Gone are the days when the wrestling credentials of British fighters were questioned by critics.
Leon Edwards proved that grappling is alive and well in the United Kingdom as he entered the Octagon with the perfect gameplan to nullify the nasty striking of opponent Albert Tumenov at UFC 204.
‘Rocky’ put on a smothering wrestling display in the first round, wisely ripping Tumenov’s greatest weapons away for the entirety of the opening five minutes in the Manchester Arena.
But the bout looked like it was in danger of escaping Edwards, an underdog on the night, as the Russian found his striking range in the second stanza and kept his opponent on the back foot.
With the submission!! @Leon_EdwardsMMA gets another one for the Brits at #UFC204! https://t.co/4J3eOe6njd
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) October 9, 2016
In between rounds two and three, Edwards had a decision to make; either succumb to the undeniable strain on his lungs that inevitably would have followed an exhausting ten minutes or drive forward and put Tumenov on his back.
Edwards opted for the latter but, admirably not content to coast out what would be a routine 29-28 decision, Edwards pursued the submission and slickly took Tumenov’s back.
From there, it was a combination of masterful control and a lack of options for Tumenov as the tap arrived with just two minutes remaining.
Not too shabby!
