Sadollah Taps Dollaway…Again, Sanchez Renewed
Posted by Chad Edward on June 22nd, 2008Three TUF champions highlighted the action in Las Vegas Saturday night: the original, the past, and the future.
The future shines brilliantly for The Ultimate Fighter’s newest blast into the mainstream consciousness, Amir Sadollah (1-0).
In his professional debut, Sadollah tapped “Doberman” CB Dollaway (6-1) in an armbar at 3:02 of round one to win the seventh season of the popular SpikeTV reality show contest.
“Nightmare” Diego Sanchez (19-2), one of the two original Ultimate Fighters, looked physically fitter than ever in his third-round TKO of American Top Team’s Luigi Fioravanti (12-4) at 4:07.
After back-to-back “embarrasing” losses, “Spyder” Kendall Grove (9-5), TUF 3 champion, recaptured past glory in a three-round split decision over former UFC titlist Evan Tanner (32-8).
The likeable young TUF walk-on from Virginia, Sadollah, versus the cocky All-American favorite, Dollaway, was a rematch of an exhibition fight fought on the final episode of last season’s The Ultimate Fighter.
Saturday’s finish was almost a replay of that fight’s end.
But, unlike the first fight, Dollaway made haste taking the samboist to his back and pounding him, opening a shallow cut on Sadollah’s forehead.
Sadollah flailed for position, eventually sucking up the “Doberman’s” left paw and swinging his legs over Dollaway’s head to secure the armbar.
Dollaway stood and remained standing as Sadollah worked the technique.
Finally, Dollaway ended the fight with a single tap causing referee Herb Dean to step in.
Sadollah leapt to his feet and threw his arms in the air.
Dollaway threw his hands out to his sides, complaining about the stoppage; but, replays clearly showed Dollaway tapping.
And, as “Kimbo Slice” Kevin Ferguson (3-0) famously said, Dollaway exhibited in his immature and ridiculous post-fight protest: “Tapping is for bitches.”
“Nightmare” Sanchez showed off a leaner physique and tighter striking game versus a pudgy and lethargic Fioravanti.
In his southpaw stance, Sanchez stalked with his right lead extended and left fist cocked, both of which he used to tag Fiorivanti, who was hesitant to engage on his feet or on the mat.
When Sanchez was able to down Fioravanti, “Nightmare’s” trademark G’n'P dominated.
But, it was Sanchez’s refurbed striking game, highlighted by a roundhouse kick, that won the fight.
In the third round, Sanchez snapped a left kick to Fioravanti’s head, sending Fioravanti backpedaling. Sanchez followed with a flying knee flush to Fioravanti’s jaw before pounding out the stoppage with his fists.
It was do or die for both Grove and Tanner in the main event, both fighters coming off of knockout losses and at career lows.
However, 6′6″ Grove was just too physical for the former champion, Tanner.
At range, Grove launched long rights that split Tanner’s guard.
But, most of the fight was fought in the clinch, with Tanner, sporting a full beard, resembling a homeless mugger assaulting the Hawaiian for change.
Grove laid on Tanner, wearing Tanner down, while Grove split open Tanner’s head with elbows and peppered Tanner’s body with knees.
The judges ruled it a split decision “W” for Grove by scores of 30-26 twice for Grove and 29-28 once for Tanner; but, Al Lefkowitz, who scored the fight for Tanner, couldn’t have even been in the arena.
Fighters.com scored it 30-27 for Grove.
On the undercard, “McLovin” Dustin Hazelett (11-4) tapped “People’s Champion” Josh Burkman (9-6) in an armbar at 4:46 of round two.
Hazelett won “Submission of the Night”.
Lightweight brawler “King” Spencer Fisher (21-4) ground out a unanimous decision over fellow Iowan Jeremy Stephens (13-3).
TUF 7 contestant Matt Riddle (1-0) won his pro debut with a unanimous decision over Dante Rivera (10-3).
Middleweight Andrew McFedries (7-3) overwhelmed “Beastman” Marvin Eastman (15-8-1) from the bell to score a quick TKO at 1:08 of round one.
In a rematch from 2006, TUF 7 contestant Matt Brown (7-6) TKO’d TUF 6 “No Regard” Matt Arroyo (3-2) at 3:40 of round two.
Veteran “Boogieman” Dean Lister (11-5) submitted über-veteran “Gumby” Jeremy Horn (79-18-5) in a first-round guillotine choke at 3:52.
Similarly, Rob Kimmons (21-3) tapped Rob Yundt (6-2) in a first-round guillotine choke at 3:58.
MightyMouse said:
I was rooting for CB, I was surprised when Amir submitted him twice! Amir has a bright future in the UFC.
joesmailer said:
I agree. I didn’t expect that from Amir either.
Chad Edward said:
I picked Dollaway too, but am happy Sadollah tapped him and even happier Dollaway revealed what a spoiled jock he is after losing.
allteeth said:
I picked Amir and was vocal about it. CB is a fucking douche bag… and thats me trying to keep it professional.
Amir has skills, a chin, a heart, strikes, self control and confidence without overt arrogance. CB proves again muscles and being an ignorant jock mean very little in the cage. “Tapping is for bitches”?.. and you tapped.
On a sadder note, it has been reported that Evan Tanner was paid in the form of a cup of nickels and a pack of clean sox for his efforts in the ring. He was quoted saying, “Hey man, you got some change”?
Tanner is still a great guy and a respectable fighter. Grove looked great and took it to another level, which he sorely needed. He was finally making use of his body type.
KeithAllen said:
I have to admit I wanted Amir to win, but smartly (not so smartly) picked CB to gain the victory.
Amir going 4-0 amateur and having no pro fights making it this far shows much promise. With the right trainers and fights he could definitely impress in the coming years.
allteeth said:
Hey MR!!! You got some CHANGE??