Conclusion of the Inaugural Martial Combat Fighting Championship
In other fights, Leandro "Brodinho" Issa won his fight via armbar submission in the 1st round against one of China's top wrestlers. Eduardo "Edu" Pachu lost via rear naked choke in the 3rd round by K-1 Superstar and Muay Thai Champion, Ole Laursen. Many observers at ringside (including ESPN commentator, Ray Elbe) had Pachu leading the fight before Laursen submitted him.
To watch some of the fights, please click here.
Here are some comments from various members of the Evolve Fight Team:
"I would say that the team did a good job overall. Of course, we have lots to improve too. Mitch's opponent was a very tough warrior with a big heart. Most opponents would have tapped out from the submissions. Mitch fought the fight with a lot of strategy. His BJJ and Muay Thai were the key factors to his victory. We believed that he would be able to soften up his opponent with strikes and then submit him. Before the start of the 4th round though, Chatri called for the big straight right hand because Zhang could barely see from his left eye - Mitch executed perfectly for the KO. For Brodinho, he fought the perfect fight. He showed Asia what world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu looks like. I am very proud of Brodinho. He fought the perfect fight. As for Edu, he was winning the fight. However, Ole Laursen is a very tough guy - very strong and powerful. I was surprised how good he is on the ground. Congratulations to Ole."
-Professor Rafael Gordinho Lima
"Heading into Martial Combat FC, we knew that the toughest match would be Edu versus Ole (out of our 3 fights). Ole is a world-class striker and a super athlete. Ole surprised us on the ground. We believed that Edu would own the ground. A big hats off to Ole for a well deserved victory and excellent rear-naked choke. Mitch fought a hard and exhausting fight. He did an excellent job in the striking and ground games. It was a war with an opponent who doesn't know how to quit. I am proud of Mitch for staying mentally tough because it can be very discouraging to fight someone who refuses to quit from clean submission attempts. Mitch did a wonderful job listening to Gordinho and myself through out the fight. Mitch is the Martial Combat Super Fight CHAMPION!!! Brodinho fought the perfect fight - a true MMA fight. He used Muay Thai, Wrestling, and BJJ to win. He's becoming a complete fighter. Brodinho is also super freakishly strong for his size. Nonetheless, Brodinho displayed excellent technique and heart. What a beautiful armbar! Above all, I would like to thank the Evolve Family for all their love and support. Without the Evolve Family, we could not have achieved what we did. Thank you for everything."
-Kru Chatri Sityodtong
"Mitch showed a very big heart in the fight. In Thailand, we call this jai 100% or 100% heart. I think Mitch's Muay Thai is better than Zhang's Sanda. Zhang is K-1 and Sanda Champion of Taiwan, but Mitch could have fought the fight standing. He was smart to take down Zhang to play on his opponent's weakness. Congratulations, Mitch! You are a hero!"
-Kru Toy Sityodtong
