GAMMA: August Part 1 by James Isaac Abraham

Editorial by James Isaac Abraham

Here's a recap of the first half of August. We have GAMMA 724 and GAMMA 725 flashbacks for you. We feature epic title fights in Goodman VS Sonnen, Partio VS Springs while serving you another top ranked card filled with contenders and warriors. Hope you enjoy this one!

GAMMA#724

Middleweight TItle

Saul Goodman vs Dao Sonnen

They have been fighting under GAMMA for quite some time and have established themselves as top ranked middleweights of the world. It’s surprising that it’s the first time these guys go head-to-head. Nonetheless, Sonnen has climbed his way to the top contender spot with an amazing form and he’s finally faced Goodman for the belt.

What would you expect from a bout between two of the top 15 welterweights? Of course, a good fight. The skill level in this one was so high but both fighters didn’t give in. Goodman was his usual self with his efficient striking and composure. Sonnen on the other hand was keeping up with the champ but he mixed it up with his ground game. With his takedowns, he’s managed to get some points and controlled the fight in the ground. Also, he almost got a finish more than a few times.

It was a really close call, not really sure who would’ve won that as it surely was a tough match for both fighters. Sonnen got rounds 1,3,5 for 2 judges, while the other scores a draw. Hard earned win for the newly crowned champ.

Result: Dao Sonnen wins Middleweight Title via Majority Decision

Middleweight Bout

Razmig Grigorian vs Basten Sodergren

Another exciting Middleweight bout was in action last August 4 as two potential contenders for the belt faced each other. Sodergren is a also a top middleweight of the world and he’s fought under GAMMA for quite some time. However, the division is filled with tough competition and he’s only been to the title scene once, in which he fell to Saul Goodman in the 3rd round. On the other hand, the younger rising star Grigorian is trying to conquer the world at the age of 26. A must win for both fighters given that the contender spot for the belt was on the line.

As expected both fighters kept it standing and it was a battle of striking and clinch fighting. Grigorian was more aggressive in the fight and he was landing good shots against the 33 year old Sodergren. Sodergren on the other hand was looking to take the fight in the clinch but it seems that Grigorian was getting better position to strike relentlessly.

With this, Grigorian punches his way to a TKO win in the 3rd round. Tremendous power from Grigorian. This win earns him the right challenge the new champ Sonnen this 8-25 in GAMMA 728. Sodergren on the other hand will need to rack up some wins if he wants to get back to the title scene.

Result: Razmig Grigorian wins via 3rd round TKO (Strikes).

GAMMA#725

Lightweight Title

Katu Partio vs Randy Springs

Katu Partio has been on a roll since arriving in GAMMA. He’s been undefeated since joining and he’s bagged the belt after a thrilling decision win against former champ Jeff Gower. He defended his title for the first time and his first contender was a familiar face in the GAMMA 155 division. It’s none other than the future hall of famer and 3 time GAMMA lightweight champion Randy Springs, who looks to reclaim his title after losing the belt to Gower and failing to reclaim it in Gower’s 2nd title defense.

Partio’s strategy in this fight was to make use of his BJJ black belt advantage against the former champ Springs. Springs on the other hand kept his form with his efficient striking and better wrestling. As expected, Springs was more accurate and took the first round in the scorecards. Despite that, the champ Partio finally got hold of a successful takedown after 3 failed attempts. The champ didn’t waste this opportunity and outmaneuvered Springs with BJJ. Eventually, it was a guillotine waiting to be locked in. Excellent display of BJJ by the champ.

Partio then moves in the top 10 P4P and ranked #2 in world lightweight rankings. Springs has lost his past 3 title matches and will look to rack up some wins to challenge the winner of the upcoming lightweight title match between Partio and Gower. For the mean time, Springs will be facing Sala Barbo for a GAMMA 722 rematch.

Result: Partio retains Lightweight Title via 2nd round Submission (Guillotine)

Super Heavyweight Bout

Hennan Hoyce vs Brandon Simmons 2

We got to see another clash between two of the top 10 SHW giants. The last time around, it was Hoyce who got the better of Simmons, knocking him out in a fashionable comeback KO after being rocked by Simmons. In this second match between the two, we’re expecting another 1st round KO for sure, and both fighters didn’t fail to give a good show. It was a battle of KOs, a strike to the death type of battle.

Just like their first meeting, it was another power-filled clash and bodies were getting knocked down everywhere. The first 2-3 minutes was more of a tactical segment. Trying to gauge each other. As we have seen, Simmons was more cautious this time around and dealing heavy damage with counters while mixing in some accurate strikes with leg kicks and punches.

In the 3rd minute it was a bloodbath. Simmons knocks Hoyce down with a massive hook. That sure dealt a lot of damage and the confident Hoyce seems to lose control of his body. Surprisingly a big head kick came outta nowhere with a quick comeback knockdown from Hoyce. Amazing display of heart and power by Hoyce despite being rocked a few seconds ago. However, not long after it was Simmons again with a big lethal right hand who succeeds with a counter and drops Hoyce to the canvas. The damage was too much and another knockdown followed. However, Hoyce wasn’t done just yet as he was gonna be able to survive the round with a few seconds remaining. As he was wiping off some vaseline Simmons manages to get a cheap shot, and a big one! This caught Hoyce off guard and manages to secure the KO win, knocking Hoyce out cold. A series of unfortunate events for Hoyce.

With this, Hoyce moves down the rankings, losing 5 of his last 8 matches while Simmons earns the rights to challenge the reigning champ Kruger in GAMMA 731.

Result: Brandon Simmons wins via 1st round KO (Punch)

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