Mendes, Cerrone victorious in UFC 126 Spike prelims
Donald Cerrone, the 10-time WEC veteran, had an outstanding performance in his UFC debut Saturday night, submitting Paul Kelly in…
Donald Cerrone, the 10-time WEC veteran, had an outstanding performance in his UFC debut Saturday night, submitting Paul Kelly in the second round of their fight at UFC 126.
Cerrone’s work on the ground to transition toward that submission was outstanding: He achieved full mount, then forced Kelly to buck up to get him off, then took Kelly’s back, locked in a body triangle, and used punches from the bottom to soften Kelly up and eventually get his forearm under Kelly’s neck.
The new Japanese stars are finding it tough tonight in the UFC. Michihiro Omigawa dropped his left hand through and was pounded repeatedly by Chad Mendes’ overhand rights. Mendes controlled the fight on the feet and the ground to roll to a unanimous decision victory, 30-27 on all three card, in the first Spike fight at UFC 126.
Mendes, fighting out of Urijah Faber’s Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, showed big improvement on his feet and with his stamina. A former two-time NCAA wrestling all-american Cal Poly and the NCAA tournament runner-up at 141 pounds in 2008, Mendes sent the message early that he was willing to duke it out with Omigawa. Once he softened up Omigawa on the feet, the fight was simplified.
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone Vs. Paul Kelly
Fight was scheduled for 3 rounds (5x5x5)
Donald Cerrone def. Paul Kelly via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:48
Chad “Money” Mendes Vs. Michihiro Omigawa
Fight was scheduled for 3 rounds (5x5x5)
Chad Mendes def. Michihiro Omigawa (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)