2

The two exchange and a Nam combo appears to stun Billy. Billy recovers and the two continue to trade before Billy finally shoots in. Nam defends well however and keeps it on the feet, clinched against the fence. THey break and stand in the middle of the ring looking for big blows. Billy's timing seems to be better as he begins to find his mark as Nam's strikes become more erratic. After Nam misses with a left Billy shoots in and takes Nam down. Nam attempts to get back to the feet, and does, but Billy hangs on. Single leg by Billy, but he's cut, his bleached blond hair streaked with red now. Or is it Pam's face that is cut? Lot of blood happening either way. Nam to full guard as Billy looks to strike from a low posture. Round ends.

Round 3

Fighters exchange some heavy punches before Billy shoots the single leg. Nam keeps it standing however and lands a big knee which knocks Billy's mouthpiece out. After Her Dean calls a break for the missing mouth piece, Billy shoots in again, Nam is defending the single leg really well against the fence. Billy finally does get the single leg and pushed Nam Phan in full guard against the fence. Billy tries some ineffectual ground and pound before ref Herb Dean stands them up. Some big shots from Nam, Billy answers with a single leg attempt. Nam defends and the match ends with the fighters on their feet.

Split decision in favor of Billy Evangelista. Crowd reacts with a torrent of boos. From my seat I think it was the correct call, but it was a close match either way.


Strikeforce World Lightweight Title

John "the Punk" Thomson vs Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez

Josh enters first to Lil Jon's "Let's Go" to a heros welcome. Tons of homemade signs come up for Josh as he dances to the ring. Gilbert Melendez gets huge reception as well, running out to Santana. Should be an interesting fight, as both have stated they have trained together many times and know each other well. Tons of energy in the Arena.

Round 1

The two fighters touch gloves and we are on. Gilbert gets in the first punch, Josh responds with a kick. It's eveident the fighters have a lot of respect for each other's games. Gilbert tries to shoot, Josh defends and they separate. Josh drives for a takedown and takes Gilbert down. Gilbert attempts to get up but Josh is controlling well. Josh gets a few punches in, Gilbert defends, but Josh then gets to half guard. Gilbert has the underhooks from the bottom and fire rabbit punches at Josh who looks for control and picks his shoots. Finally Gilbert reverses and comes on top of Josh! Hard elbows to the side from Josh, and the fighters separate and are standing once more. The two circle, pin pointng their attacks as time expires.

Round 2

Again the fighters seem to have a lot of respect for each others abilities. Josh kicks, Gilbert picks up a leg, the two exchange strikes but Josh gets free. Another exchange, Josh seems to stun Gilbert but Gilbert drives forward to the clinch. Fighters separate, then a big forward kick from Josh followed by the superman punch. A flurry of exchanges, Josh seems to be getting the better of these as Gilbert will look for the takedown. Josh successfully defends and the two continue to circle. Josh is getting bolder with his strikes, including flying knees and spinning kicks.
josh is definitely feeling more confident, Gilbert will strike looking for a takedown, but it's Josh that gets the takedown as time expires.


Round 3

Fighters touch gloves again and we begin. Josh landing a variety of strikes as Gilbert looks for his shot. Josh is definitely getting the better of the exchanges, as Gilbert will resort to the shot, which Josh defends. Now it's Josh that is circling and stalking, a momentary slip which Gilbert doesn't take advantage of and the fight resumes on the feet. They continue to circle, Josh firing off most of the shots, but Gilbert comes back. A minute to go and Gilbert presses forward now but Josh responds. Josh looks for the takedown and after pushing Gilbert around the ring he finally puts Gilbert on his back. Josh nearly takes Gilbert's back but Gilbert quickly escapes as time expires.


Round 4

Round begins the same as the other rounds, Gilbert more aggressive now. Josh continues to find his mark with punches and kicks as Gilbert strides forward. Now Josh moves forward using a left right combo of kicks . Every kick Josh throws Gilbert looks to pick up, but none successfully so far. Gilbert moves forward and lands a few shots of his own, but Josh answers back in kind. With a minute to go Josh goes for the takedown and lands in side control. Josh nearly takes the back and looks for the choke, but Gilbert comes up. Josh remains in control, Gilbert turtles up, Josh takes the back sinks in what looks like a deep choke, Gilbert escapes and time expires!

Round 5

Crowd comes alive for the final round. Gilbert is going to need a finish to pull this one out and stalks an elusive Josh. Surprise! Josh scoops up the single leg right away and puts Gilbert on his back. Josh looks for Gilbert's back, but Gilbert escapes and we are back to the feet. Another exchange on the feet and Josh initiates the clinch again. Gilbert looks exhausted but defends the takedown. This turns into a slugfest now with a minute remaining the fighters are letting it go now. Josh gets one more clinch an Gilbert grabs the fence to prevent the takedown. Time expires and the fighters briefly embrace before Gilbert drops to one knee in his corner.

Josh Tompson wins a unanimous decision 50-45 on all three judges scorecards


Swing bout Jesse Gillespie vs Eric Lawson

Three x 3 minute rounds, 185 pounds.

Fighers touch gloves to begin. It looks like Jesse's pinky finger came out of the glove. On the restart Lawson get the takedown, takes the back and gets the rear naked choke a little over a minute into the fight.