When former UGD featherweight champ Lord arrived in GAMMA, he was out of the championship scene, failing to regain his throne in UGD after 3 attempts and his GAMMA debut was a loss to Tony Ramos. Just when everyone was about to consider him as a mid-ranked fighter, he has emerged and is now a bulldozing his way atop the top 10 rankings. This was Lord’s first title match since Nov. 2017 and he’s earned it with 3 straight wins prior to the title match. He faced who was back then reigning champ and future hall of famer Karol Mirowski.
The match was splendid! The first round was absolutely a close one, where Mirowski got a slight edge in. The succeeding rounds were so close I didn’t really know who would win until the judges revealed their scores. Both fighters had almost the same gameplan and it have proved that they both can give us a good match. Striking was almost on par but there had to be a winner this time, and it was Lord who got the goddess of victory’s blessing.
Result: Selfie Lord wins featherweight title via Unanimous Decision
Lightweight Title
Jeff Gower v Katu Partio
Rumors have said that former GAMMA LW champ Gower is about to retire sooner or later. That is some real sad news but that doesn’t mean he’s taking a step down. In fact he’s been on fire winning 6 out of 7 matches prior to losing the belt to the reigning champ Partio. Partio on the other hand continues his push to the top 10 ladder and racking up wins against any contender. This time, they faced again for the second time around, Gower’s shot at redemption with the split decision loss, or Partio’s way of making a statement that he is the real winner.
Last time around, it was evident how great their defense was. It was hard for both fighters to get a clear shot, and it was really obvious to end in a decision. Two judges had the same opinion to choose Partio but the other judge voted a close call in favor of Gower. The same case happened in this match. Both were so evenly matched, but they were both a bit more accurate. Partio was more aggressive and varied his strikes more. Less time was also spent in the clinch this time.
For 5 rounds, both fighters went on and on, which made it very difficult to judge. In the end, it really was a tough call for everyone and the judges had different opinions. Despite Partio landing more strikes overall, match ended in a draw if we look at the scorecards.
Result: Katu Partio retains lightweight title, Draw
GAMMA#730
Welterweight Superfight
Pablo Maracon (GAMMA) v Pekka Pera (OFC)
We got ourselves a welterweight superfight in Pera v Maracon. Pera representing OFC has visited us to challenge our champion. Maracon was also a former UGD fighter and was bound to be in the title scene. His form continued on upon transferring to GAMMA and he’s finally sit in the top of the division, alongside his teammate Lao Shin. Pera on the other hand has also been on fire, being undefeated in OFC for quite some time. This was a match to boost into the top 10, and was a must win for both champions.
Both fighters are very well rounded in the striking game. Pera’s gameplan was to vary his striking and capitalize on his wrestling skills. He was looking into more TDs and clinches but Maracon was prepared for it as a fellow elite wrestler. Maracon on the other hand was more aggressive in striking and he had splendid ground defense, regaining control immediately after Pera succeeds with the takedowns. In this match, Maracon’s control of the flow was crucial in securing his win in this one. This puts Maracon in the top 10, winning via unanimous decision. Sources say that Maracon plans to move to 185 and let his teammate Shin take over the division. Some interesting things going on in the division.
Result: Pablo Maracon wins via Unanimous Decision
Super Heavyweight bout
FannyPack SissyPants vs Bubba Gumption
GAMMA: Contenders rising star SissyPants blasted his way into the rankings with his Contenders run. At the age of 32, he’s been making a statement and has arrived in GAMMA with an immediate right to challenge the former champ and future HoF Bubba.
Surprisingly, FannyPack had the intuition that he has a superior clinch game. Turns out, he was right. He is the superior clinch fighter. Right off the bat it was his gameplan and he pulled through with it. He destroyed Bubba in the clinch despite Bubba’s wrestling experience. SissyPants was dealing too much damage, causing Bubba to lose his form and getting finished.
Result: FannyPack SissyPants wins via 1st round TKO (Punches)
GAMMA#731
Super Heavyweight Title
Dustin Kruger vs Brandon Simmons
On top of the super heavyweight rankings lies the GAMMA champion Dustin Kruger. Prior to the match, Kruger has had 4 successful defenses and is en route to make a long run at the title after defeating GAMMA legend Bubba Gumption in GAMMA 710. The challenger Simmons on the other hand racked up wins upon acquisition by his new manager Balls Manager, going 3-1 prior to the match and earning the rights to the title match.
Kruger was expected to secure another KO in this match. However, Simmons was a worthy challenger and put on a well fought match, going back and forth for 5 rounds despite having a cut from the first round. The third round seemed like it was the end for Simmons but he held on to survive the round, eventually recovering.
It really was a tough call for the judges and all three had different opinions. In the end, match ended with a draw. An immediate rematch will took place tomorrow in GAMMA 734. Stay tuned.
Result: Dustin Kruger retains SHW title due to a Draw
GAMMA#732
Featherweight bout
Felix Legions vs Gareth Keenan
Gareth Keenan was recently acquired by manager Lance Templeton, thus keeping his competitive form and technique in check. He faces former Syn fighter Felix Legions who look to make a name in GAMMA since his arrival in August.
On a surface level perspective, Keenan has advantage in striking while Legions has the better ground game. It was evident in the match, as Keenan was more accurate and effective in striking. Legions successfully took down Keenan twice in the span of 3 rounds. In the ground, Keenan showed great ground defense and took the scorecards all 3 rounds. Dominant win by Gareth Keenan.
