MFC 19: Newton Takes Hollett’s Belt in UD

“Hulk” Roger Hollett (7-1) felt no urgency in his first title defense and as a result “Hardcore Kid” Emanuel Newton took his light heavyweight title in a unanimous decision at MFC 19: Long Time Coming Friday night in Edmonton.

The fight stayed standing in round one.  Newton came out throwing a hard left kick followed by a right knee, while Hollett waited patiently for a opening for a low left kick.  Newton stayed busy the entire round, attempting two takedowns and regularly tagging Hollett with jabs, low kicks and an overhand right, but Hollett landed the more powerful strikes.

“His punches are hard!” Newton said between rounds.

Hollett continued walking around in the second round, Newton continued to keep busy throwing various strikes and combinations.  They traded high right kicks.  Newton shot and got the takedown and spent the rest of the round on top of Hollett, who occasionally attempted an armbar.

Round three was all standup with nothing much happening, to the disgust of the booing fans.  But in round four Hollett slipped after a right kick, and Newton pounced.  Hollett kept Newton from doing any real damage by keeping his feet on Newton’s hips, until the referee stood them up.  Another takedown attempt by Newton was stuffed by Hollett’s sprawl, but Newton picked him up and slammed him hard to the mat.  Hollett attempted a quick armbar, but Newton slipped out easily.  The referee again stood them up.

Even after being chastised by his corner to knock Newton out, to do something, Hollett still felt no sense of urgency, and continued as before, waiting for opportunities.  Newton, between throwing combinations of his own, countered Hollett’s strikes and did not allow him to follow up with more.  The fight ended uneventfully.

The judges scored the bout 50-45, 50-45, 49-46, all in favour of Newton, the new MFC Light Heavyweight Champion.