It was a mixed night for City Kickboxing, going two for two on fight night. As you probably know, Israel Adesanya is no longer the champion, with his old foe Alex Pereira winning again.
That wasn’t the only title change of the night, with Zhang Weili winning the Strawweight title. Dustin Poirier also got the win in a barn-burner against Michael Chandler.
Let’s have a look at how the night unfolded.
Alex Pereira def Israel Adesanya
No matter what sport you play, there is a team or individual will always have it over someone else. Their bogey team or opponent, so to speak. Pereira is that man for Adesanya. It looked like the champ was on his way to getting that long-awaited victory, and it wasn’t to be, as Pereira pulled off a TKO victory.
Early in the fight, I questioned whether the title shot was too much too soon for the Brazilian, but he proved me and the doubters wrong.
Fantasy Matchmaker
I don’t want to jump too far ahead of myself, but most people think there should be a rematch. I agree, Adesanya was in control for most of the fight. I know this was the third time they have fought, but a rematch makes sense. Otherwise, give the winner of Whittaker/Costa a shot next.
Zhang Weili def Carla Esparza
Not much to say about this fight; Weili was the overwhelming favourite, showing how much above the competition she was. Esparza had a good fight and showed heart, but it wasn’t enough to defend her title.
Weili was just too strong everywhere, and win the fight with an unorthodox rear-naked choke from the crucifix position.
Fantasy Matchmaker
Another match against Rose Namajunas will be on the cards for the new champion, but if people aren’t keen to see that, then maybe a match uop against Amanda Lemos will make sense. For Esparza, She should meet Jessica Andrade for her next fight.
Dustin Poirer def Michael Chandler
This was a crazy fight from the get go. Both men came out swinging, with momentum changing in the first round. Poirier got the better of the exchanges though.
The second round was all Chandler as he went to his bread and butter, wrestling. There was one moment that was missed in real time as Chandler fish hooked Poirier when going for the rear-naked choke. Even it wasn’t noticed by commentary and some people around until Poirier said it post fight.
Chandler was buggered by the third round, and made the mistake of getting his back taken after going for a a single leg takedown. Poirier was able to sink in the choke for the win.
Fantasy Matchmaker
It’s hard not to mention Poirier’s name in the title picture, especially now there is a new champion. But it’s up to the powers that be as who will face the winner of Volkanovski/Makhachev. As for Chandler, For someone reason I want him to welcome Conor McGregor back to the Octagon. If that doesn’t’t happen, then Rafael Fiziev would be a fun fight.
Chris Gutierrez def Frankie Edgar
It was not the end to a hall of fame career that fans wanted to see. Frankie Edgar is a legend, and a lot of people wanted to see him go out a winner. Unfortunately, not everyone gets their fairytale ending.
It was almost a repeat of his loss to Corey Sandhagen, Gutierrez landed a knee straight down the middle knocking the former Lightweight Champion out cold.
Fantasy Matchmaker
After defeating Edgar, who was ranked at number 12, it’s time for Gutierrez taking on another top 15 fighter. Maybe Ricky Simon or Adrian Yanez.
Dan Hooker def Claudio Puelles
This was meant to be the fight that announced Puelles arrival, but it seems that he isn’t ready for the next step yet. Hooker showed that he is still in great form and won’t be anyone’s stepping stone. He didn’t panic when Puelles was going for the leglocks he is known for.
If Puelles wants to be a contender, he needs really work on his striking. He dropped to the ground too many times without setting it up.
Fantasy Matchmaker
Hooker is going to be a tough test for anyone, Tony Ferguson might be a good fight for Hooker. Jalin Turner is an exciting prospect, a fight between him and Hooker would be a good one.
For Puelles, he should take on Jamie Mularkey or Terence McKinney before taking anyone in the top 15.
Thanks for taking the time read today’s post, look forward to seeing you for next week’s fights.