Looking to put a three-fight losing skid behind him, Myles Jury faced off with the always-dangerous Brandon Girtz at Bellator 239 on Friday.
Lightweight action at Bellator 239 had longtime promotional standout Brandon Girtz taking on former UFC athlete Myles Jury in the evening’s co-main event. Girtz entered the night off a win over Saad Awad, while Jury was seeking his first promotional victory, having dropped his debut against ex-UFC champ Benson Henderson.
Girtz was on the attack early, looking to land a right hand. He’d continue to push the action, forcing Jury to counter. Girtz continued to lead the dance, while Jury went to the body with a kick. The right hand was a constant threat from Brandon Girtz; Jury, meanwhile, got his jab going, and mixed in a knee. Girtz soon hand him backpedaling off a pair of right uppercuts, however. They’re continue to trade throughout the opening round, Jury going back to the well with his knee, Girtz throwing heavy leather every time out.
The second round had Girtz immediately on the attack, firing some heavy hooks, backing Myles Jury up to the fence. Girtz then dropped, looking for a takedown, which he’d land soon enough. Girtz would go to work inside Jury’s guard, and spend a considerable amount of time there. He couldn’t make much happen, however, and with a minute and forty seconds remaining in the frame, the ref stood the pair up. Almost immediately, Jury landed an eye poke that brought about an extended pause to the action. When they did get back underway, Jury would drop for a takedown attempt, which Girtz would impressively fight off. He did, however, risk giving up the back, with Jury literally climbing up him and getting hooks in. They’d head to the final frame however.
Round three again saw Jury’s knees come into play, as he caught Girtz coming in with one at least once. Girtz was finding himself backing up a fair bit. His power was still there, but less effective than earlier on. Jury, meanwhile, went looking for a late takedown. Once again, he mounted the back late in the round, and pulled Girtz down just before the final bell.
“I want a title shot, I want a new contract, and I want a little gig at the side of the booth,” Jury told ‘Big’ John McCarthy following the fight. He will need a few more wins, but Friday was a step in the right direction.
Official Result: Myles Jury def. Brandon Girtz by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
