BOSS FIGHT XXXIX: MOSS vs PETERSON

ROUND ONE: Kicking the night off we begin in the Bantamweight Division. Syn Saetang tries to snap a two fight skid as she takes on the debuting Ignacio Zambrano, who just recently earned a contract on one of the latest episodes of DRIP. Referee Jack Gibbs is in charge of the action. Zambrano looks to set the tempo early as he attacks first. He grazes Saetang with a flurry as she tries to dodge the traffic, and then the two engage in a wild exchange of punches. Zambrano gets the best of the exchange as he lands a few more shots, but has to back off after checking a nasty leg kick from Saetang, and then a wild head kick attempt. Saetang charges at Zambrano with flurries left and right, but Zambrano fends her off with some feel-out punches that allows him to keep enough distance for him to set up a Superman punch that rattles her. While Saetang is fumbling around on her feet, Zambrano changes levels and hits a slick single leg takedown. The two scramble on the mat and Zambrano takes control as he moves to full mount. Zambrano positions himself for some ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows. Saetang is getting cracked with a series of uncontested elbows and after a few moments, Saetang is laid out cold on the mat.

Winner: Ignacio Zambrano by KO (Elbows) at 3:47 Round 1

Statistics: Syn Saetang
Punches 0/6 (0%)
Kicks 0/4 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 49 s

Statistics: Ignacio Zambrano
Punches 8/11 (73%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 6/6 (100%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 49 s

Isaac Cohen’s Opinion: Completely dominant fight for the debuting Ignacio Zambrano. Syn Saetang had no answers once she got rocked, and Zambrano never gave her a chance to recover. The Ecuadorian now moves to 10-1 in his professional tenure and has certainly created some buzz for himself within the division.

ROUND ONE: Referee Ron Anderson is the third man inside the cage, ready to direct the action. Both fighters touch gloves to begin, and after the two circle around the center of the cage, Cox initiates some early offense as he slips through the defense and works behind the jab. Moon eats a couple good shots, but the Jiu-Jitsu wizard gets close enough to grab ahold of an arm, leaps into the air, and wraps his leg around his right shoulder in a flying omoplata attempt. Cox is caught off guard and nearly gets stuck, but Moon can’t lock it up and slips to the mat. Cox can’t help but smile to acknowledge the audacious submission attempt. Moon remains on the ground with his opponent standing over him, landing some upkicks to the knees and even one to the head that snaps Alex Cox’s head backward due to the fierce impact. They play a little cat and mouse game in this position and Moon lands a couple more upkicks to body and legs before Cox finally decides to step back and allow Moon to get back to his feet. Moon shifts around and sets up a nice single leg takedown, but Cox is able to scramble his way back up to his feet before Moon can get too comfortable. As they size each other up in the center of the cage, Alex Cox connects with a solid combination and anytime Moon tries to get inside control, Cox fires off a low kick. Moon feints a punch then dives at Cox’s right leg and turns it into a foot lock attempt, but Cox steps his leg out of danger while Moon remains on the ground. Before Cox creates some space, he lands a stinging kick to the thigh then backs off to allow Moon to get back up. By now, the ten second clacker sounds and the two exchange wildly, but neither one connects with anything too damaging before the horn signals the end of the round. Ron Anderson separates the fighters and both fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners. 

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Cox

ROUND TWO: No glove touch to begin the second, as Moon and Cox exchange hands that doesn’t yield much success, but they do trade off some leg kicks that seem to do some damage. Cox goes to switch his lead leg but that gives Moon just enough time to change levels and hit a double leg. The two scramble on the mat where Moon eventually works his way into a full mount. Moon isolates an arm and goes for an armbar, but Cox rolls out of it and gets on top. Moon immediately closes guard and then nearly sinks in a triangle, but Cox just narrowly slips free and gets to his feet. Moon follows suit and the two circle their way back toward the center of the octagon. Moon carefully pressures in and grabs a hold of an arm, leaps into the air and wraps his leg around Cox’s right shoulder in a flying armbar attempt. Moon has got it locked in and it looks like Cox has hyperextended his arm, but despite the gruesome visual, Cox fights his way out of it. Moon stays on the ground and lands a kick just under the ribs before Cox backs off and gestures for him to get back to his feet. A solid combination from Cox connects and Moon’s forehead is beginning to swell up a bit. Moon fires back with a looping right hand while Cox jumps back and jabs. Cox seems staggered and Moon runs in to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses. Cox retaliates with some heavy leather and we get a nice exchange unfolding. Cox catches Moon’s leg, but Moon leaps into the air, and wraps his leg around his right shoulder in a flying omoplata attempt! Moon can’t secure it and drops to the mat while Cox continues standing. The ten second clacker snaps and it looks like the two just might kill the clock. Moon kicks his legs trying to keep Cox at bay, and Cox takes a kick to the body. Another upkick lands flush with Cox’s head, snapping it backwards due to the impact. Cox fires off a kick to Moon’s thigh but Moon checks it and counters with a kick to his knee from the ground just before the horn sounds. 

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Cox (20-18 Cox)

ROUND THREE: Five minutes left in the fight and despite some heavy breathing and swelling on their faces, both fighters look like they have plenty left in the tank. Moon pressures in to get a double overhook while Cox tries to push him up against the fence. Moon uses the resistance in his favor as he shucks off his opponent and drops down to hit a slick double leg takedown. As they scramble for position, Moon gets his hips free and moves to half guard, then isolates Cox’s left arm looking for an armbar. You can see the pain reflected in Cox’s eyes as he tries to fight it off. Alex Cox manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger and now Moon has lost his dominant position. The two continue scrambling on the mat before Moon switches to high guard and tries to sink a triangle. Cox slips free and positions himself to unload a barrage of punches. Moon covers himself up well and ends up rolling out to get back to full mount. As the two continue to scramble, Moon suddenly clamps down on Alex Cox’s arm and locks in an armbar! Moon has the armbar secured deep and Cox has absolutely no answers so he’s forced to tap. 

Winner: Maddox Moon by Submission (Armbar) at 2:53 Round 3

Statistics: Maddox Moon
Punches 8/14 (57%)
Kicks 1/3 (33%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 3/3 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 9/9 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 398 s

Statistics: Alex Cox
Punches 12/16 (75%)
Kicks 3/7 (43%)
Clinch strikes 0/2 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/12 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 240 s

Isaac Cohen’s Opinion: Impressive come-from-behind victory for the debuting Maddox Moon. He seemed willing to take some damage in order to get in his range to try and pull off some extravagant submission attempts, which I’m not sure how well that’s going to fare for him when he lines up with some of the division’s heavy hitters. However, his style is unique enough that could give much of this division some issues, so it’ll be exciting to see how he progresses from here. 

ROUND ONE: Staying put in the Lightweight Division, the debuting and unbeaten Caleb O’Shea is set to take on Osvaldo Ledesma. El Matador is riding a three fight skid, but those losses have come at the hands of Paige Holloway, Benji Meyers, and Silvio Gotti Jr. His record is not indicative of his skill set, but he’s certainly in a must-win situation when you factor in that he’s nearing the end of his current contract. Colin Davenport draws the bout assignment and we’re ready for action. Ledesma showed some solid boxing early on, staying light on his feet and tagging O’Shea with nice shots. O’Shea tries to close the distance with clinches and takedowns, but Ledesma fends him off to keep him at his striking range. The two get into a solid back and forth exchange, but Ledesma lands a looping right hand that wobbles O’Shea.  Ledesma sprawls back to stuff another takedown attempt and answers back with quick burst combos. O’Shea tries to bob and weave through the traffic, but Ledesma shows great accuracy with his hands. O’Shea’s body language has significantly changed as he slows his pace down and takes his mouthpiece out to catch breath. Another takedown by O’Shea gets stuffed, and this time Ledesma counters with a takedown of his own. A lot of scrambling ensues on the ground where O’Shea ends up getting to full mount but doesn’t do much from there and the ref ends up standing them up. Ledesma turns up the tempo as time ticks away, landing a big counter hook and a flurry just before the horn.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Ledesma

ROUND TWO: Heading into the second round, Caleb O’Shea is already looking gassed by his heavy breathing and reluctance to engage. Ledesma continues to outclass him in the boxing department, sticking him with one-two combos and circling out. O’Shea pressures in to get close enough to clinch, but Ledesma backpedals to keep him at a distance. Ledesma charges in with a flurry, forcing O’Shea to change levels for takedown. Ledesma sprawls back and lands a flurry off the break, slicing his face up in the process. O’Shea lands some decent jabs but Ledesma counters with a big uppercut then takes him from one side of the octagon to the other with a storm of punches. O’Shes tries to kill the clock by not engaging all that much but Ledesma lands a couple big shots before the horn. 

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-8 Ledesma (20-17 Ledesma)

ROUND THREE: A possible five minutes remain in this contest and there’s a stark contrast between these two fighters. Caleb O’Shea is completely drained while Osvaldo Ledesma looks like he could go five rounds. The boxing mismatch continues to shine as Ledesma lands punches in bunches while also slipping shots thrown his way and avoiding any damage. A big haymaker lands that snaps O’Shea’s head back viciously and the crowd pops thinking the end could be near. O’Shea is leaking from several spots on his face but still presses forward trying to get his grappling exchanges in. He throws a bunch of leg kicks that fail to land and by that point, he isn’t initiating much offense, just simply trying to survive while Ledesma continues to slip in and out with stinging flurries until the horn signals the end and gives mercy to the Irish debutant. 

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-8 Ledesma (30-25 Ledesma)

. JUDGES’ SCORECARDS .
Caleb O’Shea  9 9 9: 27
Osvaldo Ledesma  10 10 10: 30

Caleb O’Shea  9 9 9: 27
Osvaldo Ledesma  10 10 10: 30

Caleb O’Shea  9 9 9: 27
Osvaldo Ledesma  10 10 10: 30

Winner: Osvaldo Ledesma by Unanimous Decision

Statistics: Caleb O’Shea
Punches 12/40 (30%)
Kicks 0/3 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/1 (0%)
Takedowns 0/4 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/1 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 95 s

Statistics: Osvaldo Ledesma
Punches 66/81 (81%)
Kicks 4/4 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 95 s

Isaac Cohen’s Opinion: This was a lopsided fight from the jump. As I mentioned earlier, you cannot judge Osvaldo Ledesma based on his record. The guy is a brawler and will take any fight put in front of him, where it be a newcomer or an icon of the sport. Although he’s got his flaws like everyone else, he showcased some great timing, cardio, and drive for fifteen minutes that puts him back on the right track. As for O’Shea, he unfortunately tastes defeat for the first time in his professional career, but he’s still young and has plenty of time to improve.

ROUND ONE: Moving on to the first of two Middleweight bouts scheduled tonight, Lito Belucci looks to welcome Deebo Briggs to the big leagues. Bruno Alves will be the third man in the octagon, and the action begins quickly. Belucci rushes across the octagon with a looping right hand while Briggs tries to dodge the traffic. Deebo eats the shot but doesn’t seem affected by it as he counters with a few punches of his own and the two ignite a solid exchange that gets the blood pumping with this  crowd. In the midst of the exchange of heavy leather, Briggs launches a head kick that wobbles Belucci back on his heels. Briggs presses forward, not seeing Belucci coming back with a hook to the body and then a solid middle kick. Briggs holds his side as he circles away, clearly feeling the power Belucci possesses. Lito cuts him off with a looping right hand, but Briggs doesn’t seem too bothered by it as he counters back with a few jabs of his own. The tempo calms down a little as the two circle back to the center of the octagon before Briggs fires off a rapid series of punches, taking Belucci from one end of the cage to the other. Belucci manages to create some distance after taking some damage, and Briggs taunts him trying to get him to stand and bang. Briggs tries to close the distance but walks right into a big Superman punch that throws him back a little bit, but answers with a sneaky front kick that catches Belucci right under the chin. Lito is looking wobbly and Briggs rushes in with a Superman punch of his own that puts Belucci in a world of hurt. Briggs keeps the pressure on but Belucci tries to catch him off guard by changing levels for a takedown. Belucci goes to shoot in but Briggs reads it perfectly and delivers a knee that absolutely wrecks Lito Belucci. Belucci crumbles to the mat and Deebo Briggs ends this fight in highlight reel fashion.

Winner: Deebo Briggs by KO (Knee) at 3:16 Round 1

Statistics: Lito Belucci
Punches 14/28 (50%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s

Statistics: Deebo Briggs
Punches 23/29 (79%)
Kicks 4/4 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s

Isaac Cohen’s Opinion: After taking the long road to get to the big leagues, Deebo Briggs did not disappoint in his Union GP debut. The man was on his A-game and showed no fear in the exchanges. He flashed some solid hands and showed that he has the awareness to deliver big shots in big moments. It’s definitely a good night and promising start to the Gold Blooded MMA gym. 

ROUND ONE: In the featured undercard bout, Bantamweights Lena Lyons and Rachel Parsons square off in a top contenders contest. They touch gloves to start the fight. Lyons begins the offense with a low kick that is a little short, and then another, while Parsons fires one back. She scores one more kick, and the two are now trading leg kicks. Parsons shuffles back and forth to the delight of the crowd, and Lyons starts unloading punches. Parsons rolls with them and loads up with a big right hand, but Lyons cracks her with a right that rocks the former Everest Champion back on her heels. Lyons targets the lead leg of her hometown opponent, and Lyons sticks her with another right. Two more low kicks glance off the lead leg, and the two come together and swing while Lyons ends the exchange with a low kick. The two trade hands, and Lyons is grinning after Parsons connects. When Parsons lands a leg kick, Lyons throws one right back at her, and is doubling them up on her opponent. Parsons scores a big right, and darts out of the way to avoid the counter from Lyons. Parsons misses with a low kick but follows it with a middle kick to the abdomen, and the follow up punches from Parsons are marking up the face of Thugga. Parsons is now smiling, and she scores a right hook as Lyons backs away. Parsons spins with a kick that just misses, but then she loads up with punches that surprises Lyons. While Lyons is landing a bunch of low kicks, Parsons’ power is the difference in exchange. Parsons’ face is also starting to get flush from eating clean shots, but she presses forward with a spinning back kick. Parsons catches a kick, throws one low, and Lyons pulls her leg free to land one. Parsons lands a combination, and Lyons is quick to come back at her, but the power appears to be favoring the champ. The two trade until the horn, giving the spectators a wild sequence that keeps them on the edges of their seats.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Parsons

ROUND TWO: Lena and Rachel start the round with another glove touch, and Parsons kicks off the round with a low kick and punches. The two exchange hands, and both land a few but it is Lyons that lands the more damaging strikes. Parsons takes a leg kick and nearly loses her balance, and Lyons is pressing forward and lands another leg kick that makes Parsons turn her lead leg in. Parsons tags her with a right, and the two clash legs when throwing opposing kicks at the same time. The former Everest Champ stalks her opponent down, and Lyons fires right back at her, as the two go punch-for-punch. Parsons rushes in and the two get roped into a clinch against the fence. The two trade knees to the body, and Parsons considers a trip takedown but is thwarted. Parsons unloads with a big elbow in the clinch, and Lyons scores a thudding knee to the midsection as they separate. As Lyons comes in, Parsons stings her with a right hand, and then follows it with a one-two that hurts Lyons. There is some damage forming beneath the right eye of Parsons, but she does not notice and is loading up with big right hands that keep finding their mark. Lyons tries to reply, and jabs her way in but gets countered. Parsons kicks to the body and then goes low for a kick, and both score powerful right hands. A combination for Parsons scores, and she evades the counter combo. Lyons fires a high kick and catches Parsons on the chin and stuns her. They swing until the horn and struggle back to their corners to rest for the final round.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Parsons (20-18 Parsons)

ROUND THREE: The final round sees another glove touch, and Lyons strikes first with a right hand. The two are swinging heavy leather, and Parsons catches her on the end of a right hook before following the strike with a stinging leg kick. Parsons cracks Lyons with a left hand, but Lyons isn’t fazed and throws back with reckless abandon. Lyons lands a leg kick and is countered up top, and then Parsons throws a kick and Lyons counters back. Lyons changes stances, possibly out of damage to the leg or because she sees an opening. Lyons starts throwing left head kicks, and Parsons may be slowing to an extent. Lyons throws a few punches and Parsons comes back at her with a right hand that does not have the power behind it that it did before. The two kick each other in the legs, and Parsons takes a punch up top that starts a trickle of blood out of her nose. Lyons aims a few front kicks to the body, and Parsons loads up with some big punches that are not finding their home like the first two rounds. Parsons finally lands a powerful kick to the body, and follows it with a big right hand. The punch did some serious damage, as Lyons’ forehead began to swell. Lyons chains together a combination punctuated by a kick, and Parsons throws right back at her fiercely. Both crack each other with huge hooks, and neither are concerned by the damage. When the 10-second clacker sounds, they load up on more strikes until we hear the horn that signals the end of this wild fight.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Lyons (29-28 Parsons)

. JUDGES’ SCORECARDS .
Lena Lyons  9 10 10: 29
Rachel Parsons  10 9 9: 28

Lena Lyons  9 9 10: 28
Rachel Parsons  10 10 9: 29

Lena Lyons  9 10 10: 29
Rachel Parsons  10 9 9: 28

Winner: Lena Lyons by Split Decision

Statistics: Lena Lyons
Punches 78/172 (45%)
Kicks 26/32 (81%)
Clinch strikes 4/6 (67%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s

Statistics: Rachel Parsons
Punches 66/178 (37%)
Kicks 30/35 (86%)
Clinch strikes 5/5 (100%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 0 s

Isaac Cohen’s Opinion: As our lead commentator Bodie Sullivan would say, un…be…lievable fight! Lena Lyons and Rachel Parsons came into this contest with proven world class striking, and they delivered on all fronts. Neither one backed down when the going got tough, and gave the viewers a fight they’ll remember for a long time. I scored this one for Parsons, but I’m not screaming robbery. The second round was razor thin, and I think you could easily argue Lena Lyons’ power was the deciding factor in the round that ultimately decided the final result. This is a fight that could push Lyons ahead of the pack and quite possibly answer the open challenge laid out by Bantamweight Champion Gianna Howard.

ROUND ONE: It’s time for the second and final Middleweight bout scheduled for tonight, which means it’s time for the Co-Main Event. Former Union GP Middleweight contender turned MMA official Lars Levy is the man in charge as Minnesota’s very own Noah Vanderkaay takes on the PRODIGY 206 white hot prospect Venus Sagapolutele. There’s no glove touch here as it’s all business right out of the gate. Vanderkaay tries to surprise Sagapolutele with a Superman punch but she narrowly dodges it. Vanderkaay swings for the fences with heavy leather but again Venus shows some solid agility by keeping herself clean from the strikes thrown her way. Venus measures her distance behind the jab and although they are landing, Vanderkaay doesn’t look fazed. As Venus draws closer in, Vanderkaay lands a big shot that could be heard from the nosebleed section that causes Venus to stumble back on her heels. Noah comes in again and the two ignite a wild exchange of punches. Vanderkaay gets the upper hand and tries landing a big haymaker to finish this early, but Venus dodges it and creates some space to reset. Both are a little more defensive minded as they circle back in, checking kicks and dodging strikes. A shovel hook from Vanderkaay tags Sagapolutele and then another straight right cuts Venus on the cheek. A half-hearted leg kick from Sagapolutele gets checked and Vanderkaay counters with a big uppercut that nearly takes her off her feet. Vanderkaay is looking to put the pressure on now and connects with a spinning back fist. Both fighters then get into another heated exchange, but both fighters are missing their target. Sagapolutele unloads a shattering straight right but Vanderkaay ducks under and counters with a fierce calf kick that buckles Sagapolutele’s knee. Vanderkaay looks to close the distance and lands a haymaker that snaps Sagapolutele’s head back. Vanderkaay can sense that Sagapolutele is in trouble and begins raining down combinations. Sagapolutele is staggered and Vanderkaay continues to put the pressure on her. Vanderkaay backs his opponent up against the fence and continues to uncork punches in bunches. The referee barks out orders for Sagapolutele to defend herself. The message is heard but the order is too much for her to execute as she continues to get pummeled with strikes. A few more punches land and it’s enough for the referee to step in and wave this fight off.

Winner: Noah Vanderkaay by TKO (Punches) at 4:14 Round 1

Statistics: Noah Vanderkaay
Punches 19/26 (73%)
Kicks 1/2 (50%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s

Statistics: Venus Sagapolutele
Punches 3/9 (33%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s

Isaac Cohen’s Opinion: In case you forgot, there is a reason they call Noah Vanderkaay “The Mauler”. It’s not a gimmick, it’s not a schtick. It’s the truth. Vanderkaay was aggressive from start to finish and suffocated Venus Sagapolutele with relentless striking. This was a big win against a top contender, which should push Vanderkaay further up the rankings and position himself as a legitimate title contender. 

ROUND ONE: We finally shift gears into the Main Event and it’s between two top contenders in the Lightweight Division with high stakes at hand. Cameron Moss takes on the home grown Abbie Peterson, who’s obviously got the entire building rallying for her. Archie Driscoll is the referee in charge for this possible twenty-five minute contest. Moss and Peterson decline to touch gloves as the action immediately begins with a stinging leg kick from Peterson that visibly pains Moss. The two circle around looking for angles before Moss drops levels for a single leg takedown. The two scramble for position on the mat, Moss tries to land some ground and pound, but Peterson protects herself well. A stalemate ensues and the referee stands them up. Back on the feet, Moss stays light on his feet, bobbing and weaving to set up a slick sweep single to drag the fight back to the mat. Peterson closes her guard when she hits the ground and continues to cover up to block some more ground and pound from Moss. The two jockey for position and Peterson goes on the offensive as she works to secure a kimura. She gets it locked in and Moss looks to be in trouble, but he uses his brute strength to pick her up and slam her to the mat to break up submission. Somehow Peterson keeps fighting as they scramble around and she ends up getting on top. From the bottom, Moss tags the ribs and then tries to scramble out, but Peterson stays calm in the chaos and ends up taking his back. Peterson gets a hook in and then goes for a neck crank, but Moss hand fights his way out of it and scrambles back up to his feet, with Peterson following him up. Peterson doesn’t get anything going standing up as Moss blasts in with a double leg takedown. As they scramble on the mat, Peterson switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle. Moss looks to be in a vulnerable position, but he manages to slip free just before the horn signals the end of the round. 

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Peterson 

ROUND TWO: After a very competitive first round, both fighters come out of their corners dialed in and ready to go. Moss hits a double leg right off the bat but Peterson is able to close her guard. The two scramble back and forth for position where Peterson manages to roll out and get to full mount. She can’t secure her positioning though as Moss scrambles from the bottom up to his feet and the two restart standing up. As the two circle around, Peterson dodges a big shovel hook and counters by locking Moss in a double collar Thai clinch. Both fighters pummel for control, but Peterson pushes Moss up against the fence then lands a vicious knee to the face. Moss shakes it off and works his way off the fence, but leaves himself wide open for Peterson to launch another knee to the face and then a follow up knee to the body. Moss’ legs buckle a bit but is still standing as he continues to work his way out of the clinch. Peterson’s grip is just too much as she keeps control and connects with another big knee to the face. Moss goes into desperation mode here as he changes levels and tries to go for a takedown. Peterson was reading it from a mile away and hits him with another fierce knee to the face as he hunkers down and Moss crumbles down to a knee. He quickly pops back up, most likely out of instinct and fights like hell to break loose of Peteron’s grasp. Moss eventually shucks his way out, but on the break, Peterson pushes Moss back just enough for her to uncork a vicious head kick that Moss absorbs right to the temple and drops him to the canvas, finishing this one off out of nowhere in emphatic fashion.

Winner: Abbie Peterson by KO (High Kick) at 2:35 Round 2

Statistics: Cameron Moss
Punches 0/2 (0%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 3/4 (75%)
GnP strikes 2/16 (12%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 293 s

Statistics: Abbie Peterson
Punches 0/0 (0%)
Kicks 2/2 (100%)
Clinch strikes 8/11 (73%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 293 s

Isaac Cohen’s Opinion: Cameron Moss came in with a great strategy, in theory, against Abbie Peterson, but in reality he was constantly thwarted from every phase of the fight. The one highlight from Moss came from that brutal slam to escape that shoulder lock, but outside of that, it was all Abbie Peterson. “Blackjack” showed great poise and patience throughout the seven and a half minutes, which allowed her to keep herself comfortable in those risky situations. The head kick knockout finish was the perfect way to cap off the night here in the Twin Cities, and gives Abbie Peterson plenty of reason to contend for another title shot if her name is called upon.

Venue: Target Center
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Attendance: 15,802
Date: October 30, 2022
Fighter Payouts: $2,365,000
Gate: $1,605,000

FIGHT OF THE NIGHT
Lena Lyons vs Rachel Parsons 

PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT
Osvaldo Ledesma, Noah Vanderkaay

DISCLOSED EARNINGS
Lena Lyons ($920,000)
Rachel Parsons ($310,000)
Abbie Peterson ($215,000)
Noah Vanderkaay ($150,000)
Osvaldo Ledesma ($120,000)
Cameron Moss ($100,000)
Syn Saetang ($85,000)
Venus Sagapolutele ($75,000)
Ignacio Zambrano ($70,000)
Maddox Moon ($70,000)
Deebo Briggs ($70,000)
Lito Belucci ($60,000)
Alex Cox ($60,000)
Caleb O’Shea ($60,000)

QUICK RECAP
Ignacio Zambrano def. Syn Saetang by KO (Elbows) at 3:47 Round 1
Maddox Moon def. Alex Cox by Submission (Armbar) at 2:53 Round 3
Osvaldo Ledesma def. Caleb O’Shea by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
Deebo Briggs def. Lito Belucci by KO (Knee) at 3:16 Round 1
Lena Lyons def. Rachel Parsons by Split Decision (29-28 x2, 29-28)
Noah Vanderkaay def. Venus Sagapolutele by TKO (Punches) at 4:14 Round 1
Abbie Peterson def. Cameron Moss by KO (High Kick) at 2:35 Round 2