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World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) is finally set to pull the trigger on its long awaited next event TONIGHT (Sat., Oct. 10) from The AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.
WEC 43 features a 10-fight card, including a main event between Greg Jackson pupil Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and fast rising star Ben “Smooth” Henderson, battling it out in a five-round affair for the right to be called the WEC interim lightweight champion.
MMAmania.com will provide LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of WEC 43 below, beginning with the Versus telecast at 9 p.m. ET. In addition, up-to-the-minute quick results of all the other under card bouts will begin to flow around 7:30 p.m. ET.
Many of our readers check-in before, during and after the event to share their thoughts on the action. Therefore, feel free to leave a comment or 43 before you leave and chat with all the other Maniacs during the show — it always turns out to be a great discussion.
Keep in mind that we will also be the spot for the latest news, recaps and post-fight analysis after WEC 43.
Without further delay, see below for the latest WEC 43 results. (Note: This will go from the bottom up; therefore, scroll toward the bottom for the latest detailed round-by-round action!)
WEC 43 QUICK RESULTS:
Ben “Smooth” Henderson defeats Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone for the WEC Interim Lightweight Title via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
Dave Jansen defeats Rich “Cleat” Crunkilton via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Damacio “The Angel of Death” Page defeats Will Campuzano via submission (rear naked choke) at 1:02 of round one
Raphael Assuncao defeats Yves “Tiger” Jabouin via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
Anthony Njokuani defeats Muhsin Corbbrey via technical knockout (strikes) at 1:42 in round two
Scott Jorgensen defeats Noah Thomas via technical knockout (strikes) at 3:13 of round one
Mackens Semerzier defeats Wagnney Fabiano via submission (triangle choke) at 2:14 of round one
Eddie Wineland defeats Manny “The Mangler” Tapia via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Charlie Valencia defeats Coty “Ox” Wheeler via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Deividas Taurosevicius defeats Javier “Showtime” Vazquez via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
WEC 43 PLAY-BY-PLAY LIVE MAIN CARD COMMENTARY:
James here
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone (10-1) vs. Ben “Smooth” Henderson (9-1) for the WEC Interim Lightweight Title
Round one: Here we go. Cowboy runs out of his corner. He tries a high kick and slips and falls on his ass. Henderson shoots right away to capitalize with a takedown. Cowboy tries to counter with a guillotine. He has it. It looks deep, but Henderson escapes somehow. Cowboy transitions right to a triangle attempt and he looks to have that locked in as well. Henderson somehow escapes from that as well and now they’re back on their feet. WOW! What a start to this fight! Right hand misses but a hard leg kick lands for Henderson. Quick right hand from Cerrone. Henderson with a single leg takedown attempt now. Cowboy is defending it well, using the cage, but Henderson works hard and finishes off the takedown. Hard ground strikes from Smooth now. Cowboy with a triangle attempt, but Henderson shrugs it off. Cerrone tries an upkick that misses. Henderson is keeping the top position and he’s scoring with strikes from there. Cowboy tries to flip out of the position, but Henderson takes his back momentarily. Cowboy transitions again and is back to full guard. More strikes from Henderson from there as a close close round comes to an end from there. Good early start for Cowboy, but I think Henderson stole that round with the takedowns and ground and pound work.
Round two: High kick misses from Henderson. He fakes a shot, but he’s keeping his distance. Now he shoots for real and he gets the takedown. Cowboy back to his feet and Henderson slips. Cowboy takes his back and he has a body lock. Henderson spins around and now he’s in Cowboy’s full guard. Hard strikes from the bottom for Cowboy. He’s looking for a kimura now. In the process he transitions to Henderson’s back and he’s looking for the armbar now. Great transition work from both fighters. This is a highly technical battle so far. Back to the top position for Henderson and he’s working ground strikes from Cerrone’s guard. He’s standing and raining down punches now. Cowboy looks confused by the strategy as he tries to pull Henderson back down into his guard. More strikes from Henderson as he stands over Cowboy. Kneebar attempt now from Cerrone. He doesn’t get it and Ben Henderson continues to work the ground and pound. So far that has been the difference in this fight. Cowboy tries to sweep, but he gives his back to Henderson for a second. He spins back out and the round ends with a few more ground strikes by Henderson. Another 10-9 round for Henderson.
Round three: Henderson takes the center of the cage and he gets back up by a charging combo from Cowboy. Body punch misses from Cowboy and Henderson quickly shoots for another takedown and gets it. Back to the same position as round two where he’s standing over Cerrone landing punches. Triangle then armbar attempts from Cowboy don’t work out for him and Henderson takes side control. Now he has his back. Cowboy turns his back to the mat and Henderson is right back on top of him. Henderson is really having a lot of success with his ground and pound in this fight. Cowboy pushes him off with a kick and hops back to his feet. Hard inside leg kick lands for Cowboy. He looks like he can’t get comfortable in the stand up because he’s worried about Henderson taking him down. And just like that Henderson shoots and scores another takedown. Cowboy gets back to his feet, but Henderson won’t let go of him. And again he slams him right back to the mat. Right back up is Cowboy and Henderson just misses on a huge high kick attempt. Single leg takedown by Henderson and the round ends with a scramble. I have this round, like the other two, scored for Henderson. Cowboy needs to do something big in these championship rounds or he’s in trouble.
Round four: Cowboy charges in and misses on a big right hand. Now it’s Cowboy who shoots in for the takedown. Henderson defends it well, but Cowboy has that side guillotine choke sunk in again. Henderson gives a thumbs up that he’s okay even though the choke looks deep. Henderson somehow escapes and gets back to his feet. A frustrated Cowboy misses on a big right hand as Henderson back pedals. Hard body kick from Smooth followed by another single leg takedown attempt. This time Cowboy shrugs it off and they stay standing. Inside leg kick from Cerrone. Body shot lands from Cerrone. Single leg takedown gets stuffed by Cowboy, but Henderson stays on him and now has a double leg attempt. Somehow though Cowboy is staying on his feet. He escapes and they’re separated again. Cerrone is stalking Henderson now, but he’s being cautious because of the takedown. Hard uppercut lands for Cowboy. Now he’s standing over a downed Henderson, landing strikes. Henderson looks stunned for a moment, but then he pops right back to his feet. Cowboy takes his legs out from under him with a low kick that puts him on his butt as the round ends. I give that round to Cowboy, who for the first time finally showed some decent takedown defense in that round. I still have him behind in this fight though. He’ll need a big fifth round to win this one.
Round five: The two fighters hug to start the round. Cowboy looks fired up and ready to bang. Henderson shoots and he has Cowboy against the fence. More good takedown defense from Cerrone and he escapes. Hard left hook stuns Henderson. He’s on the ground and he latches onto Cowboy’s leg, scoring a momentary takedown. But Cowboy is right back up, standing over Henderson, working his legs with kicks. Cowboy tells him to stand up and he does. Hard right hand connects for Cerrone. He charges and Henderson falls back to the mat. Cowboy takes his back but Henderson works back to the top position. Triangle attempt from Cowboy doesn’t work. Now he has an armbar attempt as Henderson tries to free himself. Now he’s got Henderson’s arm bent almost backwards with a kimura, but somehow he seems fine. He’s out now and they’re back on their feet. Right away Henderson shoots for the takedown. He gets it. Cowboy has full guard and he’s got Henderson’s arm again as the bell sounds and this amazing fight comes to an end. I give that round to Cowboy for the submission attempts and staying busier, but I still have this fight scored 3 rounds to 2 for Ben Henderson. Let’s see what the judges say. It’s going to be close.
Final result: Ben “Smooth” Henderson defeats Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone for the WEC Interim Lightweight Title via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
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Rich “Cleat” Crunkilton (16-2) vs. Dave Jansen (12-0)
Round one: Gloves touch and we’re underway. Hard leg kick from Cleat. He looks for a single leg takedown and Jansen defends it well. Hard left hand from Jansen and they clinch. Tripping takedown from Jansen, but Crunkilton takes his back momentarily. They’re back on their feet but still clinched. Back to the ground with a takedown from Jansen. Cleat stands but Jansen is latched onto his back. Jansen picks him up ans slams him back to the mat. He works a few strikes. Cleat tries to stand, but Jansen puts him right back to the mat. Jansen works the ground and pound from half guard with elbows and punches. Crunkilton tries for a heel hook, but Jansen escapes. He lands a few more hard shots and is right back into Cleat’s half guard. To the north south position now with Jansen on top. Side control now for Jansen and he lands a few elbows before Cleat gets his guard back. Jansen is relentless and now he has Cleat’s back. Crunkilton works his way out and back to his feet. Nice leg kick from Cleat. Hard punches from Crunkilton and Jansen looks hurt. Crunkilton is teeing off and Jansen is saved by the bell. Still Jansen’s round though 10-9.
Round two: Cleat takes the center of the cage. Jansen with a hard left hand. He tries another and slips to his knee momentarily. Cleat tries to pounce, but Jansen gets it together. Takedown from Jansen now and he’s in Cleat’s full guard. More hard ground strikes from Jansen. Nice sweep from Crunkilton and he gets back to his feet. They clinch and Jansen lands a knee right to the groin that stops the action for a little while. Crunkilton recovers and we’re back underway. Jansen leans in with a right and eats a hard leg kick. Another from Crunkilton. Cleat looks tired as his hands are down by his waist. Jansen shoots for a takedown and loses his mouthpiece in the process. He’s got Cleat’s back now and he’s look for a kimura. Crunkilton sweeps and gets back to his feet. He throws a couple haymakers before getting put on his back again from another Jansen takedown. Half hearted triangle attempt from Crunkilton gets answered by a few hard ground strikes. The referee stands them up and Jansen gets his mouthpiece back. Hard body kick from Crunkilton. Both guys look tired now. Jansen shoots again and gets the takedown. Crunkilton is looking for a kimura from half guard as the bell rings. Close round but the takedowns are scoring points for Jansen. That was probably his round again. Close though.
Round three: Cleat with a left hand then a leg kick. He pushes Jansen’s takedown attempt off and lands another punch. Another leg kick. Cleat is pushing the pace now with lots of strikes, but Jansen puts an end to that with another takedown. Cleat works back to his feet, but it doesn’t stay there long as Jansen shoots right away for another takedown. Crunkilton tries to capitalize with a D’arce choke. He looks like he’s got it, but Jansen finds his way out and they’re back to their feet. Again though Jansen gets a takedown. Now he has a full mount and he’s landing elbows. Quick stand up there from the ref. I’ve never seen a ref call for a stand up with a fighter in full mount. Strange. Cleat throws out a few lazy jabs before Jansen scores another takedown. He’s in Cleat’s half guard now and he’s looking for a kimura. He may have it. Cleat is out … nice escape there. But Jansen is on top of him landing punches and elbows. Both fighters are exhausted as the fight comes to an end. That was a very hard fought battle between two extremely tough guys. The takedowns are going to be the difference in the decision though. Jansen should take this one.
Final result: Dave Jansen defeats Rich “Cleat” Crunkilton via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
-end-
Damacio “The Angel of Death” Page (11-4) vs Will Campuzano (6-0)
Round one: No gloves touch here and Page comes out throwing bombs. Campuzano tries to counter and they go toe to toe for a few seconds before Page scores a takedown, landing on top of Campuzano. Triangle attempt from Campuzano, but Page shrugs it off. He transitions and he’s got Campuzano’s back. Page is working for the choke. He’s got it! It’s deep. That’s it. Campuzano taps. Nice win for “The Angel of Death.” That was a very exciting first minute of action for this Versus telecast.
Final result: Damacio “The Angel of Death” Page defeats Will Campuzano via submission (rear naked choke) at 1:02 of round one
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Raphael Assuncao (13-1) vs. Yves “Tiger” Jabouin (14-4)
Round one: Assuncao takes the center of the cage. Jabouin is dancing around looking for an opening. He tries a high kick and misses. Nice one two combo from Assuncao finds it’s mark. Jabouin leans in with a left hand and eats a low kick for his troubles. Another leg kick from Assuncao. Nice right hand lands from Jabouin. Assuncao looked stunned for a moment, but Jabouin didn’t follow up the punch. Assuncao pulls guard and gets it, but Jabouin is able to make his way right back to his feet. Jabouin leans in with another right hand and eats a nice three punch combo from Assuncao. Jabouin leans in again and Assuncao scores a takedown. Jabouin lands on top and in Assuncao’s full guard. Jabouin again gets right back to his feet. Body kick from Assuncao lands. Jabouin tries a high kick and Assuncao catches it and tries to get the fight to the ground again but is unsuccessful. Spinning body kick attempt from Jabouin and Assuncao initiates a clinch. He pushes Jabouin against the cage and works for position. They separate and the round ends. Assuncao 10-9.
Round two: Assuncao takes the center again and lands a leg kick. Assuncao throws a two punch combo that finds nothing but air. High kick from Jabouin gets blocked. Assuncao answers with another low kick. Big right hand from Jabouin backs Assuncao up momentarily. Jabouin is starting to land his strikes now. He lands another big left hand. Assuncao answers with a leg kick and another two punch combo. Jab from Assuncao. A leg kick from Assuncao puts Jabouin on his butt, but he hops right back up. Nice body kick from Jabouin. Assuncao misses on a wild left hand and follows it up with another leg kick. Jabouin counters with one of his own and then initiates a clinch. Assuncao punches his way out and they separate. Takedown attempt now from Assuncao, but Jabouin defends it well. They stay in the clinch until Jabouin pushes and kicks his way out. Another high kick gets blocked by Assuncao. Assuncao charges in landing a hard left hand followed by a single leg takedown attempt. He gets it. Now he has Jabouin locked up in a choke with time running out. It looks deep, but Jabouin pops his head out and gets saved by the bell. Another 10-9 for Assuncao.
Round three: Finally they tap gloves. Nice exchange with both fighters landing a punch. Leg kick from Assuncao. Another hard one that puts Jabouin on his butt again. He pops right back up and lands a big right hand before they clinch. Knees from Assuncao. Takedown for Assuncao and he has Jabouin’s back. He’s looking to get his hooks, but Jabouin is using the fence to help fend him off. Assuncao is relentless and now has both hooks. He’s looking for the choke now, but he can’t get under Jabouin’s chin. Jabouin is in big trouble here with still 2 minutes to go. He’s out. And he’s back to his feet. Hard leg kick from a pissed off Jabouin! Another to the body. Assuncao looks tired a little bit and he’s back pedaling. Jabs from Jabouin who still looks like the fight just started with the way he continues to dance around. Spinning backfist lands from Jabouin, but Assuncao shakes his head no, assuring the crowd he’s okay. He attempts one of his own, but it doesn’t land. They clinch. Assuncao looks to get his back again, but the bell rings bringing an end to a pretty decent fight. I can’t see any way that Assuncao doesn’t take this decision.
Final result: Raphael Assuncao defeats Yves “Tiger” Jabouin via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
WEC 43 features a 10-fight card, including a main event between Greg Jackson pupil Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and fast rising star Ben “Smooth” Henderson, battling it out in a five-round affair for the right to be called the WEC interim lightweight champion.
MMAmania.com will provide LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of WEC 43 below, beginning with the Versus telecast at 9 p.m. ET. In addition, up-to-the-minute quick results of all the other under card bouts will begin to flow around 7:30 p.m. ET.
Many of our readers check-in before, during and after the event to share their thoughts on the action. Therefore, feel free to leave a comment or 43 before you leave and chat with all the other Maniacs during the show — it always turns out to be a great discussion.
Keep in mind that we will also be the spot for the latest news, recaps and post-fight analysis after WEC 43.
Without further delay, see below for the latest WEC 43 results. (Note: This will go from the bottom up; therefore, scroll toward the bottom for the latest detailed round-by-round action!)
WEC 43 QUICK RESULTS:
Ben “Smooth” Henderson defeats Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone for the WEC Interim Lightweight Title via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
Dave Jansen defeats Rich “Cleat” Crunkilton via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Damacio “The Angel of Death” Page defeats Will Campuzano via submission (rear naked choke) at 1:02 of round one
Raphael Assuncao defeats Yves “Tiger” Jabouin via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
Anthony Njokuani defeats Muhsin Corbbrey via technical knockout (strikes) at 1:42 in round two
Scott Jorgensen defeats Noah Thomas via technical knockout (strikes) at 3:13 of round one
Mackens Semerzier defeats Wagnney Fabiano via submission (triangle choke) at 2:14 of round one
Eddie Wineland defeats Manny “The Mangler” Tapia via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Charlie Valencia defeats Coty “Ox” Wheeler via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Deividas Taurosevicius defeats Javier “Showtime” Vazquez via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
WEC 43 PLAY-BY-PLAY LIVE MAIN CARD COMMENTARY:
James here
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone (10-1) vs. Ben “Smooth” Henderson (9-1) for the WEC Interim Lightweight Title
Round one: Here we go. Cowboy runs out of his corner. He tries a high kick and slips and falls on his ass. Henderson shoots right away to capitalize with a takedown. Cowboy tries to counter with a guillotine. He has it. It looks deep, but Henderson escapes somehow. Cowboy transitions right to a triangle attempt and he looks to have that locked in as well. Henderson somehow escapes from that as well and now they’re back on their feet. WOW! What a start to this fight! Right hand misses but a hard leg kick lands for Henderson. Quick right hand from Cerrone. Henderson with a single leg takedown attempt now. Cowboy is defending it well, using the cage, but Henderson works hard and finishes off the takedown. Hard ground strikes from Smooth now. Cowboy with a triangle attempt, but Henderson shrugs it off. Cerrone tries an upkick that misses. Henderson is keeping the top position and he’s scoring with strikes from there. Cowboy tries to flip out of the position, but Henderson takes his back momentarily. Cowboy transitions again and is back to full guard. More strikes from Henderson from there as a close close round comes to an end from there. Good early start for Cowboy, but I think Henderson stole that round with the takedowns and ground and pound work.
Round two: High kick misses from Henderson. He fakes a shot, but he’s keeping his distance. Now he shoots for real and he gets the takedown. Cowboy back to his feet and Henderson slips. Cowboy takes his back and he has a body lock. Henderson spins around and now he’s in Cowboy’s full guard. Hard strikes from the bottom for Cowboy. He’s looking for a kimura now. In the process he transitions to Henderson’s back and he’s looking for the armbar now. Great transition work from both fighters. This is a highly technical battle so far. Back to the top position for Henderson and he’s working ground strikes from Cerrone’s guard. He’s standing and raining down punches now. Cowboy looks confused by the strategy as he tries to pull Henderson back down into his guard. More strikes from Henderson as he stands over Cowboy. Kneebar attempt now from Cerrone. He doesn’t get it and Ben Henderson continues to work the ground and pound. So far that has been the difference in this fight. Cowboy tries to sweep, but he gives his back to Henderson for a second. He spins back out and the round ends with a few more ground strikes by Henderson. Another 10-9 round for Henderson.
Round three: Henderson takes the center of the cage and he gets back up by a charging combo from Cowboy. Body punch misses from Cowboy and Henderson quickly shoots for another takedown and gets it. Back to the same position as round two where he’s standing over Cerrone landing punches. Triangle then armbar attempts from Cowboy don’t work out for him and Henderson takes side control. Now he has his back. Cowboy turns his back to the mat and Henderson is right back on top of him. Henderson is really having a lot of success with his ground and pound in this fight. Cowboy pushes him off with a kick and hops back to his feet. Hard inside leg kick lands for Cowboy. He looks like he can’t get comfortable in the stand up because he’s worried about Henderson taking him down. And just like that Henderson shoots and scores another takedown. Cowboy gets back to his feet, but Henderson won’t let go of him. And again he slams him right back to the mat. Right back up is Cowboy and Henderson just misses on a huge high kick attempt. Single leg takedown by Henderson and the round ends with a scramble. I have this round, like the other two, scored for Henderson. Cowboy needs to do something big in these championship rounds or he’s in trouble.
Round four: Cowboy charges in and misses on a big right hand. Now it’s Cowboy who shoots in for the takedown. Henderson defends it well, but Cowboy has that side guillotine choke sunk in again. Henderson gives a thumbs up that he’s okay even though the choke looks deep. Henderson somehow escapes and gets back to his feet. A frustrated Cowboy misses on a big right hand as Henderson back pedals. Hard body kick from Smooth followed by another single leg takedown attempt. This time Cowboy shrugs it off and they stay standing. Inside leg kick from Cerrone. Body shot lands from Cerrone. Single leg takedown gets stuffed by Cowboy, but Henderson stays on him and now has a double leg attempt. Somehow though Cowboy is staying on his feet. He escapes and they’re separated again. Cerrone is stalking Henderson now, but he’s being cautious because of the takedown. Hard uppercut lands for Cowboy. Now he’s standing over a downed Henderson, landing strikes. Henderson looks stunned for a moment, but then he pops right back to his feet. Cowboy takes his legs out from under him with a low kick that puts him on his butt as the round ends. I give that round to Cowboy, who for the first time finally showed some decent takedown defense in that round. I still have him behind in this fight though. He’ll need a big fifth round to win this one.
Round five: The two fighters hug to start the round. Cowboy looks fired up and ready to bang. Henderson shoots and he has Cowboy against the fence. More good takedown defense from Cerrone and he escapes. Hard left hook stuns Henderson. He’s on the ground and he latches onto Cowboy’s leg, scoring a momentary takedown. But Cowboy is right back up, standing over Henderson, working his legs with kicks. Cowboy tells him to stand up and he does. Hard right hand connects for Cerrone. He charges and Henderson falls back to the mat. Cowboy takes his back but Henderson works back to the top position. Triangle attempt from Cowboy doesn’t work. Now he has an armbar attempt as Henderson tries to free himself. Now he’s got Henderson’s arm bent almost backwards with a kimura, but somehow he seems fine. He’s out now and they’re back on their feet. Right away Henderson shoots for the takedown. He gets it. Cowboy has full guard and he’s got Henderson’s arm again as the bell sounds and this amazing fight comes to an end. I give that round to Cowboy for the submission attempts and staying busier, but I still have this fight scored 3 rounds to 2 for Ben Henderson. Let’s see what the judges say. It’s going to be close.
Final result: Ben “Smooth” Henderson defeats Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone for the WEC Interim Lightweight Title via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
-end-
Rich “Cleat” Crunkilton (16-2) vs. Dave Jansen (12-0)
Round one: Gloves touch and we’re underway. Hard leg kick from Cleat. He looks for a single leg takedown and Jansen defends it well. Hard left hand from Jansen and they clinch. Tripping takedown from Jansen, but Crunkilton takes his back momentarily. They’re back on their feet but still clinched. Back to the ground with a takedown from Jansen. Cleat stands but Jansen is latched onto his back. Jansen picks him up ans slams him back to the mat. He works a few strikes. Cleat tries to stand, but Jansen puts him right back to the mat. Jansen works the ground and pound from half guard with elbows and punches. Crunkilton tries for a heel hook, but Jansen escapes. He lands a few more hard shots and is right back into Cleat’s half guard. To the north south position now with Jansen on top. Side control now for Jansen and he lands a few elbows before Cleat gets his guard back. Jansen is relentless and now he has Cleat’s back. Crunkilton works his way out and back to his feet. Nice leg kick from Cleat. Hard punches from Crunkilton and Jansen looks hurt. Crunkilton is teeing off and Jansen is saved by the bell. Still Jansen’s round though 10-9.
Round two: Cleat takes the center of the cage. Jansen with a hard left hand. He tries another and slips to his knee momentarily. Cleat tries to pounce, but Jansen gets it together. Takedown from Jansen now and he’s in Cleat’s full guard. More hard ground strikes from Jansen. Nice sweep from Crunkilton and he gets back to his feet. They clinch and Jansen lands a knee right to the groin that stops the action for a little while. Crunkilton recovers and we’re back underway. Jansen leans in with a right and eats a hard leg kick. Another from Crunkilton. Cleat looks tired as his hands are down by his waist. Jansen shoots for a takedown and loses his mouthpiece in the process. He’s got Cleat’s back now and he’s look for a kimura. Crunkilton sweeps and gets back to his feet. He throws a couple haymakers before getting put on his back again from another Jansen takedown. Half hearted triangle attempt from Crunkilton gets answered by a few hard ground strikes. The referee stands them up and Jansen gets his mouthpiece back. Hard body kick from Crunkilton. Both guys look tired now. Jansen shoots again and gets the takedown. Crunkilton is looking for a kimura from half guard as the bell rings. Close round but the takedowns are scoring points for Jansen. That was probably his round again. Close though.
Round three: Cleat with a left hand then a leg kick. He pushes Jansen’s takedown attempt off and lands another punch. Another leg kick. Cleat is pushing the pace now with lots of strikes, but Jansen puts an end to that with another takedown. Cleat works back to his feet, but it doesn’t stay there long as Jansen shoots right away for another takedown. Crunkilton tries to capitalize with a D’arce choke. He looks like he’s got it, but Jansen finds his way out and they’re back to their feet. Again though Jansen gets a takedown. Now he has a full mount and he’s landing elbows. Quick stand up there from the ref. I’ve never seen a ref call for a stand up with a fighter in full mount. Strange. Cleat throws out a few lazy jabs before Jansen scores another takedown. He’s in Cleat’s half guard now and he’s looking for a kimura. He may have it. Cleat is out … nice escape there. But Jansen is on top of him landing punches and elbows. Both fighters are exhausted as the fight comes to an end. That was a very hard fought battle between two extremely tough guys. The takedowns are going to be the difference in the decision though. Jansen should take this one.
Final result: Dave Jansen defeats Rich “Cleat” Crunkilton via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
-end-
Damacio “The Angel of Death” Page (11-4) vs Will Campuzano (6-0)
Round one: No gloves touch here and Page comes out throwing bombs. Campuzano tries to counter and they go toe to toe for a few seconds before Page scores a takedown, landing on top of Campuzano. Triangle attempt from Campuzano, but Page shrugs it off. He transitions and he’s got Campuzano’s back. Page is working for the choke. He’s got it! It’s deep. That’s it. Campuzano taps. Nice win for “The Angel of Death.” That was a very exciting first minute of action for this Versus telecast.
Final result: Damacio “The Angel of Death” Page defeats Will Campuzano via submission (rear naked choke) at 1:02 of round one
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Raphael Assuncao (13-1) vs. Yves “Tiger” Jabouin (14-4)
Round one: Assuncao takes the center of the cage. Jabouin is dancing around looking for an opening. He tries a high kick and misses. Nice one two combo from Assuncao finds it’s mark. Jabouin leans in with a left hand and eats a low kick for his troubles. Another leg kick from Assuncao. Nice right hand lands from Jabouin. Assuncao looked stunned for a moment, but Jabouin didn’t follow up the punch. Assuncao pulls guard and gets it, but Jabouin is able to make his way right back to his feet. Jabouin leans in with another right hand and eats a nice three punch combo from Assuncao. Jabouin leans in again and Assuncao scores a takedown. Jabouin lands on top and in Assuncao’s full guard. Jabouin again gets right back to his feet. Body kick from Assuncao lands. Jabouin tries a high kick and Assuncao catches it and tries to get the fight to the ground again but is unsuccessful. Spinning body kick attempt from Jabouin and Assuncao initiates a clinch. He pushes Jabouin against the cage and works for position. They separate and the round ends. Assuncao 10-9.
Round two: Assuncao takes the center again and lands a leg kick. Assuncao throws a two punch combo that finds nothing but air. High kick from Jabouin gets blocked. Assuncao answers with another low kick. Big right hand from Jabouin backs Assuncao up momentarily. Jabouin is starting to land his strikes now. He lands another big left hand. Assuncao answers with a leg kick and another two punch combo. Jab from Assuncao. A leg kick from Assuncao puts Jabouin on his butt, but he hops right back up. Nice body kick from Jabouin. Assuncao misses on a wild left hand and follows it up with another leg kick. Jabouin counters with one of his own and then initiates a clinch. Assuncao punches his way out and they separate. Takedown attempt now from Assuncao, but Jabouin defends it well. They stay in the clinch until Jabouin pushes and kicks his way out. Another high kick gets blocked by Assuncao. Assuncao charges in landing a hard left hand followed by a single leg takedown attempt. He gets it. Now he has Jabouin locked up in a choke with time running out. It looks deep, but Jabouin pops his head out and gets saved by the bell. Another 10-9 for Assuncao.
Round three: Finally they tap gloves. Nice exchange with both fighters landing a punch. Leg kick from Assuncao. Another hard one that puts Jabouin on his butt again. He pops right back up and lands a big right hand before they clinch. Knees from Assuncao. Takedown for Assuncao and he has Jabouin’s back. He’s looking to get his hooks, but Jabouin is using the fence to help fend him off. Assuncao is relentless and now has both hooks. He’s looking for the choke now, but he can’t get under Jabouin’s chin. Jabouin is in big trouble here with still 2 minutes to go. He’s out. And he’s back to his feet. Hard leg kick from a pissed off Jabouin! Another to the body. Assuncao looks tired a little bit and he’s back pedaling. Jabs from Jabouin who still looks like the fight just started with the way he continues to dance around. Spinning backfist lands from Jabouin, but Assuncao shakes his head no, assuring the crowd he’s okay. He attempts one of his own, but it doesn’t land. They clinch. Assuncao looks to get his back again, but the bell rings bringing an end to a pretty decent fight. I can’t see any way that Assuncao doesn’t take this decision.
Final result: Raphael Assuncao defeats Yves “Tiger” Jabouin via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
