At UFC Chile, bantamweight Guido Cannetti held on to survive local hero Diego Rivas in a close decision.
The third fight in on the UFC Chile main card was a fight full of meaning not just because of rankings, but because of Diego Rivas. Rivas was fighting in his home country, and would no doubt get a hero’s welcome in Chile. Cannetti looked to spoil his hometown welcome, and get the big win. Would he rain on the Chilean’s parade?
The fight started with Rivas looking for a takedown that he couldn’t quite get. Cannetti then pushed him up against the fence. Rivas reversed, but Cannetti tripped him and ended up in half guard. Rivas looked for an arm-bar but was slammed on his head, while Cannetti took his back. Rivas stood up and Cannetti stayed on him backpack style, however Rivas reversed and pushed him up against the cage to end the round.
Round two started with a low blow, as Rivas was hit below the belt and needed a few minutes rest. Back underway, Rivas looked for a takedown, but a scramble ensued and Cannetti landed on top in side control. Cannetti moved into half and then full guard as Rivas couldn’t get to his feet. Cannetti was doing just enough to not get stood up. At least at first. It didn’t work forever, as the ref finally intervened. The two scrambled again and Rivas looked for a guillotine. In what appeared to be a tight choke, Cannetti toughed his way out of it. The round ended with Cannetti taking Rivas’ back.
Round three began with Rivas and Cannetti both landing some really hard shots. With Rivas landing a couple of good body kicks, and Cannetti coming back with some nice lefts and rights, the action was in full swing. Rivas pushed Cannetti up to the fence, and Rivas landed some knees and elbows, then dropped for a takedown. Cannetti tried to secure a guillotine in response. He could not, and Rivas keeps him pressed up against the fence. Moving off the fence, Diego Rivas looked for the big punch to end the fight, but it never came.
Guido Cannetti def. Diego Rivas by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
