George (4-0) returns to action for the first time in 2022 as he takes on Emiliano Calderon at CES 67. He was originally scheduled to face veteran fighter Christian Leonard; however, an injury forced him to withdraw from the fight.

George was disappointed because he hoped for a war and had a veteran name on his record.

“I wish him nothing but the best. I hope he has a speedy recovery. I don’t want to speak too much on it, because that’s his business. I’m thankful that he wanted to take the fight with me. He’s a veteran, and I was really gonna, you know, try my warrior spirit with him. And that would have been a fun fight and a great fight for the fans,” George told Cageside Press recently.

With Leonard out of the fight, Argentinan fighter Calderon (1-1) stepped up on short notice. Calderon is coming off a first-round TKO and will be making his CES debut.

George recognizes that his opponent is completely game and is coming to make a statement.

“Emiliano stepped up and agreed to fight me, and he might be 1-1, but he’s coming off of a TKO, and he’s looking to derail my train. He’s not coming up here to lay down, I promise you that. I can tell, and that’s got me motivated. He’s confident enough to be like I could beat this guy on a short notice call, so I’m going to push his sh*t in, though,” George said.

While the 30-year old is willing to fight for 15 minutes to show everyone he is not just a knockout artist, knockouts are what get prospects on Dana White’s Contender Series. With a win, that is where he wants to be next.

“I never try to call a first-round stoppage, just because I don’t like to ever feel like I’m gonna have to hunt for the finish. I don’t want to. I feel like when you try too hard to get the finish, that’s when you get caught slipping. I feel like I’m more than capable of ending this fight in the first round. Is that the goal? The goal is always to get the finish whenever presented. I also have been wanting to show my warrior spirit for a while now… I think it’s a good time for me to be able to show that I can do more than just finish people in the first round,” George said.

“I don’t want to count my chickens before they hatch, but we’re definitely going for a Contender Series call this year. That’s the goal. That was the goal last year, but COVID messed everything up and slowed stuff down. That is the goal for this year… But before I do any of that, first and foremost, I got to beat this man on April 1st and demonstrate all that I say I am.”

Watch the rest of our interview with Eddy George above, where he talks about his MMA origins, his amateur losses, his last fight, and much more. George vs. Calderon goes down this Friday, April 1, streaming exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

The post CES 67: Eddy George Plans to Finish Emiliano Calderon, Punch His Ticket to Contender Series appeared first on Cageside Press.

For Yorgan De Castro, CES 65 marked his first fight back following his release from the UFC earlier this year. The heavyweight competed for CES prior to his Contender Series and Ultimate Fighting Championship run, the latter of which saw him post a 1-3 record.

Looking to regroup and work his way back to the big show, De Castro was taking on Danyelle Williams, who after a brief stint in boxing was returning to MMA for the first time since 2017.

The story surrounding Andre Harrison’s return to the cage in the co-main event was a wild one. The former PFL champ had not competed in two years not because of injury or illness, but simply because the major promotions wouldn’t sign him off a loss, and no one on the regional scene seemed to want to fight him.

Brazilian LFA veteran Mauro Chaulet had signed on, however, ending Harrison’s lengthy inactive stretch.

Full results from Sunday’s CES 65 card can be found below. The event takes place Sunday, November 7 at the Providence Career and Technical Academy in Providence, Rhode Island. It all goes down live on UFC Fight Pass starting at 4PM ET.

CES 65: De Castro vs. Williams Results

Main Card

Yorgan De Castro def. Danyelle Williams by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-27)
Andre Harrison def. Mauro Chaulet by TKO (5:00), Round 1, 5:00
Ashiek Ajim def. Carlos Espinosa by knockout, Round 1, 0:26
John Douma def. Tristan Lindi by submission (d’arce choke), Round 1, 2:24
Hugh McKenna def. Pat McCrohan by TKO, Round 1, 4:33
Nathan Ghareeb def. Tom Pagliarulo by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Tim Flores def. Matt Almy by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Post-Liminary Card

Rakim Thorpe def. Aaron Hughes by decision
Tyrime Da Silva def. Josh Hardy by submission (guillotine choke), Round 1, 0:41

The post CES 65: De Castro vs. Williams Full Results appeared first on Cageside Press.

The CES cage is no stranger when it comes to Howard; the man has competed in the promotion’s cage a total of six times. He is glad to see his career come full circle and compete for his hometown crowd.

“It feels good to see my fans,” Howard began. “I fight all over the place, the country and the world, they don’t always get to see me live. My home is Massachusetts, this fight is home for me, my hometown crowd.”

Howard has competed for major promotions, including most recently for the PFL in 2019. He notably KO’d Ray Cooper III during this stint. Howard enjoyed his time for PFL, and was unsure why the promotion decided to move on from his services.

“Nothing but love for the PFL,” Howard began. “They did a dream come true for me, two fights in one night, I wanted that in my career. It was them, their decision. Not sure why they didn’t bring me back but very appreciative. I’m the only guy to knock out their champion. I’ll just keep grinding.”

It would be easy to call it a career, as a UFC, Ultimate Fighter and PFL veteran. Howard could have hung up the gloves and looked back on a special career, which was a pleasure to watch. Instead Howard is returning to the regional scene, the scene where it all began, and his goals don’t end with CES.

“I’m not done,” Howard told Cageside Press. “Another shot, I want a belt in the UFC, PFL or Bellator. My body is good, I have all the skills, I’m a better everything. I am the best athlete I’ve ever been. I want to go to CES and make a great shows, then want one of those three major belts.”

CES 63 takes this Friday, August 6 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. John “Doomsday” Howard faces Ozzie Alvarez in the main event.

The post CES 63: John “Doomsday” Howard Feels He Is on the Chase for a Major Promotion’s Title appeared first on Cageside Press.

His coach, Tyson Chartier, had the following to say about Pagliarulo:

“I’m excited to see him back in the cage,” Chartier said over text. “He’s a true example of hard work, dedication and benchmarking. The sky is the limit for this kid not only because of his talent, but because he is doing all the right things. He’s doing them year round, not just in camp.”

Pagliarulo spoke about being a member of the New England Cartel, with fellow members Font and Kattar. Pagliarulo was a main sparring partner for the Max Holloway fight for Kattar, and was found by Rob Font years ago, molded into the talent we see today.

“I’m with the right group of people,” Pagliarulo stated. “I trust in them, they trust in me. We are going to keep doing our thing, keep winning big fights. We have a small circle, but a good circle. That Holloway fight, we did some good rounds, me and Cal (Calvin Kattar), that showed me alright I’m not afraid to stand here with Cal, there is no one they are going to put in front of me on the regional scene that will intimidate me,” Pagliarulo continued. “I treat all these guys on the regional scene like they are the best in the world.”

The post CES 63: Tom Pagliarulo Talks Confidence of Training With Calvin Kattar, Rob Font appeared first on Cageside Press.

“Going into this, I was already mentally thinking what was the next chapter in my life,” Paiva stated in a recent interview with Cageside Press. “This isn’t a forever game. When the time came and I had a child in my life I was ready to make that leap to the next chapter, from fighter to father,” Paiva continued. “When am I going to get the opportunity to fight in front of my mother, my father in the same roof. I love this sport more than I love a lot of things in life. I’m going to leave on my own accord, not be pushed out.”

Paiva stated that a multitude of reasons weighed into the retirement decision. From family, to a CES title, age and more, it was time in Paiva’s mind. Competing under the CES banner a total of 21 times, the only MMA fight he has competed in under a different banner was Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020. It comes with no surprise that Paiva considers CES home.

“CES is family to me,” Paiva told Cageside Press. “Look how many guys CES has put in the UFC. The proof is in the pudding, I fought for them 20-plus times for a reason, they were so good to me. There would be no “Sweetbread” without CES, they were the oven and the baker,” Paiva laughed. “Probably not a lot of promotions out there man that recognize individual family members of a fighter and help them out, take care of them, CES has done that for me.”

Watch our full interview above, as Paiva explains in detail his retirement decision, teases what is next for him including still competing in tournaments or coaching in the sport and much more. Congrats on a great a career for the New Englander!

The post Dinis Paiva Talks Retirement, Says “CES is Family to Me” appeared first on Cageside Press.

Every fighter has their go-to moves, especially specialists within certain martial arts disciplines. Their own signature styles that can lead to spectacular finishes. Whether it’s a scary-good rear-naked choke that fighters just can’t seem to avoid once going to the ground or crazy power in a straight left hand that has dropped even granite-chinned fighters with ease, each fighter has a particular finishing move or sequence. Moves that have stuck in fan’s minds and come to define and describe their careers within the cage.

This week we will take a look at some fighters with only a few (5 or less) fights in the UFC, rather than those fighters that are long time UFC veterans with a bunch of finishes with the promotion. They’re all a part of the UFC Vegas 11 card.

Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC)

Total Number of Pro MMA Finishes: 8

Via KO/TKO: 4

Via Submission: 4

Total Number of UFC Finishes: 2

Via KO/TKO: 1

(Rhys McKee)

Via Submission: 1

(John Phillips)

Khamzat Chimaev has a 100% win finishing rate in his professional MMA career.

Khamzat has been creating a lot of hype around himself, just over two months into the start of his UFC career. The middleweight/welterweight hybrid has not just been able to have a 10 day turn around between his two fights in the UFC, both of which were at different weight classes. But Khamzat has also been able to completely dominate both John Philips and Rhys McKee, impose his will, and shut down any offense that his opponents have attempted to mount against him.

Khamzat has some of the most dominating wrestling and grappling control in the game today, with an absolutely savage ground n’ pound striking ability to stop fights.

Khamzat Chimaev throws hands too 👀 pic.twitter.com/bYixKXX1FW

— MMA Gone Wild🥋 (@mmagonewild) September 14, 2020

The post Finishing the Fight: UFC Vegas 11 appeared first on Cageside Press.

CES 60 | Friday | US

Welterweight: John Gotti III (4-0)

John Gotti III is best known as the grandson of the infamous John Gotti, the Italian-American gangster known as the “Teflon Don.” John Gotti the third is going down a different path in MMA and has looked really good so far. 4-0 as a pro, he also went 5-1 as an amateur and combined is on an eight-fight win streak. There is not a lot of footage but Gotti has displayed huge power in his hands from what we have seen. 4-0 as a pro isn’t too shabby, and that’s with four stoppages all in the first round. He fights Marcos Lloreda (7-5).

Cage Titans 47 | Saturday | US

Flyweight: Mitch Raposo (3-0)

Mitch Raposo is only 3-0 as a pro but went 6-0 as an amateur. Raposo hasn’t been fighting the best competition but has performed as expected. At only 21-years-old, this youngster has a bright future. His wrestling is all-around excellent from his timing to his execution. Good luck finding a takedown attempt he hasn’t completed. The job he does on the mat is fantastic work as well. Raposo has some dominant grappling and superior cardio. He fights Cleveland McLean (11-8).

Bellator 238 | Saturday | US

Featherweight: Adam Borics (14-0)

The 26-year-old from Hungary has a background in Thai boxing and karate but is more effective on the mat. On the feet, Adam Borics is explosive and has good extension on his strikes. His takedown defense isn’t where it needs to be, but he is excellent at locking up the triangle with three of his five submission wins by a triangle. His last fight, he made waves in knocking out top prospect Aaron Pico (also appearing on the Bellator 238 card) with a flying knee. He will fight former Bellator bantamweight champ, Darrion Caldwell (13-3). It’s a quarterfinal bout in the featherweight grand prix.

Featherweight: Jay Jay Wilson (4-0)

Jay Jay Wilson has only been a pro for a little over two years and has been dominant. Wilson has breezed through opponents with four first-round finishes with the longest fight going 1:33. The Kiwi has displayed beautiful jiu-jitsu and showed once he gets the back he has a fantastic rear-naked choke. Still, there is a lot he needs to show but Wilson is someone to watch out for. He fights Mario Navarro (4-5).

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: Rising Up-and-comers on Deck appeared first on Cageside Press.

Ed Ruth. Steve Mowry. Mandel Nallo. Patrick Mix. These kids are alright. Well, maybe it’s a stretch to call some of them “kids.” Still, Bellator has plenty of prospects in action between Bellator 231 and Bellator 232 this weekend. With ONE Championship’s Dawn of Valor this Friday, a CES show, and more, there are lots of fresh names to look over.

And so once again, here’s our Weekly MMA Prospect Report.

One Championship | Friday | Indonesia

Bantamweight, Muin Gafurov (16-2)

Gafurov, born out of  Tajikistan, is a solid prospect at only 24-years-old. Gafurov is a 2014 Pankration and Grappling Champion and a 2013-2017 Combat Sambo World Champion. He’s well-rounded, and on the feet he has a flashy style, but he is quick and mainly relies on his athleticism. He’s better with his wrestling and on top, he has good jiu-jitsu. Most impressively, he has a 100% finish rate. He fights former UFC standout John Lineker (31-9). Gafurov is a huge underdog in this fight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc-2XVl6jiE

Welterweight, Tony Caruso (7-0)

We’re not too sold on Caruso but he has the well-roundedness to improve to a better fighter. He has a boxing background as a pro who is currently 4-1-1 and some experience in BJJ. Despite glimpses of his striking, Caruso has really got it done with his wrestling in his MMA career. He executes single-leg takedowns very well and on top he is heavy. He fights Pieter Buist (15-4) who does have a problem with his TDD.

CES 59 | Friday | Rhode Island

Light-heavyweight, William Knight (5-0)

Knight lacks technique but is super athletic and has a lot of power. He also lacks takedown defense, but is that guy who lands on top and becomes a nightmare with his ground and pound. He won his last fight on the Contender Series and earned a development deal so all eyes are on him. He did have a lot of issues, so it will be interesting to see how much he has improved. He fights Marvin Skipper (4-2) who he should beat.

Bellator 231 | Friday | Connecticut

Light Heavyweight, Karl Albrektsson (9-2)

Karl Albrektsson has only two losses in his career, both to stellar prospects Valentin Moldavsky and Jiri Prochazka. He has also beaten good competition such as former UFC fighter Josh Stansbury and top Bellator contender Vadim Nemkov. “King” has a background in BJJ and in Sanshou, in which he was the 2014 European champion. He isn’t too good on the feet, often fighting too stiff. He excels on the mat though, looking better in each fight. He fights the former champ Phil Davis (20-5) who is a big favorite to win this fight.

Welterweight, Jason Jackson (10-3)

Jackson’s three losses are to former UFC fighter Hayder Hassan and current UFC fighters Kyle Stewart and Colby Covington. He has a win over current UFC fighter Dhiego Lima. Jackson is a good striker who is technical with an excellent jab and a crushing right hand. This product out of the former Blackzilians gym is a very good wrestler as well being very well-rounded. He’s super athletic and at only 28, he’s got a high ceiling. He fights Ed Ruth (7-1).

Welterweight, Ed Ruth (7-1)

Ruth is a very accomplished wrestler. His accolades include 2012, 2013, 2014 NCAA D1 Wrestling Champion, a 4x All-American, and a 4x Big Ten Champion. With his wrestling background and training with top camp Jackson-Wink MMA, Ruth has really developed into a promising prospect. He has dominated in all of his wins as well, getting the easy takedown and the mount along with controlling the back position, showing off his BJJ skills. Ruth has also shown finishing ability with heavy ground n’ pound, and the wrestler has even scored a knockout by a punch and by a knee while he has been improving on the feet. He fights Jason Jackson (10-3).

Heavyweight, Steve Mowry (6-0)

Standing a 6’9″, Mowry has all the tools to be a dangerous guy at Heavyweight. Training out of Hard Knocks 365 the 27-year-old has plenty of time to develop into a more complete fighter. Though he’s only 6-0 as a pro, Mowry went 7-0 as an amateur with six wins by submission. He has some things to work on including his striking, which is improving, but overall he does a good job and stays long. Still, he is more effective in the clinch with knees. He has solid wrestling, being at his best once on the mat. And once there he has good jiu-jitsu for a big guy. He fights Gokhan Saricam (4-0) who lacks footage.

Lightweight, Mandel Nallo (7-0)

On the mat, Mandel Nallo is very slick with his grappling, allowing him to snatch up chokes easily as all four of his submission wins have come that way. Nallo’s standup isn’t bad, his striking isn’t great but his kicks are sound, he throws very hard and dangerously up through the middle or above the shoulder. It would be nice to see more of him, as he’s been very inactive. He fights Killys Mota (11-1) who is a good test.

Cage Warriors 109 | Saturday | UK

Lightweight, Jai Herbert (9-1)

Herbert has decent wrestling and good jiu-jitsu to fall back on but he is much more talented on the feet. He does a great job fighting long with an excellent tool set of kicks, punches, knees, and elbows. Herbert is dangerous in all aspects on the feet but his right hand is his money shot. Herbert really needs to work on his takedown defense as that is his biggest weakness. He fights former UFC fighter Chris Carrizosa (11-3) who has won his last five.

Welterweight, Madars Fleminas (6-0)

Only 6-0 as a pro, Fleminas went 9-1 as an amateur and won three titles. Fleminas on the feet is really good in the clinch with his knees. Still, you might expect him to be better since he has a long-range at 6’2″. He’s superb on the mat in top position with active ground and pound. Fleminas has solid cardio as well, and shows improvement in each fight. He could have a bright future if he learns how to put it all together. He fights George Hardwick (4-0) who is a solid litmus test.

Bellator 232 | Saturday | Connecticut

Lightweight, Robin van Roosmalen (2-0)

Robin van Roosmalen is a Dutch kickboxer who is a former Glory featherweight and lightweight champion. Roosmalen has a kickboxing record of 51-18. So far in his short MMA career, his takedown defense has been tested. He’s been taken down twice but in his second fight, it improved a lot. RVR is obviously dangerous on the feet showing one-punch knockout power, heavy kicks, and excellent shot selection. He fights Cris Lencioni (5-2) who is a good test at this point.

Bantamweight, Patrick Mix (11-0)

Undefeated as a pro, Mix also went 11-0 as an amateur. Mix is all about pressure and he is always moving forward, walking his opponent down. Mix has seven submissions with five rear-naked chokes showing he is more comfortable on the mat, but now, training out of Jackson-Wink MMA, he’s been improving every step of the way. He fights Isaiah Chapman (9-3).

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: Bellator’s Kids Are Alright appeared first on Cageside Press.

The New England MMA scene appears to be bursting with talent at the moment. It seems like each day a fighter from the region is signing with a major MMA organization. The UFC has added local fighters like Yorgan De Castro and Peter Barrett, Bellator has added Mike Kimbel and Nick Newell, and even the PFL has added Nate Andrews and John Howard. However, despite all these signings, one of the most consistent fighters in the region, Jessy Miele, is still waiting for her opportunity at the big leagues.

“I just want to challenge myself and fight the people they call the best right now,” Miele told Cageside Press. “That is what is going to make me a better fighter now.”

Miele, who turned professional back in 2014, sports an 8-3 record and is riding a three fight winning streak. She is coming off the biggest victory of her career, when she defeated UFC veteran Elizabeth Phillips by split decision back at CES 56 in May. Since dropping her professional debut, “the Widowmaker” has only lost to very high level fighters in former Invicta title challenger Charmaine Tweet and Ultimate Fighter Season 18 veteran Peggy Morgan — with both of those losses coming by way of decision.

“A lot of those losses were me getting in my own head,” Miele said. “I’m in a different spot in my life now. I am no longer getting in my own head.”

The Connecticut native tried out for the 28th season of the Ultimate Fighter but ended up only being selected as an alternative. Instead of getting frustrated, the featherweight worked on her craft with the crew at Underdog Mixed Martial Arts in Hartford and three other teams through out New England. She also picked up back to back wins under the CES MMA banner.

“Every time I get in the cage, I’m gonna be a better fighter,” Miele said. “I’m putting in the work and I believe it is starting to show.”

Miele is known for her well-rounded game. She is a bit of a crowd pleasure due to her penchant to slug it out on the feet. However, she is also a tough test for anybody in the grappling department — as she is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and has half of her wins coming via submission.

The 34-year-old knows that a call up to the UFC could come at any time, so she must be prepared. With the premier MMA organization coming to Northeast cities like Boston and New York this fall, her chances of finally getting called up might have increased.

“I just want to be prepared if someone likes the UFC calls and says they need someone last minute,” Miele stated. “I want to say let’s take it.”

Despite having to consult with her manager and teammate, UFC veteran Matt Bessette, Miele is not going to restrict her options to the UFC. With Bellator MMA holding back to back events in Connecticut in October, Invicta FC constantly adding top female talent, and the Professional Fighters League possible adding new weight classes to their 2020 season, she is hoping to have multiple offers on the table.

“I would be interested in a lot of leagues, especially the PFL,” Miele said. “But I’m looking to stay in my weight class and don’t want to go up. However, if they make a featherweight division, I would like to be in there.”

Miele doesn’t currently have a fight booked but is hoping to return soon. Being that some of the top MMA sites rank her as one of the best fighters in her division, perhaps the fight will come on a higher platform.

“I want to know why they don’t think I’m ready,” Miele said. “I think I’m ready and I want to show that I’m ready. Give me a shot and I will prove it.”

The post CES MMA’s Jessy Miele Ready for the Big Leagues: “Give Me a Shot and I Will Prove It” appeared first on Cageside Press.

The Connecticut based promotion, arguably the top New England promotion there is, is back in action. CES hosts yet another UFC Fight-pass showing at Twin River Casino. This card has some special reunions with the return of longtime fan-favorite Dinis Piava. CES heavyweight champion Greg Rebello also makes a much anticipated return to the cage after a year off from his Dana White Tuesday Night Contender Series (DWTNCS) loss.

Kris Moutinho fights looking to get back to his winning ways after a loss to dominant champion Tony Gravely at CES54. Speaking of the bantamweight champion, Gravely is competing on week eight of DWTNCS this summer. Tateki Matsuda looks to continue his road back to a bigger promotion, the two fight UFC veteran won his first fight in CES since 2014 at CES54. Saul Almeida will also be returning to the CES cage, one of the top prospects in New England.

Check out the results from the CES 57 main card below!

CES 57 Main Card Results

Greg Rebello vs. Kevin Haley

Rebello is a special fighter, one of those fighters you just need to see in the cage, an entertainer. The CES heavyweight champion, Rebello was returning for the first time since his DWTNCS loss in 2018. Kevin Haley was currently on a two fight losing streak which may seem odd for a title challenger, but Haley has fought some of the top names in CES and more.

We opened this championship bout between heavyweights with a meet in the middle sign of respect. Haley opened with faints that got little reaction from Rebello. The champion landed a left that sounded worse than it may have been, or Haley is very good at disguises. Haley igniteed a clinch battle. A low blow from Haley caused a short stoppage. As the two exchanged punches, it seemed Haley had Rebello in a spot he wanted him, only when the distance was closed Rebello landed a strong jab followed by a hook that sent Haley crashing down ending this one in TKO fashion. Rebello remains your CES champion.

“I have high level training partners, I see everything everyday, I’m still the best at this that is why I’m here,” the champ commented afterward.

Dinis Paiva def. Antonio Castillo Jr. via KO (Rd1, 2:41)

Dinis Paiva is one of the pioneers of CES MMA, one of those fighters that on the local scene is seen as a hero to many. After dealing with some injuries and weight cut issues, Paiva was back home at CES and ready to yet again wow the fans. In the opposing corner was Antonio Castillo Jr., who was on a five fight losing streak heading in, most recently to Nick Newell at CES 56.

As Paiva looked to tap gloves, Castillo returned the favor with a punch. Paiva landed some strong body shots as Castillo continued to look for heavy punches. An overhand left landed for Paiva which seemed to wobble Castillo but the two continued standing. As Castillo threw, Paiva landed a clean left hook that dropped Castillo, and before the ground and pound could begin, the fight was over. A special moment for Paiva as the crowd erupted for his victory.

“I’ve fought for this promotion my whole career, this is all I know,” he said post-fight. “He believed in me when I didn’t believe in me,” he added, speaking in regards to his late coach. An emotional yet special victory for Paiva and his team.

Sean Soriano def. Saul Almeida via KO (Rd 1, 1:22)

Framingham, Mass native Saul Almeida has fought everywhere from CES to LFA to Bellator. He’s a highly touted prospect who could be a small winning streak away from a chance at a big promotion. Inn his way Friday was Sean Soriano, a New England native and former member of the UFC, having a three fight stint with the promotion.

We opened round one with a Soriano kick to the midsection. It seemed both men had come out looking to make a statement. A statement is exactly what Sean Soriano made, a huge hook landing and knocking out Almeida in the very first round. A huge win for a man looking to return to the UFC Octagon.

“Don’t f*cking count me out” is what Soriano had to say post fight.

Tateki Matsuda def. Matt Almy via unanimous decision (30-26 X2, 30-27)

Matsuda returned to CES at CES 54 and was back again on the road to redemption, which he no doubt hoped would make a stop back in the UFC. Matt Almy stood in the way at CES 57. Almy was a winner in his CES debut at CES49 via first round submission.

Matsuda came running to the center to meet his opponent. Almy landed a strong leg kick, followed by a missed combo from Matsuda. Matsuda attempted another combo, this one landed clean dropping Almy with a left hook. Almy was quick to regain composure and got back on his feet. Matsuda again overpowered Almy and landed some clean jabs to the head followed by a leaping head kick which was blocked, but was felt by Almy. Matsuda grappled and landed some knees to close out round one.

Our first second round of the main card, we opened with a glove touch. Matsuda was throwing a lot of jabs and faints. Sneaking in his shots, but Almy had gained the respect of the UFC veteran. Matsuda landed a takedown early and took the back of Almy. Unloading with elbows, Almy was in a tough position. Although unleashing punches on his opponent, Tateki was unable to get the finish in the closing seconds of round two.

Round three, Almy threw a big underhand shot that just missed. Tateki was going back to his leg kick strategy a bit in round three. Almy seemed to be the more relaxed fighter in round three, but both men were showing off some intense cardio. Still going strong with some round leg kicks, Matsuda began throwing some heavy punches. Almy landed a heavy right and shot for a takedown which was stuffed. Matsuda turns it into top control for his own positioning. We closed this one out, to the judges it went. Matsuda took home the win on the scorecards.

Johnny Campbell def. Kris Moutinho via TKO (Rd 2 1:46)

Moutinho is high on many prospect reports in the area, he challenged for the CES title only to lose to Tony Gravely, and looked to get right back on track Friday. Johnny Campbell may not have the prettiest of records at 15-9, but he can finish anyone and Friday would be playing the upset role.

The two Massachusetts natives began round one with some sizing up of each other. Campbell went for an early takedown but Moutinho turned it into a grapple battle against the cage. The two would break, Campbell then landed a few big leg kicks. Moutinho hit Campbell with a mean left jab that stunned his opponent. Another failed takedown attempt from Campbell followed. Campbell landed some big hooks and began swinging wildly, causing Moutinho to look for the grapple battle. Moutinho ended round one in a dominant position.

Campbell opened the second with a number of high kicks that were blocked. Campbell landed a huge hook that dropped Moutinho, Campbell quickly jumped in to finish with some serious ground and pound. As Moutinho rose, a right yet again dropped him. Campbell dropped Moutinho a third time and that was enough to finish the job in a big statement victory.

Andre Hall def. Pat McCrohan via RNC (3:46 Rd 1)  

Andre Hall, a North Carolina native, made his CES debut with a 3-1 pro record including a two fight finish streak. McCrohan returned to the CES cage after a big first round finish at Bellator 215.

Round one was underway with a flurry from Hall coming forward. A caught kick helped Hall land a clean jab. McCrohan attemptted a takedown but Hall ends up in top control. Hall took the back of McCrohan, but the Massachusetts native slipped Hall off. As the two began to stand, Hall landed a big shot and took him back down, again dominating on the ground. Hall again took the back of McCrohan and this time successfully got under the neck. Hall continues to impress early in his career, this time on the CES stage.

Hilarie Rose def. Kaiyana Rain via RNC (2:47 Rd 1) 

Hilarie Rose, on a tear since losing her pro debut, looked for a fourth win in a row and more hype to surround her name on the regional scene at CES 57. Kaiyana Rain has had a tough start to her pro career, but is one of the hardest competitors to put away via finish.

We opened round one with some short shots from Rose followed by a grappling exchange between the fighters. Rain was controlling the pressure early. It didn’t take long for Rose to find and secure top control and land some big ground and pound. Rose controlled on the ground and forced a tap from Rain via RNC. Hilarie Rose is looking for a spot on UFC Boston, and she may have given Dana White a reason to do it.

The post CES 57 – Rebello vs. Haley: Main Card Results appeared first on Cageside Press.