Close but no cigar! #mma #kuwait

Argh!!! Disappointment.

Tonight didn’t go as planned. Arriving at the venue it was stacked in my favour.

I had a few setbacks during training camp–as every fighter does…but overall I was happy to have Ole Laursen for 10 days and felt well prepared.

I Went into the fight mentally ready to preform even though i wasnursing a few injuries.

Late last week I suffered a dislocated rib during training. Not wanting to withdrawal from the match, I made the decision to “tough” it out…going to see the Dr. I was assured I wouldn’t do any “additional” harm to the already injured rib…although admittedly he was against the idea of fighting…lol

Nursing the rib with some enzymes that were suppose the help dissolve the blood causing the bruising, and “tighten” the muscles around the injured area–I trugged on.

During fight camp we noticed video of my opponent utilising a spinning back kick–and we drilled specifically to defend against it…

…Rd2…and Rd3 my opponent landed the very kick we trained against…both of which were brutal…and have my injured right rib humming for some Oxycodone.

Moving into the fight itself–bout was suppose to be 15 seconds on the ground…

…with the rounds only being 3 minutes–>the promoter wanted to promote action.

Knowing I was a black belt…and after several questionable standups earlier in the night…I think the ref decided he wasnt going to stand my fight up.

—during camp I knew that this was a modified rules bout–with no punches to the head for GNP–and an expectation of 15 second standups…my strategy included looking for leglocks such as the heel hook and toe hold submissions.—>in actuality the ref didn’t really stand us up and the short 3 minute rounds had a good portion of the time eaten up in positions that werent going to produce a sweep or a submission, but I scrambled to the position in an effort to “catch” something before the perceived impending standup.

Even with my “catch” mentality I had several good submission attempts, however my opponent was very “slick” with his submission defence and was able to survive.

After 18 months out of the ring…I just think I was a bit rusty…this was a fight that I beat myself by not executing the gameplan and fundamentally securing better grappling position.

“jumping” to leg locks, I was chasing a quick “catch” rather than securing dominate position. In a 3 minute round, the strategy didnt work.

The fight ended in dramatic fashion however…as I used my “lyoto” trip to take my opponents back…eventually transitioning to an Armbar as time expired…just a lil too little a lil too late.

Was good to get back into the ring though. My opponent was tough and my hat tips to him. Bump in the road as the journey continues.

Should have followed the game plan a bit firmer–and closed the gap with more of an urgency. Was a fun experience however and I’ve really enjoyed my time in Kuwait.

Specials Thanx to all those who supported me for this fight- Khalid, Abraham, Mr Khoo, Combat Athletics, Ole Laursen, JJ Ambrose, Sparta Combat Sports, Bianca, Dean, Groundskillz, Legacy Gym…and anyone else I forgot…I apologise…remember I get hit in the head for a living.

Road continues now…as I prepare my students for the White Belt Fury tournament in Malaysia and my eventual return trip to the states.

Sorry to disappoint tonight guys…I feel like I let more then myself down tonight.