Odds and Ends: the added factor of how fighters win granting them 5 points for a sub vs 3 for a decision win, and no points for a loss, gives it that "pool" feel wherein how you win across each match matters. The 80's Rocky style theme music and the polo shirts for the interviews felt a bit middle aged, complete with a random window background warehouse and him kicking a heavy bag and shadowboxing. Nijem's interview made it sound like he's facing a bracket of cans and a very submittable opponent, but alas, I have digressed. Anyhow, a touching intro for Foster referencing the passing of a sibling, usual banter of "living the life of a fighter," et cetera.
Kayla vs Whoever - got home from teaching class just in time to see a replay of Kayla predictably winning by armbar. She tucked the shin behind the head to facilitate the armbar into the standard cross body pin, then began fighting the opponent's grip.
Within 10-15 seconds, Kayla had Elkins pressed against the cage. Not surprising that was the gameplan, but Elkins didn't circle or even dance a bit to make Kayla chase her. At any rate....Kayla hit a nice short, powerful Ouchigari (underutilized in MMA) from the tie-up, and after that, it was pretty predictable with her years and years of grappling acumen against other legit, world class grapplers (we throw that term around in Jiu-Jitsu, but Kayla won 2 Olympics. She won in a sport where athletes have to qualify to even make it to the Olympics in one of the most contested, and represented sports (total athlete and country participation wise). I'm sure going in there with someone roughly her size who perhaps picked up a rounded skillset in the past -10 years, isn't much work for her.
Foster vs Nijem
After some jumping knees in the 3rd round, Foster gets a stoppage/TKO. First two rounds close with both guys getting to top position, Foster ending the first round chasing a kimura from top side control, et cetera.
Firmino vs Brooks
Brooks used takedowns and an ability to scramble/sweep/get to top, to grind out the rounds for a decision. Firmino swung for the fences and stayed dangerous throughout, but Brooks showed his ability to get to top and stay there in taking the nod.
High vs Escudero - didn't see the fight, but apparently High disputes the tap, and shoved another referee (not his first infraction).
Kayla vs Whoever - got home from teaching class just in time to see a replay of Kayla predictably winning by armbar. She tucked the shin behind the head to facilitate the armbar into the standard cross body pin, then began fighting the opponent's grip.
Within 10-15 seconds, Kayla had Elkins pressed against the cage. Not surprising that was the gameplan, but Elkins didn't circle or even dance a bit to make Kayla chase her. At any rate....Kayla hit a nice short, powerful Ouchigari (underutilized in MMA) from the tie-up, and after that, it was pretty predictable with her years and years of grappling acumen against other legit, world class grapplers (we throw that term around in Jiu-Jitsu, but Kayla won 2 Olympics. She won in a sport where athletes have to qualify to even make it to the Olympics in one of the most contested, and represented sports (total athlete and country participation wise). I'm sure going in there with someone roughly her size who perhaps picked up a rounded skillset in the past -10 years, isn't much work for her.
Foster vs Nijem
After some jumping knees in the 3rd round, Foster gets a stoppage/TKO. First two rounds close with both guys getting to top position, Foster ending the first round chasing a kimura from top side control, et cetera.
Firmino vs Brooks
Brooks used takedowns and an ability to scramble/sweep/get to top, to grind out the rounds for a decision. Firmino swung for the fences and stayed dangerous throughout, but Brooks showed his ability to get to top and stay there in taking the nod.
High vs Escudero - didn't see the fight, but apparently High disputes the tap, and shoved another referee (not his first infraction).
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