nasty body shots from the clinch. It is right hand after right hand to the ribcage from Ward, who is now smashing his foe. Ward then unloads upstairs, planting a series of right hands on Parlo’s jaw against the fence. The 23-year-old never goes down, but referee Kerry Hatley has seen enough and waves off the bout to save Parlo from more punishment. The dismayed and dazed Parlo looks
at Hatley quizzically after the stoppage.
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Brennan Ward def. Mikkel Parlo via TKO (Punches) R2 1:39
BELLATOR SEASON 9 BANTAMWEIGHT TOURNAMENT FINAL:
JOE WARREN
VS.
TRAVIS MARX
ROUND 1
The bantamweights touch gloves to begin their tournament final and Marx whiffs on a left hand. Marx lands with a hard body kick, but “The Baddest Man on the Planet” scores with a takedown, passing to side control but allowing Marx to escape to his feet. Marx backs Warren up with a low kick, but the former featherweight titlist closes the distance and elevates his opponent and slams him powerfully to the canvas. Warren works from half guard with short punches, and Marx does his best to butt-scoot to the cage and then regain vertical base. However, Warren secures double underhooks and drags his foe to the mat once again to end the frame.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Warren
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Warren
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Warren
ROUND 2
Photo: K. Mills/Sherdog.com
Warren closed the show with a brutal knee.
Marx looks for a left hand to to start the second round, but Warren gauges distance before closing the gap and scoring with another takedown. Though Marx again manages to work to his feet, Warren hangs on his back briefly and seizes a golden opportunity when Marx turns into him, grabbing a Thai plum and unloading with a nasty knee to the face that puts Marx down. Warren follows up with several punches to the ears of his fallen foe, smashing away on his ribs and head until referee Jason Herzog intervenes, but this one was over after the knee.
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Joe Warren def. Travis Marx via TKO (Knees and Punches) R2 1:56
BELLATOR SEASON 9 HEAVYWEIGHT TOURNAMENT FINAL:
CHEICK KONGO
VS.
PETER GRAHAM
ROUND 1
Graham cracks Kongo with a low kick to start the evening’s main event. “The Chief” continues to press forward drives his shin twice more into the UFC vet’s thigh. Kongo continues to retreat and flicks out a jab, followed by a right hand. The Frenchman lands a knee in the clinch and tries to snatch a front headlock, but the Aussie escapes. Kongo works a nice jab and connects with a solid uppercut midway through the frame, driving forward and landing a knee from the Thai plum before scoring with a body kick. Kongo is really turning up the heat now, firing body kicks and right straights to back up the K-1 vet. Graham clinches and presses Kongo against the cage. The men separate, and neither can connect with anything in the last 20 seconds of round one.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kongo
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Kongo
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Kongo
ROUND 2
Kongo maintains his aggressiveness to start the second stanza, connecting with a crisp combination that cuts Graham over his left eye. The Australian clinches, but Kongo makes him pay with knees to the body and an overhand right. Graham takes a deep breath, and Kongo presses forward, though Graham shucks him off and connects with a sharp right hand. The Frenchman responds with a right hand and more knee to the body. Kongo socks him with another right, and he is clearly the fresher man right now. Kongo clinches, and Graham nearly scores with a hip throw, but Kongo defends and regains his feet. The K-1 veteran looks exhausted, and Kongo is showing him no quarter, pinning him against the fence and unloading with hard knees to the ribs. Kongo ends the round with a takedown and scores with punches and elbows from half guard.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kongo
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Kongo
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Kongo
ROUND 3
Kongo also looks arm-weary to begin the final round, but he is nevertheless still the more active heavyweight, pushing out front kicks and jabs from distance. Graham fires back with a low kick and a counter right hand after slipping a Kongo jab. The Aussie drives forward with a flurry, but Kongo ducks underneath the punches and scores with a takedown, easily taking the mount and unloading with a violent elbow that dramatically worsens Graham’s cut. “The Chief” gives up his back but explodes out of the position and struggles back to his feet. Graham tries to land some clean punches, but Kongo will give him no space and hits another takedown with 60 seconds to go. Kongo is content to sit in half-guard and drop shots to the body, and a bloody Graham can do nothing about it until the final bell tolls.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kongo (30-27 Kongo)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Kongo (30-27 Kongo)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Kongo (30-27 Kongo)
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Cheick Kongo def. Peter Graham via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00