In the second of two TUF championships, Mike Trizano took home the trophy in the lightweight tournament at the TUF 27 Finale.
Mike Trizano is a Bellator and Ring of Combat veteran holding an undefeated record of 6-0. The New Jersey native has knocked out two victims and submitted another two. On the show, Trizano advanced through the first round with a second-round TKO, then won a three-round decision to reach the finals.
Joe Giannetti is a jiu-jitsu specialist, winning five of his six career victories via submission. The ground skills carried over to the shows, as he submitted both of his opponents in the first round (a guillotine and rear-naked choke, respectively).
Trizano starts the fight with a leg kick, then Giannetti fires back with a deflected head kick. Early in the fight, both men are opting to lead their attacks with kicks.
Nearly a minute in, Giannetti swoops in with a double-leg takedown and moves to the back as Trizano stands up. Giannetti hangs on to the back of Trizano while pushing him against the cage. Trizano countered with a takedown, but Giannetti is able to bring him back to his feet. Giannetti briefly scored a takedown, but Trizano was quick to his feet.
Giannetti took down Trizano and began to work for an inverted heel hook. Trizano found enough space to posture up and land a punch, but Giannetti stayed on him, attempting a D’arce choke. The submission did not succeed but, Giannetti continued his push by sweeping Trizano onto his back with little to go in the round. The round ended shortly after Trizano attempted a triangle choke.
Each fighter traded low kicks to start the second round, then Giannetti shot for a takedown. Trizano countered effectively, catching Giannetti then shoving him over to take half guard. Trizano worked his way to side control.
Giannetti and Trizano were locked in a stalemate in the latter half of the second round, with Giannetti hanging off his opponent’s back. No progress was made on either side despite the referee’s wishes.
The final round was slower paced. Another series of kicks marked the early goings of the final round. While it was a close fight, neither fighter pushed the envelope to make a statement in the final round. Trizano was content with staying on the outside and firing away shots from distance. Giannetti had a similar goal, but with even less urgency.
Michael Trizano def. Joe Giannetti by Split Decision (29-28 x2, 28-29).
