Tuesday, August 11, 2009

New Champion In MMA

Brian Bowles (8-0) shocked the MMA world on Sunday, August 8th in Las Vegas when he defeated Miguel Torres (36-2) for the WEC Bantamweight weight (135 pounds) title. Bowles hurt Torres with an overhand right early in the first round and was able to land a take down after Torres had pushed him against the cage, landing a couple of elbows. When the fight went back to the feet Torres lunged in with several punches, but left himself exposed as Bowles landed a short right hook and then landed about 7 shots while Torres was on the ground finishing off the fighter who had only lost once in 37 fights.

Bowles was humble in victory saying that "he did not believe the hype" surrounding Torres. Torres blamed his loss on the "pressure" that the WEC has placed on him. Torres had been regarded by some, including Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports, as the number one pound for pound fighter in the world. It will be interesting to see where Bowles ends up on the next "Yahoo Top Ten Pound For Pound MMA" rankings.

With this victory there is now 4 White champions in the 7 weight classes in the two major MMA promotions. Bowles at 135 lbs., Mike Brown at 145 lbs., Geroge St. Pierre at 170 lbs. and Brock Lesnar at heavyweight.

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