Submitted by PeachMachine for WrestlingObserver.com
In a follow up to last weeks Bellator show, I have no update on the alleged scoring change that was put in place by the California State Athletic Commission. Supposedly the new rule will give judges a means to give more 10-8s, i.e. judges are instructed to give more 10-8s. I have no idea what this means, since they are already allowed to do this already.
For some background, I started/create what I call a True Ten system — an attempt to bring a different type of scoring to MMA.
Bonus Match:
TUF Tournament Show: Aired Wednesday 9/23/15 Gruetzemacher vs. Sharma
I happened to watch The Ultimate Fighter this week and figured I’d give it a scoring. Usually these are two round affairs that only go to a third if the fighters split the first two. This was one of those splits. I can only assume these fights are judged by commission judges in the same way as regular fights. These decisions are kept pretty closely under wraps since they are taped well in advance of the airing.
Official Result: Dana only read the final round scores, and all three had it 10-9 for Gruetzemacher. I’m assuming all three had it 29-28 Gruetzemacher.
This should have ended after the second round. Everyone saw that the third round was going to be a one sided whipping, and it was. If the refs had used the True Ten system, the third round would not have been necessary. Instead, Sharma had to take five more minutes of a beating. This must have been taped before the “rule change” and probably took place in Nevada anyway.
*****
We’ve completed five shows now, and before we get into the sixth part of this series, let’s take a look at some stats to see what this experiment has uncovered.
– Total Official Decisions: 17 (by show 4,3,3,3,4)
– Unanimous: 13 (by show 4,2,2,3,2)
– Split: 2 (by show 1,1,0,0,0)
– Other: 2 (0,0,0,0,2 on Bellator: 1 two round match, 1 Majority Decision)
– Different Outcomes Using True Ten: 0 (0,0,0,0,0)
So far, the True Ten Scoring System has not changed any outcomes. However, we’ve learned a lot about scoring as a whole. The system has definitely created wider margins of victory, but does that matter? I thought we would see a lot more draws than we have, but alas.
*****
For future True Tens, there will no longer be a category for the Pride Scoring System, or the Weighted Round System. I believe it was too big of an endeavor to try and examine multiple new systems at once. So for the remaining shows, I will only present the official result, my result using the same criteria as the current judges called Classic Ten, and the system we have been examining the whole time called True Ten.
On with the show:
UFC Fight Night 75: Josh Barnett vs. Roy Nelson
MIZUTO HIROTA VS. TERUTO ISHIHARA —
– Official Result: 29-28 Ishihara, 29-28 Hirota, and 29-29 Draw
This was the end of the Road to Japan tournament. I did not watch a single match of the tournament. I feel like Hirota won the match, but according to my True Ten score, it was a draw, and ironically, it was scored a split draw. Pretty crazy, especially since one judge scored it 29-29 meaning he must have scored either two 10-8s or two 10-10s. Both fighters received a 6-figure contract. I hope two of those figures are on the other side of the decimal point.
This was a WAR! A great main event that really needed the True Ten scoring system to accurately score this match. Barnett clearly won the fight, and regardless of the scoring system, the right man won.
Final Analysis:
This was a great show with a hell of a fight in the main event. Again, my scoring system did not change an outcome, but it made the winning differential bigger in a few of the decisions. So far, my choice for a scoring system would be just to decide a round winner and not declare points.
Jon Jones, the former UFC light heavyweight champion, was given a conditional discharge and 18 months probation on a felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident in a plea bargain Tuesday morning.
Judge Charles Brown ordered Jones to make at least 72 appearances for both charity and speaking with children over the probation period. Once he fulfills the terms of the probation, he will be brought back to court and given a conditional discharge and would not have a felony conviction on his record.
Jones was arrested from an incident on 4/26 on charges of leaving the scene of an accident involving death or serious injury when he crashed a rented SUV into a car driven by a pregnant woman, Vanessa Sonnenberg. Sonnenberg suffered a broken arm but has made a full recovery.
Jones was suspended and stripped of his title The police report indicated Jones ran a red light and struck Sonnenberg’s car. He left the scene, but then returned to grab a handful of money, and then ran away over a fence. Jones disappeared for about 24 hours before turning himself in. A marijuana pipe was found in the car.
UFC president Dana White, who was in court this morning with Jones, has said that Jones would get a shot at the title that he never lost in the cage, as soon as he was ready to return.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer returns tonight with a full review of Raw from Monday night (0:00), all the matches and angles, news notes on Hornswaggle, SummerSlam, the New Japan PPV and more, plus UFC and New York (55:00), Rich Franklin retires, tons of questions (1:01:00) and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Filthy Four Daily with Bryan Alvarez and Tom Lawlor returns today to talk all the news in wrestling and MMA, including Tom making TOP FIFTEEN IN THE WORLD! Plus, UFC 192, last weekend’s show, drug testing facts, tons of pro-wrestling thoughts on Fall Brawl, Smackdown, and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
The UFC’s attempt to stage their first show in New York had a dramatic twist Monday as the world’s largest MMA organization simply announced they are going to run a show at NYC’s Madison Square Garden on April 23, 2016… but only with a judge’s help.
UFC sent out a press release with the date and location, and announced they have filed a new case in federal court “reiterating its claim that the New York law banning MMA events is unconstitutional. This out-of-date law is too unclear for the public to understand, and has allowed regulators in New York to pick and choose arbitrarily what events they will permit. Events featuring every combat sport except MMA seem to be allowed in New York, though this is not explicitly stated in the law. The statute, and the state’s pattern of enforcing it, violates the Constitution’s prohibition on unconstitutionally vague laws.”
They added that later this week, they will “ask a federal judge to issue a preliminary injunction against New York state officials enforcing its unconstitutional law. Without such an injunction, the event at Madison Square Garden will not be able to proceed.”
The announcement is actually a legal strategy. UFC had a lawsuit out against the state of New York that was thrown out because they were given the impression they couldn’t prove damages, in the sense the state had never denied their request to run a show. They had never requested running a show because the state didn’t sanction MMA due to a 1997 law that banned the sport. They took the ruling to mean that by never announcing a date, and having the state then cancel it, there were no damages.
The UFC will attempt to now get a preliminary injunction against the state and use that in its battle to promote there. If the injunction fails, the show would not take place, but it would them give them a stronger legal case against the state.
A bit of grandstanding? Yes, but for those who have followed the MMA in NY State drama for the past few years, that is what is needed in order to draw more attention to the UFC’s struggles to get into the state.
One interesting side note: when it comes to scheduling, a potential MSG event (which would be loaded) would come less than three months before UFC 200 in July, another show that is expected to be loaded up. When it comes to the 2016 schedule, we’ll see if UFC goes lighter around that time to help fuel both cards. Of course, this all may be for naught depending on the legal system.
Rich Franklin, one of the key building blocks of the UFC organization when it first got on Spike TV, announced his retirement today on Twitter.
Franklin, 40, had not fought for nearly three years, since a knockout loss to Cung Le on November 10, 2012 in Macau, China.
During that period he had talked about wanting to do a retirement fight. He had one fight left on his UFC contract and Dana White, who had maintained good relations with him, had said he would be able to have it.
But he had not asked for that fight. He is the current Vice President of One Championship, an Asian-based MMA company.
Franklin won the UFC middleweight title on June 4, 2005, from the late Evan Tanner. UFC had just gotten on Spike TV. As a former math teacher, Franklin broke the fighter stereotype and UFC pushed him as one of its key players in the early years, including a coaching stint on the second season of Ultimate Fighter. He retained the title with wins over Nate Quarry and David Loiseau, before losing on October 14, 2006, to Anderson Silva. He remained a headliner on major shows until his last UFC fight more than six years later.
Franklin will be addressing his retirement on the MMA Hour at 3:25 p.m. Eastern time. Dave Meltzer will be on the same show at 1 PM EST.
Fans tuning into Friday’s Eurasia Fight Nights: Dagestan event airing on UFC Fight Pass were treated to an appearance from a special guest in the form of former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva. Silva is currently under a year-long suspension following multiple failed drug tests stemming from his fight against Nick Diaz at UFC 183 in January. Many have thought that Silva may never fight again, but he let it be known that he will, perhaps releasing news of his return without any blessing.
Silva stated that he was offered a return to action in April against Michael Bisping in a fight that would serve as the co-main event under UFC Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum vs. Cain Velasquez, II in Curitiba, Brazil. He was quick to retract the statement, though, almost like he knew he let the cat out of the bag. Bisping is currently booked for a fight against Robert Whittaker, scheduled to take place at UFC 193 in November. Win or lose, though, and Bisping could be headed for a bout against Silva, a fight many fans have thought about over the years.
This also seems to stamp down an unofficial confirmation on the booking of the rematch between Werdum and Velasquez. Werdum has expressed past interest in wanting the fight in a soccer stadium in Brazil, and recent statements made by UFC President Dana White indicated Werdum was looking at returning to action in March. Werdum made conflicting statements that he would be ready to return just past the start of the new year, but indications from Silva suggest Werdum may get his wish.
This is all speculation, though, as Silva was quick to recant his statement on the broadcast. We will keep you updated in the coming months concerning both the return of Silva, and the official confirmation of when and where Werdum vs. Velasquez will take place.
Josh Barnett scored a solid unanimous decision win over Roy Nelson in the main event of Saturday night’s UFC Fight Night 75 event in Saitama, Japan. While two scorecards showing scores of 48-47 indicated the fight was close, it was a fight dominated mostly by Barnett. Barnett set a heavyweight record for significant strikes in the bout, scoring 146, with 95 of them coming in the clinch. It was the clinch work where Barnett dominated, landing punches, elbows and knees that weakened Nelson. Nelson gave a hard-fought effort in the loss, and not many expected the two men to go the 25 minutes. After nearly two years off, it showed Barnett has plenty of fight left in him.
In addition to that, Uriah Hall scored a huge upset in the co-main event, landing a spinning back kick to the face followed by a flying knee that put Gegard Mousasi down and out in the second round. It was a huge contrast to the first round, which was dominated by Mousasi controlling on top, and he even came close to putting a stop to the fight. It was the biggest win in the career of Hall, beating a legitmate title contender and top-ten fighter, and he did it on short notice. It was unexpected, but the kind of finish fans were hoping to see from Hall based off his exciting stint on season 17 of The Ultimate Fighter.
With UFC Fight Night 75 now being history, it is time for us to put on the matchmakers’ hat and let’s look at five fights to make for the competitors of the UFC Fight Night 75 event.
Josh Barnett vs. Andrei Arlovski
While Barnett may not be on the winning streak that Andrei Arlovski is enjoying, he is 11-2 in his last 13 fights. Arlovski is 10-2 with a no contest in his last 13 bouts, but he has won six straight fights. Many thought Arlovski may be next in line for a heavyweight title shot, but with the rematch between Fabricio Werdum and Cain Velasquez being delayed until possibly April, the heavyweight contenders will be looking for fights. Arlovski didn’t exactly cement his status as next in line with his lackluster win over Frank Mir at UFC 191 earlier this month, and he will likely need another win to be back in the discussion. Barnett put his name in the discussion, along with Stipe Miocic, Ben Rothwell, Junior Dos Santos and Alistair Overeem, as fighters in line for title contention in a wide-open heavyweight division. Neither Barnett or Arlovski are getting any younger, and if they want a title opportunity, they need to keep getting fights and wins.
Uriah Hall vs. Roan Carneiro
The 31-year-old Hall showed more of that potential in making history by becoming the first man to stop Gegard Mousasi with strikes in Mousasi’s 45-fight career. He withstood a tough first round and showed that dynamic striking skills and excellent finishing power, and he will be shooting up the rankings when they are released this week. After a disappointing start to his UFC career, Hall has gone 5-1 in his last six fights, with the lone loss being a close decision loss to Rafael Natal. Hall most assuredly wants another crack at Natal, but perhaps next for him should be a showdown with the man he replaced in the fight with Mousasi, Roan Carneiro. Carneiro is riding a six-fight win streak and scored an impressive win over Mark Munoz in his return to the UFC. It would be an opportunity for both men to firmly establish themselves as top-ten fighters as well.
Kyoji Horiguchi vs. John Dodson
Kyoji Horiguchi rebounded from a title fight loss to Demetrious Johnson in a solid decision win over Chico Camus on Saturday night. Horiguchi finds himself in a purgatory situtation in the flyweight division. Not only did he just lose to Johnson earlier this year, but he was dominated by Johnson before being finished with just one second left in the fight. Horiguchi needs to get on another winning streak if he wants another crack at the championship, and next for him should be someone in a similar position. That would be John Dodson, who is coming off a loss to Johnson earlier this month at UFC 191. It is a perfect fight to make for both men at this stage.
Takeya Mizugaki vs. Manny Gamburyan
Takeya Mizugaki got back into the win column on Saturday night, scoring a unanimous decision win over George Roop. He had Roop in trouble many times in the fight, but the tough and durable Roop survived. Mizugaki got the win on the scorecards, and it was a very emotional win for him in front of the Japanese crowd. Mizugaki’s post-fight speech made fans think retirement could be in the near future, but he squashed those talks quickly. Coming off a win following a two-fight losing skid, Mizugaki is still a top-ten ranked fighter. He has been booked in the past in bouts against Manny Gamburyan, but injuries have stopped the fight from taking place. With both in a similar position at this stage in their careers, now would be a good opportunity to re-book that fight.
Diego Brandao vs. Brian Ortega
Diego Brandao is an enigma. He either comes out and finishes opponents quick, or he mentally collapses and loses fights. He came out on the good end on Saturday night, finishing Katsunori Kikuno in less than 30 seconds in their fight. It was the kind of performance that makes you think Brandao could be more of a gatekeeper in the featherweight division, but that is where he is right now. He has won two straight fights and still has a chance to become a viable contender if he puts together a streak. He has an exciting style and wants a top opponent. However, he should be matched up with fighters around him right now. Brian Ortega is undefeated and looking to build his resume, and Brandao would be a perfect name to add that. Ortega should be looking for a fight like that, and Brandao should want to test himself against an undefeated prospect.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez, Dave Meltzer and Filthy Tom Lawlor returns today to talk tons of weekend news including full results of UFC Japan, the latest in the UFC anti-trust lawsuit and Bobby Lashley’s next fight (0:00), thoughts on Bob Backlund’s book and Steve Austin’s comments about not wrestling at WrestleMania next year (43:00), questions (58:00), plus Dave’s thoughts on the JBL interview with Eric Bischoff (1:06:00)! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 75: Barnett vs. Nelson from the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The event is headlined by former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett returning from a long layoff to take on Roy Nelson. In the co-main event slot, it will be Gegard Mousasi taking on Uriah Hall in middleweight action. The action kicks off with preliminary card fights at 8 PM eastern time on FOX Sports 2. The action moves over to FOX Sports 1 at 10 PM eastern time for the main card. Enjoy the fights all.
First round: Zapata tried a kick to the head. Anzai working for a takedown. Now throwing punches as he borke. He went for another takedown. Anzai again working for a takedown. Anzai got him down. Anzai keeping him down but doing no damage. Anzai tried a takedown, Zapata held the cage to block but the ref missed it. Anzai again working for a takedown. Anzai 10-9.
Second round: Zapata kicked the body. Zapata with punches but Anzai again working for a takedown. Anzai landed a punch, Zapata landed several back and Anzai took him down but Zapata right back up. Anzai took him down again even with Zapata grabbing the cage. Anzai got his back now. Zapata got back up and trying for a takedown himself. Anzai 20-18.
Third round: Anzai with a nice right. They called a time out. Zapata hurt his finger. He didn’t want the doctor to look at it. You’re not supposed to stop the fight due to an injury for a time out. The ref realized it and he had to stop the fight since he can’t call a time out.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- NAOYUKI KOTANI VS. KAJAN JOHNSON
First round: Johnson landed a right. Johnson landed a left. High kick by Johnson. Johnson hurt him with a right and a high kick. Kotani went for a takedown but couldn’t get it. Spin kick by Johnson. Johnson 10-9.
Second round: Kotani with a body kick. Body kick by Johnson. Johnson dropped him with a right. Johnson landing punches from the top. He’s landing several good shots from the top. Kotani got back to his feet. Crowd popped for that. Knee by Johnson dropped Kotani. Johnson on top landing punches and elbows. Kotani in real trouble. Kotani back up. Johnson staggered him again. Johnson, I’d go 10-8, because he had him in trouble twice, so 20-17.
Third round: Left by Johnson. Kotani took him down. Johnson went for the leg from the bottom. Kotani on top but doing no damage. Kotani with punches and working for a leglock but Johnson out of it. Kotani shooting for a takedown but didn’t get it. Hard right by Johnson at the horn. Kotani’s round, but Johnson should win 29-27.
Scores: Johnson 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27. No 10-8s in round two.
Johnson said that he wanted to fight later this year on the South Korea debut.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- NICK HEIN VS. YUSUKE KASUYA
First round: Kasuya threw him down and landed a high kick when Hein got up. Hein kneed him hard in the groin. Kasuya is hurt. Kazuya is laying on his back while it was stopped. He looks really hurt. Kasuya finally got up after three plus minutes. Hein only got a warning. Left by Hein. High kick by Kasuya. Hein landing punches. Hard left by Kasuya. Kasuya shot for a takedown but didn’t get it. Close round, Hein 10-9.
Second round: Both throwing punches. Left by Hein. Hein landed another left. Kasuya with a left and a high kick. Left by Hein. Right by Hein. Kasuya is the one moving forward by Hein is landing more. Hein 20-18.
Third round: Left by Hein. Right by Kasuya. Left and right by Hein. Hein with a low kick. Takedown by Kasuya and Hein reversed and got back up. Hein got his eye poked. Rigth by Hein but a body kick by Kasuya. Hein 30-27 but I actually could see a home town decision with a close first and third round.
Scores: 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 for Hein
WELTERWEIGHTS- KEITA NAKAMURA VS. LI JINGLIANG
First round: Both throwing punches. Nakamura dropped him with a left. Jingliang working for a triangle from the bottom. Nakamura landing hammer fists on the ground. Totally boring round. If we weren’t in Japan people would be booing like crazy. A stand-up was ordered. Nakamura landed a right and a knee. Jingliang back with punches. Nakamura 10-9.
Second round: Both throwing. Left by Jingliang. Hard right by Jingliang. Jingliang landing more. Jingliang landing a lot more. Nakamura just standing there. Right by Jingliang. Nakamura with a bloody nose. Jingliang hurting himn with punches and dropped him. Jigliant working to finish him. Jingliang with punches on the ground. Trading punches. Jingliang’s round so 19-19 going into the third.
Third round: Jingliang still landing. Nakamura went for a takedown and not even close. Left by Nakamura. Jingliang took him down. Nakamura working for a takedown and didn’t get it. Nakamura got his back. Crowd going nuts and finished him with a choke. Great come from behind win for Nakamura.
MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT):
UFC: ROAD TO JAPAN FEATHERWEIGHT FINALS- MIZUTO HIROTA VS. TERUTO ISHIHARA
First round: This is the final of the Road to UFC Japan tournament on Japanese television. Winner gets a six figure contract, which doesn’t really mean that much these days. Hard body kick by Ishihara which was a cheap shot since he went to shake hands it seemed. Left by Ishihara. Ishihara landed low kicks. Good left by Ishihara. Left by Ishihara. High kick by Hirota. Right by Hirota. Hirota has him pinned against the fence. Good left by Ishihara. Left by Hirota. Nice right by Hirota. Hard left by Ishihara. Ishihara dropped him at the end of the round. 10-9 Ishihara.
Second round: Ishihara with a left. Now low kicks by Ishihara. Ishihara dropped him with a left. Good left by Ishihara. Hirota landing. Hirota connected with a right. Left by Ishihara. Hirota took him down. Ishihara back up with no damage. Spinning punch to the stomach by Ishihara. Left by Ishihara. Hirota landed several punches. This is the best fight so far tonight. Both landing punches now. Ishihara 20-18.
Third round: Ishihara dropped him again with a left. Knee by Hirota. Hirota landing punches now. Hirota hurt him with a right. Knee by Hirota. Punches by Hirota and took him down. Hirota has his back. Ishihara back up. Hirota took him down but Ishihara back up. Knee by Hirota. Both throwing and Hirota landed a solid punch. Hirota is working for a takedown. He gave it up. Crowd really hot right now as both are swinging. Hirota’s round, 29-28 for Ishihara.
FEATHERWEIGHTS- KATSUNORI KIKUNO VS. DIEGO BRANDAO
First round: Brandao dropped him with a right and pounding on him. He threw him down and a few more punches and it was over. :28
BANTAMWEIGHTS- TAKEYA MIZUGAKI VS. GEORGE ROOP
First round: Both trading punches. Mizugaki with a knee from close range. Body shot and right cross. Roop back with punches. Both trading punches. Mizugaki with a right. Mizugaki starting to land. Good round. 10-9 Mizugaki.
Second round: Mizugaki landing two solid punches. Roop pressing him against the fence. Roop with knees. Mizugaki with punches and a knee and Roop pushed him against the fence. Roop bleeding from the nose. 20-18 Mizugaki.
Third round: Roop landed a right. Roop took him down but Mizugaki immediately back to his feet. Mizugaki landed a left. Knee by Mizugaki. Close round. Mizugaki 29-28.
Scores: All three have it 29-28 for Mizugaki.
They have just announced that both Hirota and Ishihara have gotten six figure contracts so they are co-winners of the Road to Japan.
FLYWEIGHTS- KYOJI HORIGUCHI VS. CHICO CAMUS
First round: Body kick by Horiguchi. Punches and a kick by Horiguchi. Camus got behind him on a missed spin kick. Body kick by Horiguchi. Horiguchi with a body kick. Horiguchi 10-9.
Second round: Horiguchi came out fast landing a lot of punches and tried to get his back but Camus out of trouble. Camus cut under the right eye. Horiguchi continues to land. Another flurry by Horiguchi. Both landing and a body kick by Horiguchi. Camus landed and Horiguchi bleeding from the nose. Right by Horiguchi. Horiguchi 20-18.
Third round: Body kick by Horiguchi. Horiguchi landed a series of punches. Horiguchi got his back standing for a second. Body kick by Horiguchi. Knee by Horiguchi. Body kick by Horiguchi. Head kick by Horiguchi Horiguchi trying to finish but Camus back with several punches that landed. 30-27 Horiguchi
Scores: All three have it 30-27 for Horiguchi.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS- GEGARD MOUSASI VS. URIAH HALL
First round: Takedown by Mousasi. Crowd is into Mousasi. Mousasi working from the top. He’s working for an arm triangle. He’s got full mount. Hall trying or a leglock but has nothing. Mousasi moved to side control. Hall has a Kimura. Mousasi pulled out of it. Mousasi has his back and throwing punches. Mousasi working for a choke but doesn’t have it. Crowd liked this round. 10-9 Mousasi.
Second round: Great spin kick landed right to the face on Mousasi and a hard knee. He’s landing punches and Mousasi is in a lot of trouble. Hall landing punches and Mousasi is in a lot of trouble. Hall with a ton of punches and it was stopped. Big upset. Crowd going nuts.
HEAVYWEIGHTS- JOSH BARNETT VS. ROY NELSON
First round: Barnett got a big pop. Barnett landed a kick. Nelson took Barnett down. Ref Steve Perceval ordered a standup. Barnett with a knee. Barnett with more knees. Nelson landed to the body. Anohter knee by Barnett. Nelson didn’t get a takedown. Barnett landing to the body. Barnet landing from the clinch. Nelson got a second takedown. Nelson landed a few punches from the top. 10-9 Nelson.
Second round: Nelson landed the right. Nelson started to land. Low kick by Barnett but two uppercuts by Nelson. Barnett landed a right and an uppercut. Both traded punches. Knee by Barnett. Barnett landing big punches and a knee. Barnett landed several punches and a knee. Elbows by Barnett. Barnett with several knees. Hard knee by Barnett. Uppercut and knees by Barnett. Elbow and knee by Barnett. Great head kick by Nelson. Barnett back with punches. More punches by Barnett. Knees and uppercuts by Barnett. Barnett stomping on his foot. Barnett’s round 19-19.
Round three: Uppercut by Barnett. Nelson trying for a bodylock takedown. Nelson throwing knees to the thigh. Ref ordered a break. Barnett moved in and landed but both ended up by the fence. Barnett with uppercuts,. Barnett with knees. Barnett landing. Nelson landed and trying for a takedown and Barnett defending it. Nelson tried for a takedown but Barnett blocked it. The ref broke them up again. Body kick and knee by Barnett, Nelson with a body shot. Very close round. Barnett 29-28.
Round four: Elbow by Barnett. Knees by Barnett and a punch. Nelson got him down but Barnett right up. Elbow by Barnett. Knee and punches by Barnett. Barnett with a lot of punches, knees and elbows. Nelson seems in trouble. Nelson is taking them. Hard elbow by Barnett. Knee by Barnett. Hard elbow by Barnett. Elbow and backfist by Nelson with a takedown and Nelson has his back. Barnett back up. Another break called. Barnett landing punches and knees. These two aer exhausted. Knee to the body by Barnett. Barnett 39-37.
Fifth round: Barnett with spinning back kick. Body kick by Nelson. Barnett moved and landed more punches. Knee by Barnett. Barnett landing all kinds of punches. Elbow by Barnett. Knee by Barnett. Elbow by Barnett. Elbow by Nelson. Knee by Barnett. Taekdown by Nelson. Nelson punching the body. Barnett back up. Uppercut by Barnett. The ref ordered a break. Nelson with a body shot and punch. Barnett kicked the body. Nelson landed punches. Barnett with a body kick. Very close round. Nelson’s round so I’ve got 48-47 Barnett. Could go the other way easily.
Scores: 48-47, 48-47 and 50-45 Barnett.
Barnett said it proves pro wrestling is strong. He said his clinch work wasn’t good enough, nothing he did was good enough but it was a good staring point. Barnett did his interview in Japanese. He said he loves this country. He called Nelson over. He put over Roy Nelson. He said Roy fights like a warrior and he gave Roy everything he had and Roy took it.
