Lindland handles Casey in main event
Matt Lindland scored a third-round TKO victory over Kevin Casey during the main event of last night’s Strikeforce Challengers 8 card in Portland, Ore.
Lindland, a 13 year veteran of the sport, survived an early scare when Casey nearly secured a rear-naked choke. Casey, a brown belt under the legendary Rickson Gracie, could not finish the maneuver, and Lindland capitalized with strikes once he freed himself from the predicament.
The momentum of the fight swung heavily in Lindland’s favor during the second road, as the former UFC veteran worked the fight to the ground. Once there, Lindland controlled Casey completely, even securing a crucifix as the second round drew to a close. In the third, Lindland continued the assault, securing a takedown and beating on Casey until the bout was stopped.
Lindland was confident in his victory. “He didn’t really do anything to me to cause any damage. I feel good about the fight. It’s hard to evaluate how you did because there’s a lot going on in your head. But I’ll watch it,” said Lindland after the bout.
It was a special treat for Lindland to fight in front of his home crowd.
“I had a smile on my face the entire day,” said Lindland. “These are my friends and family. I just love the state of Oregon.”
Woodley shaken but not defeated
Rising star Tyron Woodley is considered one of the hottest prospects in the welterweight division, and he faced his toughest test in Nathan Coy. Though he wasn’t as dominant as he usually is, Woodley survived the bout and came away with a split decision. The decision was hotly contested by a Portland crowd firmly behind the underdog Coy.
“Going into the third round I thought I was ahead but I wasn’t just trying to hang onto it,” Woodley said. “At the end of the third round I realized I’m in Portland. I don’t want to leave it in the judge’s hands.”
Coy was visibly upset by the decision. “Of course I’m upset with the decision because I hate to lose,” Coy said. “The game plan was to stick and move and eventually wear him out. But he’s a tough kid. That’s a high-level wrestler/MMA guy right there.”
OFFICIAL RESULTS
Main Card:
Matt Lindland def. Kevin Casey via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 3:41
Tyron Woodley def. Nathan Coy via split decision via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
Roger Bowling def. Bobby Voelker via technical unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Tarec Saffiedine def. Nate Moore via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 1:21
Pat Healy def. Bryan Travers via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Preliminary Card:
Pro Escobedo def. Jason Sharp by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Blaine Macintosh def. Ben Morgan by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
David Lloyd def. Jay Schafer by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Patrick Whittington def. Jason Lambert by triangle choke (1:39 of the first round)
Hamza Salim def. Lee Flores by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Comments