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Garza is stepping on to the big stage for the first time, taking a step up in comp, and he is going to have to win in a different way that he normally does (by avoiding the ground). Garza usually wins by grappling, and he is a solid grappler. But Paixao is better. I posted a vid of Garza on TUF fighting wrestler Michael Johnson on page 5. I think Paixao will be able to get him down, personally. But I do think it will be close.
Starting to think Hendricks is worth a bet. He should have the striking edge, wrestling edge, his submission defense is airtight... If he goes to his wrestling, he would win easily. But he won't. Still, he can't be controlled on the mat and sets a high pace. Story has gassed in a couple fights.
Round 1 - Referee Josh Rosenthal in the cage for the evening's first fight. Touch of gloves gets us started. Circling early, and Branch moves into the clinch. Small crowd to start, and you can actually hear the broadcasters call in the silence as the two jockey for position. Attonito finally breaks free and moves away. Branch rushes in again, but Attonito sidesteps. Attonito fires a few bombs. A right hand scores, but Branch uses the close range to get a takedown. Half-mount against the cage for Branch. Halfway in. Branch pulls Attonito's head away from the cage and looks for a D'arce choke. Attonito pulls away and tries to stand, but Branch stays on top in half-mount. Branch delivers a few shots from the top. Attonito stands, and Branch goes with him. He locks in a guillotine on the feet. He lets it go as he moves to the ground, but he looks for mount. Attonito spins and scrambles out the back and moves to the feet. Into the clinch again, where the round ends. MMAjunkie.com scores it for Branch, 10-9.
Round 2 - Attonito stalk from the center and lands a nice lead left. Branch clinches up again, and delivers a knee to the gut. Branch pushes Attonito to the cage. Attonito lands a nice right hand inside, and the two jockey for the underhooks. Knee inside from Attonito. Branch pushing in. Attonito trying to slide away, but Branch ducks down and scores the takedown. Attonito pops right back up. Slow pace right now. Attonito trying to work free, but Branch slides around to the back. Branch turns in as he lands against the cage again. Two minutes left. Branch ducks down again. Attonito looks for a choke from the front, but Attonito slides out and scores another takedown. Side control for Branch. He spins and looks for mount, though he settles for a half version. Attonito scrambles and again works to his feet, but Branch controls the head and lands a few knees before the bell. MMAjunkie.com awards it to Branch, 10-9.
Round 3 - Attonito again in the center. Branch drives in for a takedown. Attonito scrambles when he hits the floor and works back to his feet. Branch takes the back, though Attonito stalls from the front and prevents an advance. Attonito tries to escape from the hold, but Branch scores another takedown and works from his opponent's guard. Branch passes to half-mount and then out to the side. Attonito regains half-guard quickly. Attonito's corner calling for a standup from Rosenthal, but Branch continues to work for position and eventually works to the back as Attonito rolls. He's looking for the choke, but he does take time to posture up and pepper Attonito's head with punches. One minute left, and Branch has both hooks in. Attonito postures and tries to pull out the back. Branch does fall, but he moves immediately back into the clinch. Attonito tries to fire elbows, but it's not going to be enough. The bell sounds, and MMAjunkie.com sees it for Branch, 10-9, and awards him the fight, 30-27.
Dave Branch def. Rich Attonito via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
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