The big talk leading up to Saturday's Bellator 40 was Ben Askren's writing off of opponent Nick "The Goat" Thompson as all washed up and how he was going to tenderize his opponent so much that when they were back on their feet, Thompson wouldn't be same fighter. While his bark was a little more than his bite, he certainly showed a thing or two since his last fight against Lyman Good to show why he's the promotions best welterweight.
On Saturday night from Newkirk, Oklahoma, The former NCAA and US Olympian who know goes by the odd name of "Funky" got on top from the opening bell and stayed there, dominating position after position against the former BodogFight champ. While Thompson had a few chances to try a knee bar in the first 2 rounds, Askren's positioning and activity were the difference, certainly wearing Thompson out and scoring a unanimous decision victory by a score of 30-27 (twice) and 30-26. While I didn't think Askren was so dominant to score a 10-8 round, one of the judges disagreed. Afterward, he told interviewer Jimmy Smith there was certainly room to improve.
"It felt great," Askren said. "I would have liked to finish the fight. I know the fans have been on my ass about that."
The other 2 semi-finals in the 170 and 155 lb. tournaments were on tap as well. Jay Hieron and Bret Weedman fought to a stalemate, with Weedman coming out on fire and dropping the former UFC and team Xtreme Couture product only to have Hieron reverse position and go for a choke. He controlled the positioning to eek out the round 10-9. Weedman did enough to take the second round with his takedowns and submission attempts, but the 3rd was a toss up as while Weedman had several more submission attempts, Hieron certainly showed a few combinations with effective counter punching. Another submission attempt by Weedman was reversed by Hieron near the end of the final stanza, and Hieron did enough damage with it to earn a unanimous decision victory. With the win, the man known as "The Thoroughbred" punches his spot into the 170 final against Rick Hawn.
In the 155 lb. semi-final, former NCAA wrestler Michael Chandler earned a unanimous decision victory over Lloyd "Cupcake" Woodard. Chandler had several takedowns in the first stanza, while not being overly active with them. In the standup, Woodard was clearly dominating, hitting with combinations and stuffing a few takedowns of his own. A scramble and sweep in the second round ended with Chandler giving Woodard his back, though Woodard was not able to finish anything with it, and the bell sounded with nothing settled. The third round was all Chandler, earning takedown after takedown, and grinding out the victory to earn his spot in the final, facing Patricky "Pitbull" Friere.
Honorable Mention : Team Cesar Gracie members have all said they wouldn't "fight their teammates" if the opportunity presented itself. They certainly didn't tell Heavyweights Eric Prindle and Josh Burns. The 2 adversaries were announced by Sean Wheelock and Jimmy Smith as being close friends, with the winner of their tilt "buying the beers" afterward. While a premature stoppage by the doctor due to a cut, the fact that 2 friends that close could spend 10 minutes quite frankly beating each other senseless and having no ill effect about it, despite 2 low blows by Prindle shows that regardless of relationship, you can put on exciting fights. Its something those "Scrap Pack" boys should think about.
Patricky "Pitbull" has apparently become the hot ticket in the Bellator Lightweight division. Not only did Eddie Alvarez call him out last week, but Chandler was excited at the prospect of facing the Brazilian, saying "Give me him "Let's go. (I'm) two thirds of the way to the goal. The goal is to win this Bellator tournament and then get this title shot. Patricky, he's flashy. He knocks dudes out, but I can't wait for that fight."
Also, Askren never to shy away from words said to Smith that Jay Hieron "Had nothing for him". I figured Thompson would give him a fight, but he spent 3 rounds laying on the mat. We'll see if Hieron can take out the former US Judoka Rick Hawn.
Tune in next week for 135 lb. champ Joe Warren in a 137 lb. catchweight bout as well as 125 lb. champ Zack Makovsky fighting in a non-title bout.
Until next time, fight fans.
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