The discovery of new talent was the real takeaway from Golden Boy’s first MMA outing.
Over the weekend, Golden Boy Promotions dipped its toes into the waters of mixed martial arts and put on its first ever MMA event at the Forum in Los Angeles.
Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz 3
The headline bout between former UFC champions Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz was the third time the two have squared off. Depending on your vantage point, the fight could have been either a veteran’s war or a festival of geezers.
Liddell was on the receiving end of a knockout blow that sent him viciously to the canvas at 4:24 of the first round.
The 48-year-old Liddell physically looked his absolute best in years. But once the action began, it was clear that he should have probably left the fight game alone.
The two circled each other throughout the short fight, measuring distance and being cautious. Tito was crisp and spry. Liddell was lethargic.
Then it was over.
New Jacks Shine
One of the event’s bright spots was the emergence of light heavyweight Deron Winn. The Daniel Cormier protege handily defeated veteran fighter “Filthy” Tom Lawlor.
Winn (5-0) kept his professional record perfect with a decision. Lawlor (10-7) was returning to action after more than two years on the sidelines.
Standing 5-foot-7, Winn took out the 6-foot Lawlor in his first bout to make it out of the first round. His impressive punching power allowed him to bully his way in. Lawlor’s defense didn’t stand a chance as Winn caught him with powerful shots.
Also, UFC veteran Gleison Tibau took out The Ultimate Fighter winner Efrain Escudero in a barnburner fight. And relative unknown James Barnes submitted UFC veteran Albert Morales in the third round, putting him on the map as a relentless competitor looking to build a name.
The discovery of new talent was the real takeaway from Golden Boy’s first MMA outing.
