In the main event, Takumi Gunma (10-1) took Joey “De Leon” down to the ground early, working to improve his position and pound “De Leon” from on top. Gunma proved critics wrong when they thought he’d keep the fight standing, bringing the fight to the ground and making “De Leon” tap less than two minutes into the round. With this victory, Gunma becomes the number one ranked featherweight in Japan.
In the co-main event, we saw a rematch between Bob Le Bricoleur (3-2) and Nyk Siuh (2-2). Last time, Le Bricoleur stopped all of Siuh’s takedown attempts and out-striked him for a decision victory. This time, Siuh was unable to do anything with his 4 takedowns, allowing Le Bricoleur to pepper at him with strikes for another decision victory as predicted by writers.
Inuyasha Kagome (3-0) remains undefeated as he beat David Tatum (2-1) via TKO (cut). Tatum was outworked in the stand-up and clinch game, and tried to bring it to the ground. Despite many believing Kagome would attack on the ground, his devastatingly efficient clinch striking busted Tatum open and required the doctor to put an end to the fight.
Dr. Mirko Barnett (14-8) beat on “Gabo” Flores (9-7) for most of the fight before Flores pulled guard, and pulled a submission victory out of nowhere. Barnett was winning the fight easily before the submission by Flores. Flores is now the top megaton fighter in ASTRAL, though I suspect a rematch is not out of the question. Flores definitely pulled off an amazing submission to grab “Submission of the Night” honors.
Another submission victory was captured by Mizuno Michimochi (1-1) who ended a great fight in the third round, making Hidetaka Sato (2-5) tap. The match-up featured an intense chess-like ground game, with the fight heading into the final round likely as a tie. Michimochi took Sato down to the ground early in the third round before slapping on a variety of submissions before catching Sato in an armbar. This fight is our “Fight of the Night” thanks to both fighters; congratulations.
Tetsuhiro Uwano (3-0) easily took a decision victory over Yuri Smchalenko (4-3). Critics figured that Uwano would fare better on the feet, and that Smchalenko would do better on the ground against Uwano. This was not the case; Uwano took Smchalenko down 12/12 times and controlled him for the duration of the match, picking up the decision.
Maia Bee (2-0) made quick work of ASTRAL newcomer Pawel Nastula (3-1), ending his undefeated streak. Bee came out strong, throwing leg kicks and a body kick before throwing a devastating head kick which basically ended the night for Nastula only 29 seconds into the first round. Bee easily notches the “Knockout of the Night” award, congratulations.
Celestino Caballero (3-3) took on Akira Kambei (1-1) and came out strong. Caballero came out throwing punch after punch aimed at Kambei’s head. Kambei was helpless and could only try for takedowns; both of which were stuffed. Caballero then knocked Kambei down before peppering him with strikes until the referee jumped in.
Tiagong Akyat (3-1) faced Masa Sakuruza (1-1) at 185. Sakuruza was possibly winning the fight heading into the third and final round. Akyat had been applying submissions all night long, though Sakuruza held them off quite well. In the end, carelessness by Sakuruza allowed Akyat to put on a solid kneebar which gave him the victory.
Tataku Fuke (3-3) bested Robert Frankera (0-2) via unanimous decision. Fuke worked takedowns and ground and pound on his way to the decision. Frankera was unable to muster up any offense in the standup or ground game, though managed to land some strikes which may have gotten him some points in an otherwise disappointing round 2 for Frankera.
