ROUND ONE: Both men touch gloves and Silva starts the round hot with a middle kick that Rodriguez barely blocks, followed by a big right hand! Rodriguez counters with a hook to the body that just misses, and Rodriguez jabs his way back to distance. Silva comes in with a big straight left that wobbles Rodriguez backwards, but Kenneth keeps his guard tight to avoid any other damage. After taking a moment to get his wits about him, Rodriguez lands a nice three punch combo over the top of some feeling out punches from Silva, which starts to swell up Silva’s left eye early in the fight. Silva fires a series of low kicks, but none land with much impact, before both men start to exchange punches; for the most part, it’s wild misses, but Rodriguez lands a couple good shots, before Silva lands a front kick to the chest that sends Rodriguez stumbling backward. Silva comes in with a huge right hand, but Rodriguez ducks and slams a low kick in, but Silva’s able to check it at the last second. Both men start to slow down as the round gets closer to its end, and while both load up on big strikes, nothing lands with the impact you might expect before the horn sounds.
Kayla Chapman’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Silva -- Neither man landed a lot in this round, but when Silva did land, he landed big. In a close round, that’s enough.
ROUND TWO: Silva starts round 2 as he started round one, with a stinging kick, this time aimed at the leg. Rodriguez checks and counters with a straight right that gets blocked. Both men throw quick combinations, but mostly just hit air. Rodriguez throws a backfist to the body that Silva parries and counters with a big head kick! Rodriguez stumbles back and Silva chases him down, trying to finish! Rodriguez wings a big overhand punch to keep Silva at bay, but it misses and he eats a couple jabs. Rodriguez is able to slow the fight down enough to recover, though, keeping Silva at bay with pitter-patter punches. Silva digs a hook to the body, but Rodriguez gets his guard down and circles away. Silva tries to cut Rodriguez off with a stinging kick to the thigh, but Rodriguez stays on his bike, landing a couple tentative punches but Silva gets the better of the exchange. Rodriguez engages, but Silva counters his combination with a big one-two of his own, before another brawl starts to kick off between the two! Rodriguez lands a couple nice shots that put Silva on his bike this time, but when he chases Silva down, Silva lands a big shot of his own! Relentlessly, Silva throws big shots, trying to finish the fight, but the horn sounds before he can.
Kayla Chapman’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Silva (20-18 Silva) -- Two big shots that put Rodriguez on queer street, especially the head kick, it’s a small miracle he stayed on his feet. Rodriguez needs a finish in my opinion.
ROUND THREE: Round 3 begins...much slower than the other two rounds. A lot of sizing each other up, a lot of circling, a lot of tentative action, before Silva uncorks a big right hand that clips Rodriguez on the chin! Rodriguez retreats just in time to avoid a quick hook from Silva, and counters with a massive uppercut! Rodriguez lands some HUGE punches that force Silva to back away. As Rodriguez pursues him, Silva launches a low kick, but it’s checked easily. What almost isn’t blocked is a follow up head kick, with Silva coming within inches of putting Rodriguez’s lights out--but before he can recover, Kenneth drops for a single leg takedown, and easily drags Silva to the mat. He passes to side mount with relative ease, but Silva’s able to scramble back up to his feet before Rodriguez can do much with the position. Silva creates some distance and attempts a spinning hook kick...but Rodriguez ducks underneath and pushes Silva up against the cage. Anthony Hamlett doesn’t allow much time for Rodriguez to work, though, and breaks the clinch at the first sign of inactivity. The two men start to trade punches, but neither lands with much steam; Silva breaks the pattern with a body kick that Rodriguez just avoids, and counters with a double-jab then a straight right. Silva comes back with a big right hand of his own that Rodriguez just avoids, before the two men start trading punches again--and this time, defense is out the window! Both men throw big shots, Silva just missing with an uppercut while Rodriguez slams a low kick that Silva just manages to check. Rodriguez digs a hook to the body, then an uppercut up high, but Silva manages to block the uppercut; he eats a few jabs on the rebound, though, before the horn sounds to end the round.
Kayla Chapman’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Rodriguez (29-28 Silva) -- Not a bad response round from Rodriguez, but with the first two going to Silva, it was too little, too late in my opinion.
. JUDGES’ SCORECARDS .
Francisco Silva 10 10 9: 29
Kenneth Rodriguez 9 9 10: 28
Francisco Silva 9 10 9: 28
Kenneth Rodriguez 10 9 10: 29
Francisco Silva 10 9 9: 28
Kenneth Rodriguez 9 10 10: 29
Winner: Kenneth Rodriguez by Split Decision
Statistics: Francisco Silva
Punches 32/76 (42%)
Kicks 4/24 (17%)
Clinch strikes 0/1 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 21 s
Statistics: Kenneth Rodriguez
Punches 36/76 (47%)
Kicks 0/8 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 21 s
Kayla Chapman’s Opinion: I have...so many questions for the judge that scored round 2 for Rodriguez. So, so, so many questions. Round 1 was close, I gave it to Silva but I’m not mad at it going to Rodriguez either. But round 2? Round 2 was easily Silva’s, that judge has to answer for that. Silva gets a win taken from him, in an unfortunate decision to open the card.
What It Means: 3 points puts Rodriguez right back in the mix of a clustered Featherweight division, but Flynn v. Harris later in the show may see that cluster blown open. Silva stays at 0 points, and having faced both Rodriguez and Flynn who fight at the next show, his only hope of staying in the tournament is for Cat Harris to lose to both CC Flynn later tonight, and to Silva himself at the next show.
What’s Next: Silva (0 pts) faces Catherine Harris (4 pts); Rodriguez (3 pts) faces CC Flynn (3 pts)
ROUND ONE: Parsons opened the fight looking to make up for her loss to Elliot McMillan in a big way--from the word go, the Twin Cities fighter was on the aggressive, feigning a shot to draw Katya’s attention low, then cracking her up top with an uppercut. Katya took a step back, keeping Parsons at bay with a low kick that stung the taller fighter’s calf. Parsons kept moving forward, though, deflecting a body kick from Katya before countering with a big head kick of her own! Katya stumbled back against the cage, and Rachel grabbed a Thai clinch and clamped down, landing an absolutely vicious high knee that put the Russian on dream street. With her opponent stunned, Rachel slammed Katya’s rib cage with punches and knees. Katya manages to deflect one of the knees and spin away from the clinch, but before she can even get her guard back up, Parsons whips off a spinning backfist that crumbles the Russian to the mat.
Winner: Rachel Parsons by KO (Punch) at 2:03 Round 1
Statistics: Rachel Parsons
Punches 2/2 (100%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 5/6 (83%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Statistics: Katya Belinskaya
Punches 2/3 (67%)
Kicks 1/3 (33%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Kayla Chapman’s Opinion: What a comeback for Rachel Parsons after a disappointing result in Portland. Not sure what else to say about it. Katya had her moments, but she had no answer for the clinch work of the Twin Cities fighter. If Rachel gets her rematch with Elliot McMillan, I hope this is the version we see in that fight.
What It Means: 6 points won, and fully earned, moves Rachel into first place at 115 for the moment, albeit with the title fight still to come on the card, and leaves Katya needing to finish Elliot McMillan in the first round and hope Victoria Marshall can beat Rachel at the next event if she wants to make the final.
What’s Next: Parsons (6 pts) faces Victoria Marshall (1 pt); Belinskaya (1 pt) faces Elliot McMillan (5 pts)
ROUND ONE: Mack opens the round by testing his range with Caden, throwing a few jabs that don’t get Theirin to bite. Mack finishes a quick flurry with an unfortunately lazy kick that Theirin avoids and launches an uppercut that almost sends Mack into the fourth row! Caden ties him up in the clinch and pushes him back against the cage, slamming a variety of strikes into Mack’s midsection, as Mack tries to get away. Caden just clamps down, securing a full Thai plum, and landing a series of uppercuts and hooks to the body! Every time Mack tries to escape the clinch, Caden just adjusts, keeps his position, and slams more punches to the body, more uppercuts, and more knees to the thighs--almost two minutes of Caden landing big shots, finally gets broken when Mack manages to circle off the cage and escape the clinch--but Caden’s not deterred, moving back to the center of the cage. Sharpe moves in, but he’s beaten to the punch (literally) by a straight left from Theirin that wobbles Mack! Caden lands a couple body shots, then an uppercut in the midst of a flurry of punches that rocks Mack again. Caden ties him up in a clinch once again and starts to unload, body strikes first, then punches to the head. Mack manages to escape the clinch before the fight can get stopped, but Caden just re-engages, landing a big uppercut and a series of straight punches that back Mack all the way up to the other fence, AND cut his cheek open! Just before the horn, Caden slams a hook to the body for good measure.
Kayla Chapman’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-8 Theirin -- Is there such a thing as a 10-7 round in MMA? Asking sincerely, I don’t know, but if there IS, I think we just saw it. I’m not sure Mack even THREW anything in that round after the first ten seconds or so, and he ate so many shots. Weird thing, I heard a fan at cageside say they “didn’t think Caden really had the advantage.” Whatever, guy.
ROUND TWO: Caden opens round 2 with a Superman Punch that lands right on Mack’s nose! He follows it up with a huge uppercut, but he’s only throwing individual punches at the moment, which gives Mack at least enough time to take a breath and recover somewhat. Mack tries to push forward, but between a busted nose and a cut on his cheek, his vision is obstructed and probably blurry, and he walks into a big hook from Caden that drops him! Caden slams both of Mack’s legs with kicks while he’s on the ground, but eventually he backs up and Mack’s able to get to his feet. For a moment, anyway, as Caden re-engages with a big uppercut and a series of shots that buckle Mack’s knees! He’s not unconscious, but Anthony Hamlett’s definitely seen enough.
Winner: Caden Theirin by TKO (Punches) at 1:56 Round 2
Statistics: Mack Sharpe
Punches 0/7 (0%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/1 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 16 s
Statistics: Caden Theirin
Punches 36/43 (84%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 37/59 (63%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Kayla Chapman’s Opinion: Honestly? That fight should’ve been stopped in round 1. I...god bless Mack Sharpe’s heart, honestly. Lesser fighters would’ve crumbled. But this won’t be a fight he wants to watch back, and honestly, it wasn’t one I enjoyed watching live. Caden Theirin’s striking was brilliant, of course, but I dread seeing someone take all those shots.
What It Means: 5 points moves Caden to the top of the Heavyweight rankings, tied with Sergey Loktev for the moment. Mack stays on 0 points, and unless Dax Levandrier loses to both Sergey Loktev and Mack himself, he’s eliminated from the tournament.
What’s Next: Therein (5 pts) faces Sergey Loktev (5 pts); Sharpe (0 pts) faces Dax Levandrier (3 pts)
ROUND ONE: Webb starts the round with a high kick, but misses terribly, even losing his footing as he over-reaches. He’s back to his feet before Gotti can take advantage, though he gets taken down almost immediately by a single leg. Gotti feigns a couple strikes to the head, then spins for a kneebar! Webb’s able to escape quickly, but he can’t get back to his feet, and Gotti stays on top. After a quick burst, the action slows down, and eventually Cody Grant stands the fighters up. Gotti lands a kick just above the ankle, but Webb responds with a couple big punches. Gotti wings an overhand punch, but misses when Webb side-steps and touches him up with a couple quick jabs. Gotti recovers and jabs his way into a double-leg takedown, which Webb’s unable to defend. Back on top now, Gotti quickly passes to half-guard, then tries to get to side-mount, but Webb’s able to lock him down and keep him in place. Gotti works to pass, but he doesn’t accomplish anything, and after the best part of a minute of relative inactivity, Cody Grant stands the fighters up once again. Webb wings a big punch, but misses, and Gotti’s able to land a couple counter shots. Webb spends the last few seconds bobbing and weaving, even when Gotti’s not throwing.
Kayla Chapman’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Gotti -- Honestly, pretty uneventful round beyond the takedowns, and even then, nothing happened on the ground. Gotti wins with aggression and the takedowns, but hopefully the fight picks up going forward.
ROUND TWO: There’s no feeling out process in round 2, both men come out swinging--and missing, badly. Wild punches, kicks from both men, it’s a good thirty seconds before either man lands anything, and that’s Gotti landing a couple counter jabs. Webb tries to land a series of leg kicks, each one checked with ease. Gotti keeps Webb on the outside with oblique kicks just above the knee, and Webb’s forced to over-reach with a right hand, giving Gotti plenty of time to avoid it. The action cools down considerably after the first 90 seconds or so, both men throwing pitter-patter punches and circling each other--Webb tries to engage, throwing BIG punches, but nothing comes close to landing. Gotti clips Webb with a punch coming in and looks to have stunned him, but Webb’s able to circle away, even wagging his finger at Gotti in response to the punch. Webb squares back up, but immediately gets taken down with a double leg! Webb tries to secure his guard, but Gotti ends up passing to half-guard. Gotti works with his hands over Webb’s mouth, trying to force some movement out of him, but Webb just shakes his head and tries to recover his guard--but, in doing so, he gives Gotti the opening to pass first to Side Mount, then to Full Mount! Webb scrambles to escape, but Gotti secures his position--and then, inexplicably, Cody Grant stands them up. Gotti even protests the standup, but the fight restarts on the feet--with Gotti ducking under a big punch from Webb and taking the fight right back down! This time, he passes straight to side-mount, but that’s where the round ends.
Kayla Chapman’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Gotti (20-18 Gotti) -- Hoo boy, I have THOUGHTS about this round, but we’ll get to that later. Either way, Gotti wins the round off the back of the takedowns, ground superiority, and aggression, and Webb now needs a finish in my opinion.
ROUND THREE: Webb comes out aggressive, landing a few punches early, then throwing a leg kick, but Gotti’s able to check it and counter with one of his own that slams into Webb’s ankle. Webb shakes his leg out, moving to switch stances--and gets blasted off his feet by a double leg takedown! He’s able to recover his guard for a moment, but Gotti seems not to feel secure in working for positions anymore, and passes quickly to Side Mount. Webb tries to scramble back to his feet, but in his haste, he gives up his neck, and Gotti’s able to snatch a Guillotine Choke! It’s not as tight as he might like it, but he’s got a grip on Webb’s head--but when he sits back to finish, Webb pops out, and now Gotti’s lost his advantageous position. Webb isn’t as urgent on top, happy to secure his position, but when he does work to pass, Gotti’s able to turn him over and take half-guard! And again, almost the moment Gotti secures the position, Cody Grant stands the fight up. Back on the feet, Webb engages first, but his big straight right gets countered by a crisp 1-2 combo from Gotti. A deliberate striking exchange doesn’t result in much landing, until Gotti slams a kick into Webb’s ankle again. Webb tries to respond with a series of kicks, high, low, and middle, but Gotti avoids or blocks the first two, then catches the middle kick and hits another takedown! The effort to get up is obviously wearing on Webb, and he’s taking big deep breaths on bottom, but he’s still working, trying to close his guard or get back to his feet, but Gotti blocks any transition by Webb, and eventually passes to half-guard. Once again, though, at the slightest hint of inactivity, Cody Grant stands the fight up. Back on the feet again, Gotti jabs his way into a clinch, landing a series of punches to the body and uppercuts to the chin, then sweeps Webb’s feet out from under him. Gotti lands a couple kicks to the legs before the horn sounds to end the fight.
Kayla Chapman’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Gotti (30-27 Gotti) -- Once again, aggression and takedowns win Gotti the round. Credit to Webb for coming out knowing he needed to go for it, but Gotti should win this easily.
. JUDGES’ SCORECARDS .
Derrius Webb 9 9 10: 28
Silvio Gotti 10 10 9: 29
Derrius Webb 10 9 9: 28
Silvio Gotti 9 10 10: 29
Derrius Webb 9 9 9: 27
Silvio Gotti 10 10 10: 30
Winner: Silvio Gotti by Unanimous Decision
Statistics: Derrius Webb
Punches 20/49 (41%)
Kicks 0/11 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/5 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 377 s
Statistics: Silvio Gotti
Punches 29/51 (57%)
Kicks 5/5 (100%)
Clinch strikes 2/2 (100%)
Takedowns 6/6 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 330 s
Kayla Chapman’s Opinion: Alright. Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Someone needs to teach Cody Grant what ground work is like. Why on earth was he standing the fight up at the SLIGHTEST sign of inactivity? Most of those were...questionable, but the standup from Mount of all positions was by far the most egregious. Terrible, terrible decision, that might have cost Gotti an opportunity to finish the fight in the second round. Points are crucial in this tournament, and Cody may have just cost Gotti a chance to build some up. With that out of the way, though, overall? Not a terrible fight--Webb needs to work on his takedown defense going forward, but when he landed, he looked good. Gotti just looked better.
What It Means: Gotti gets the win he deserved back in Portland, and brings himself back into competition at Welterweight. Webb stays atop the standings for now, but nobody’s spot in the finals is secure yet. Level on points, and with the loss to Jackson in Portland, Gotti needs to better Jackson’s result to make the final. Webb qualifies with a win, or with Gotti losing to Garfield Garrett.
What’s Next: Gotti (3 pts) faces Garfield Garrett (0 pts); Webb (6 pts) faces D’Ante Jackson (3 pts)
ROUND ONE: Absolutely no feeling out process, early on--both women come out throwing heavy leather, and both land early on! Whether Harris gets clipped, or this was her plan, she drops for a single leg takedown, but CC’s able to keep her balance...at least at first, but Harris switches to a double leg and finishes the takedown this time. Flynn throws a few punches from underneath, but Harris blocks them easily. Harris drops a couple elbows to Flynn’s ribs, but when she tries to pass Flynn’s guard, Flynn scrambles up to her feet. Harris follows, and the fight resumes on the feet. Harris keeps throwing heavy punches, but Flynn’s able to avoid and lands a nice couple punches on the counter. Flynn throws a low kick, but the technique is sloppy, and it gives Harris another opportunity to hit a double leg takedown! Flynn locks her guard and tries to keep Harris in place, but Harris seems happy here and starts to drop elbows instead. Flynn tries to scramble back to her feet again, while Harris works to pass, and Flynn ultimately ends up turning Harris over and taking mount! The fight slows down quite a bit from here, though; Flynn’s not working for a submission or to posture up for ground and pound, but Harris is trying to recover her guard, until Flynn claims an eye poke. The fight gets stopped and Flynn’s given time to recover, before--strangely--the fight gets restarted on the feet. Once Flynn’s ready, the fight begins again, and Harris lands a jab almost immediately, but Flynn actively tells her it didn’t hurt...which Harris responds by jabbing her way into the clinch and landing a huge body lock takedown. Flynn recovers her guard after a moment, and manages to scramble back up...for a moment, but gets taken almost immediately back down with a single leg. This time, Cat passes to Side Mount, and immediately drops hammer fists, which force CC to cover up. Flynn manages to catch Harris’s arm to prevent any more punches from coming, and eventually manages to recover her guard, but Harris is still on the offense, dropping elbows and punches that force CC to cover up again. Cody Grant eventually steps in for...some reason, and stands the ladies up, but Harris obviously knows where she wants the fight--she lands yet another takedown, this time posturing up and throwing big shots down at CC. It takes CC a moment, but she eventually manages to catch Cat’s arm, and starts to turn her over as the horn sounds.
Kayla Chapman’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Harris -- I’d almost say 10-8, just because she was pretty much able to land takedowns at will, but she didn’t really land much once the fight went to the ground. She was aggressive, but CC doesn’t look too hurt. I’ll keep it 10-9.
ROUND TWO: Harris jabs her way into the clinch to open the round, trying for a body lock takedown again, but this time CC’s able to avoid it and shove her away. Both ladies start trading punches, and ultimately nothing big lands, but as CC commits to the exchange, Cat drops for a single leg! Once again, she gets CC down, and this time, passes straight to Side Mount! Harris drops a series of hammerfists that force Flynn to react, scrambling for anything she can get, ultimately recovering her guard for a moment--but Harris is able to pass right back to Side Mount. When she tries to move to Full Mount, though, CC’s able to make space and scramble back to her feet. CC throws a couple leg kicks, but Harris blocks them all before feigning a punch and shooting for another double leg! Flynn locks her guard this time, but Harris gets her head free and drops a series of elbows that force Flynn to cover up. She’s eventually able to catch one of Harris’s arms and, after a bit of a scramble, turn her over, even taking Full Mount! But the action slows down considerably with CC on top, and this time Harris isn’t working to improve her position either, and Cody Grant stands the ladies up. Harris’s gameplan may have become a bit obvious, as she shoots for a single leg, and this time gets clipped with a right hand that causes her to stumble back! She shakes her head and smiles at CC, before engaging with a couple jabs then dropping for a double leg! Flynn’s ready this time, and sprawls hard to stay on her feet, eventually forcing Harris back to her feet, and in the process securing double underhooks! Harris pommels for a better position, but Flynn keeps her pinned against the cage wall. Harris tries to sweep Flynn’s feet, but it doesn’t work and, instead, CC lands a big uppercut! Harris’s legs wobble and she ends up on the ground, but she’s clearly still in the fight, as she immediately throws an up kick to keep CC at bay. The horn sounds as Flynn lands a kick to Harris’s leg.
Kayla Chapman’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Harris (20-18 Harris) -- This round was much closer, although that might have to do with the ending. Early on, Harris was still pretty much doing as she wanted. Never count CC Flynn out, she can land a big knockout shot at any point, and I think she’ll need it at this point.
ROUND THREE: Maybe Cat was still feeling the effects of getting knocked down, maybe her takedown troubles at the end of the second were just a blip on the radar; either way, she opens round 3 with a huge takedown! She slams a couple elbows into Flynn’s ribs, but overcommits on a big punch to the head, giving Flynn room to scramble back to her feet. Both women engage, with no tentative punches thrown; big shots, hooks and uppercuts, each one landing good shots that could very well end the fight--but, again, Harris knows where she wants the fight, and when CC misses a punch, Harris closes the distance and tries to get a body lock takedown. Flynn’s able to stay on her feet this time, and tags Harris with a one-two when she disengages. Flynn throws a lazy leg kick, but when Harris tries to catch it for a single leg, Flynn’s able to stay on her feet. Harris throws a massive right hand that Flynn just avoids, and again Flynn counters with a leg kick that leaves something to be desired--and this time, she pays for it, getting taken down once again. Harris quickly moves to side mount, then drops a series of elbows down on CC, who has to cover up to try to absorb the impact. Harris tries to move to mount, but CC’s again able to scramble to her feet. Harris throws a few big strikes that, while Flynn’s able to block, land with a strong thud against her arms. Flynn backs up a step, forcing Harris to come to her--and tags Cat with a one-two combo, punctuated with a right hook that clearly gets the Canadian’s attention. Harris has to take a second to recover, but CC doesn’t give it to her, forcing her to shoot for an obvious takedown just to slow the pace down--CC defends that one easily, but Harris comes up with the body lock, and lands a big slam on the second attempt! CC locks her guard, but Cat rips her head free and throws some MASSIVE elbows. CC can’t catch Harris’s arm this time, so she just has to cover and hope nothing gets through. Seemingly knowing the judges may not see the fight her way, or Cody Grant may stand her up at any point, Cat just starts unloading with just 90 seconds left in the fight. CC covers up, not even getting a chance to make a move, until Cat over-extends on a punch, and CC’s able to snatch her arm and, after some work, eventually escape from underneath Harris, turning her over to mount again! But, just like before, nothing happens with CC in the dominant position, and Cody Grant stands the fight up. With less than a minute left, CC’s forced to engage--every punch, draws something from Harris, but CC’s boxing is definitely more crisp than Cat’s; she ducks under Harris’s big punches, and lands counter jabs and crosses, that look like they might spell trouble for the Canadian...so, once again, Harris drops for a takedown. Flynn sprawls well, but Harris pulls guard instead. Cat works to improve her position, but before she can, the horn sounds to end the round.
Kayla Chapman’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Harris (30-27 Harris) -- I was tempted to give it to Flynn with the stand up exchanges toward the end of the round, and I won’t necessarily disagree with anyone who DID give it to her. But for me, Cat had the aggression, landed the takedowns, and for the most part had the better positioning.
. JUDGES’ SCORECARDS .
C.C. Flynn 9 10 9: 28
Catherine Harris 10 9 10: 29
C.C. Flynn 9 9 10: 28
Catherine Harris 10 10 9: 29
C.C. Flynn 9 9 9: 27
Catherine Harris 10 10 10: 30
Winner: Catherine Harris by Unanimous Decision
Statistics: C.C. Flynn
Punches 35/41 (85%)
Kicks 1/9 (11%)
Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 9/18 (50%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 332 s
Statistics: Catherine Harris
Punches 6/42 (14%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)
Takedowns 10/24 (42%)
GnP strikes 0/51 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 350 s
Kayla Chapman’s Opinion: I don’t know about that statline, but I’m not the scorekeeper, so that’s a different discussion. Ultimately, for me, it was an easy fight to score--a good portion of the fight was spent on the ground, and Cat Harris was on top for the majority of that time. Round 3 was up in the air, but I think Harris gets the win she earned. On the feet, CC looked great, landing combos and more than a couple big shots. If she could’ve stayed on her feet, this is a very different fight, but that’s not how it played out. If this is the championship fight in February, that’s gotta be her gameplan: sprawl and brawl.
What It Means: A tough won 3 points puts Harris at the top of the Featherweight standings at 7--and with the head to head wins over both Flynn and Rodriguez, who face each other next show, she’s secured her spot in the final. Harris’s win also all but eliminated Francisco Silva, who can only advance if Flynn and Rodriguez draw, and he finishes Harris in the first or second round at the next show. CC’s still very much alive, and just needs a win of any variety against Rodriguez to advance to a rematch with Cat.
What’s Next: Harris (7 pts) faces Francisco Silva (0 pts); Flynn (3 pts) faces Kenneth Rodriguez (3 pts)
ROUND ONE: We actually see a glove touch for only the second time all night, and that’s about where the civility ends. Jackson tags Garret with a punch early on, then checks the response kick. Garret tries and tries and tries again to land leg kicks early on, but Jackson defends easily, and tags Garret with quick one-twos while he tries to circle away; he eventually manages to pin Garfield against the cage and digs a massive hook to the body, that gets a grimace from Garret. Garret manages to grab a Thai Clinch and pommels his way to a better position, but it’s Jackson who’s on the aggressive, forcing Garret to abandon the clinch in order to protect his body. Jackson deflects a big uppercut from Garret, but then eats a spinning back kick as a follow up! Jackson winces at the impact, but comes back seemingly angry that he let it hit--he lands a SMASHING right hand that stumbles Garret back, then a stinging kick to the thigh that leaves a very visible bruise, almost immediately. Garret tries to keep Jackson at bay with a series of jabs, but Jackson just brushes them aside, lands a couple big power punches, then drops for a single leg and drags Garret to the ground. Jackson wastes no time, landing a couple big shots to the body before passing to half-guard, then Side Mount. Jackson lands a crushing knee to the ribs from Side Mount, before passing into Full Mount just as the round ends.
Kayla Chapman’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-8 Jackson -- I think Garret landed, maybe, two strikes in that whole round, and while one was that nice spinning back kick...when that’s basically all you land? Yeh, 10-8. Dominant round from Jackson.
ROUND TWO: That shot to the body may have done more damage than anyone initially thought--Garret comes out looking ragged, and throws a lazy body shot that Jackson avoids and comes close to shutting off Garret’s lights with an uppercut in response! Jackson doesn’t even hesitate, he lands two straight punches that keep Garret stumbling back, then a MASSIVE power hook that crumbles his opponent to the canvas. He doesn’t even bother following up, just walking off with his hands raised.
Winner: D'Ante Jackson by KO (Punch) at 0:52 Round 2
Statistics: D'Ante Jackson
Punches 12/23 (52%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/3 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 7/9 (78%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 72 s
Statistics: Garfield Garret
Punches 3/10 (30%)
Kicks 1/4 (25%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 72 s
Kayla Chapman’s Opinion: I try not to be vulgar in these reports, but...fucking yikes. D’Ante Jackson with a MESSAGE to the Welterweight Division. I was among the group who thought he lost to Gotti last show, and maybe that criticism from a few different angles lit a fire under him. Maybe he was just on it tonight. I dunno. But it could only have been a better performance if he didn’t take that spin kick. For Garret, he shows flashes of brilliance, but he got overwhelmed and ultimately dominated.
What It Means: A 5 point KO win moves Jackson to the top of the Welterweight standings, with 8 points, and his destiny’s in his own hands. Win or Draw against Derrius Webb, and Jackson makes the final. He can even advance with a loss, if Gotti doesn’t get a finish. As for Garret, at 0-2, and with losses to both Jackson and Webb, he’s officially eliminated from the tournament.
What’s Next: Jackson (8 pts) faces Derrius Webb (6 pts); Garret (0 pts) faces Silvio Gotti Jr (3 pts)
ROUND ONE: This fight starts off hot, with Marshall barely waiting a second before feigning a punch and dropping for a double leg takedown. Credit to her timing, Elliot didn’t see it coming, but she only makes it as far as the Strawweight Champion’s guard. McMillan locks her down, but Marshall pounds at his ribs with an elbow, forcing him to focus on blocking the strikes. Marshall tries to pass to half-guard, but Elliot’s able to catch her and sweep her over, ending up in full mount! There’s not a whole lot of activity from the Champ from top position, though, and Marshall’s able to work to escape the position. She almost manages to recover her guard, but Elliot just goes with the motion and ends up taking her back instead! He’s not able to establish the hooks, though, and Marshall’s able to roll back to her back, although she ends up mounted once again. Marshall keeps working to escape, but Elliot’s only reacting to her movements, and ultimately Cody Grant stands the two back up. Marshall throws a big, looping punch that Elliot’s able to avoid and steps in to tie her up in a clinch. Marshall’s quick to drag the fight back to the ground, though, and managing to trip Elliot to the mat, although he gets back up to his feet quickly. Marshall presses McMillan back against the cage, trying to establish a good position, but Elliot just cracks her with an uppercut from in tight, that drops her to the mat! Elliot slams kicks into both of Victoria’s legs, then backs up and beckons her back to her feet. The two trade punches, with neither landing anything of significance, until Marshall tries a winging hook...and gets slammed with an overhand right from the Strawweight Champion! She doesn’t go down, but she’s on wobbly legs, and McMillan finally engages, landing a one-two combo, punctuated by an uppercut that drops Marshall to the mat, this time very much out.
Winner: Elliot McMillan by KO (Uppercut) at 5:00 Round 1
Statistics: Elliot McMillan
Punches 6/12 (50%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 1/2 (50%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 141 s
Statistics: Victoria Marshall
Punches 6/10 (60%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 4/7 (57%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 164 s
Kayla Chapman’s Opinion: Wow. At the very last second of the round, too. That’s dirty, even for someone who call himself “The Villain.” Anyway, the fight: there were exchanges where I thought Marshall showed promise--bearing in mind she’s still only 19, she’ll develop as a fighter, and she gave Elliot some trouble at times. But McMillan’s wearing the belt for a reason. When he wanted to engage, he did with ruthless efficiency.
What It Means: 11 points from 2 fights secures Elliot’s spot in the final regardless of his result at the next show against Katya Belinskaya. Victoria needs a first or second round finish over Rachel Parsons to get a chance at a rematch with the Strawweight Champion.
What’s Next: Marshall (1 pt) faces Rachel Parsons (6 pts); McMillan (11 pts) faces Katya Belinskaya (1 pt)
ROUND ONE: There’s about 5 seconds of feeling out in this fight, before Dax started winging punches. He landed a hook that immediately swelled Sergey’s right eye, forcing him to back up and jab his way out of danger. Dax just presses forward, eating a liver kick that looks like it SHOULD have put him down, but didn’t--and, instead, he digs a couple hooks to Loktev’s body that visibly stun the Russian. Loktev stumbles backwards as he gets clipped by a couple jabs from the Heavyweight Champion, then eats a massive right hook that crumbles him to the mat like he got shot!
Winner: Dax Levandrier by KO (Punches) at 1:40 Round 1
Statistics: Dax Levandrier
Punches 10/11 (91%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Statistics: Sergey Loktev
Punches 0/3 (0%)
Kicks 1/2 (50%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Kayla Chapman’s Opinion: The Heavyweights scare me, and this is why. It didn’t even take 2 minutes for Dax to brutalize Loktev. This was like watching a car crash, and I doubt Sergey Loktev will disagree with me.
What It Means: A first round finish moves the Heavyweight Champ to 9 points, and secures his spot in the final, as well as eliminating Mack Sharpe in the process. Loktev stays at 5 points, but he’s still very much alive in the Heavyweight ranks.
What’s Next: Levandrier (9 pts) faces Mack Sharpe (0 pts); Loktev (5 pts) faces Caden Theirin (5 pts)
Venue: Alaska Airlines Arena
Location: Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 10,000
Date: January 9, 2022
Gate: $540,000
FIGHT OF THE NIGHT
N/A
PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT
All winners awarded Performance Bonuses.
TOP EARNERS
Elliot McMillan ($130,000)
Dax Levandrier ($100,000)
D’Ante Jackson ($100,000)
Derrius Webb ($65,000)
Sergey Loktev ($50,000)
RECAP
[3 pts.] Kenneth Rodriguez def. Francisco Silva by Split Decision
[6 pts.] Rachel Parsons def. Katya Belinskaya by KO (Punch) at 2:03 Round 1
[5 pts.] Caden Theirin def. Mack Sharpe by TKO (Punches) at 1:56 Round 2
[3 pts.] Silvio Gotti Jr. def. Derrius Webb by Unanimous Decision
[3 pts.] Catherine Harris def. CC Flynn by Unanimous Decision
[5 pts.] D'Ante Jackson def. Garfield Garret by KO (Punch) at 0:52 Round 2
[6 pts.] Elliot McMillan Victoria Marshall by KO (Uppercut) at 5:00 Round 1
[6 pts.] Dax Levandrier def. Sergey Loktev by KO (Punches) at 1:40 Round 1
