LFA lightweight champion Richie Miranda retained his title at LFA 215 scoring a unanimous decision in a war with Ilay Barzilay on Friday night.
Miranda (12-1) put on a performance for the Ventura, CA crowd, but it wasn’t without adversity. After dominating the first round he went after Barzilay in the second nearly finishing the bout at the very end of those 5 minutes.
The next three rounds was show of heart, grit, and determination from the champ against a formidable opponent in Barzilay. Ultimately Miranda took home a unanimous decision, retained his title, and hopefully earned a call to the big show.
“This whole time I wanted an early stoppage, but you know. My stye is about putting fools down and that’s what I had to do today,” Miranda told Cageside Press following the fight.
“All five rounds.”
That second round was where Miranda was looking to end the fight, but Barzilay was saved by the bell.
“The ref was right there. He (Barzilay) gave a thumbs up, but I just kept hitting him. When I see the ref right there I’m trying to finish it as fast as possible. I know he’s ready to step in and that’s what I wanted to do,” he said.
Miranda is now on a 6-fight win streak with a title and two defenses. If the UFC’s brass was watching looking for their next lightweight star the time is now to call ‘El Machete’.
“Let’s do it baby! Hey I’m busting this thing all night. So you guys better call me up,” Miranda said.
“My manager is waiting. Cub Swanson’s waiting for the phone call!”
Call him up Dana. Your next Mexican lightweight star has arrived.
Watch the entire interview with Richie Miranda above.
