The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada was alive the site of the World Series of Fight 9. The card was also televised on the NBCSP network. The promotion featured many fights including two title fights. It was a quick night of action and here is how it all went down:
The main event of the evening showcased a five round welterweight title match between reigning champion Steve Carl (21-3) taking on Rousimar Palhares (15-6). Palhares stunned the champion with a quick opening round takedown and ended it fast via an inverted heel hook which caused Carl to immediately tap out. The win was a big one for Palhares. As for Carl, the proud warrior will have to wait for a chance to regain his title.
Undercard Results:
Lightweights Johnny Nunez (4-0) and Ozzy Dugulubgov (5-1) kicked off the televised portion of the night in a fight scheduled for three rounds. The three rounds went quick and were difficult to score as both combatants had their moments. There was a lot of ground warfare and no one clearly asserted their dominance. Nunez picked up a split-decision victory by scores of 30-27 and 29-28 while Dugulubgov had one card in his favor with the score of 29-28. Nunez remains undefeated.
Welterweights kept it going with Josh Burkman (27-10) battling Tyler Stinson (28-9) over three rounds. Burkman made quick work of Stinson as he landed a booming right-hand that dropped Tyler like a sack of bricks. Burkman landed the finishing blow right before the referee jumped in to stop the bout. It was a great knockout for the Salt Lake City, Utah resident.
Middleweights Yushin Okami (29-8) and Svetlozar Savov (12-4) locked horns in a three round bout. Okami was making his WSOF debut against the Savov. Okami showed his superior strength as he manhandled Savov throughout the round. Savov tried to stave off Okami but was not able to keep Yushin off of him. Okami finished Savov in the second via an arm triangle causing Savov to tap out. It was a good first WSOF fight for Okami.
The co-main event of the evening hosted a bantamweight championship fight between Marlon Moraes (12-4-1) and Josh Rettinghouse (10-2). The prizefight was scheduled for five rounds. Moraes struck quick and often with powerful punches to the face. Rettinghouse was stunned but was able to keep his wits and survived the round. The remaining four rounds were entertaining but Moraes landed the more telling blows and controlled the action throughout the match. Rettinghouse was tough but clearly outmatched. All three judges scored it 50-45 for Moraes. He is now the bantamweight champion.
Sergio L. Martinez
www.convictedartist.com
