GFL 7
San Jose, California
San Jose, California
A wide aerial shot of downtown San Jose is shown at dusk. Meanwhile the SAP Center lights up as the crowd files in. Inside, the arena buzzes with anticipation ahead of the night of fights.
MG: Ladies and gentlemen, good evening and welcome to the Global Fight League! Tonight, we are LIVE from the SAP Center in San Jose, California. The heart of Silicon Valley as GFL 7 officially gets underway!
BS: Goldie, this building is electric already. You can feel it walking in. San Jose has such a deep combat sports history Strikeforce, UFC and world-class gyms. This is the perfect place to launch the opening round of the GFL Welterweight Championship tournament.
RB: That’s right. This isn’t just another fight night. This is a proving ground. Across these prelims, we’re going to see hungry contenders, unbeaten prospects and veterans who know this may be their moment to make a statement on the global stage.
MG: And what makes GFL so unique is exactly that global representation. Fighters from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas all colliding here tonight with one goal in mind.. Advancing toward the GFL Welterweight Championship.
BS: These prelims matter, Goldie. You don’t ease into a GFL card. Every fighter out there knows one dominant performance can change the entire trajectory of their career.
RB: And stylistically, this is fascinating. We’ve got wrestlers, strikers, submission specialists clashes of ideology. Tonight is about answers. Who can impose their game when the pressure is real?
MG: Well folks, buckle up. Thirteen prelim bouts stand between us and the main card and if history tells us anything, San Jose is about to deliver fireworks.... Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is over. GFL 7 starts right now!
Walkmen:
Ange Loosa: "Ready or Not" by Meek Mill
Khotam Boynazarov: "Warrior" by Imagine Dragons
Ange Loosa (10-5) vs. Khotam Boynazarov (12-0)
Opening the night of fights, Ange Loosa would come out aggressive as he looked to press his unbeaten opponent up against the cage to bully him with his size. His opponent however would have this approach well scouted as not only was Khotam able to circle around Loosa but he'd actually secure a takedown on his opponent. On the ground Khotam would secure a crucifix position and started landing several elbows and punches until the referee called for the stoppage.
Result: Khotam Boynazarov (13-0) defeated Ange Loosa (10-6) by TKO in the 1st round (2:34)
Walkmen:
Andre Fialho: "Amor a Portugal" by Dulce Pontes
Namo Fazil: "Believer" by Major Lazer and Showtek
Andre Fialho (16-9) vs. Namo Fazil (9-1)
UFC veteran Andre Fialho would come out really aggressive in this bout from the opening bell. Throwing out big punches looking to take the prospect Namo Fazil out in the early moments, as the pair clinched up Namo landed a hard shot during the clinch which wobbled Fialho. Andre in turn would stun Namo with a shot of his own but as he rushed in to continue this bout of aggressive, Fazil connected with an overhand which put Fialho down for a knockout.
Result: Namo Fazil (10-1) defeated Andre Fialho (16-10) by knockout in the 1st round (1:54)
Walkmen:
Rhys Mckee: "Zombie" by The Cranberries
Anthony Orozco: “Power” by Kanye West
Rhys McKee (14-7-1) vs. Anthony Orozco (8-0)
During the next bout of the night, unbeaten prospect Anthony Orozco would enter in a very dominant and controlling showing against veteran Rhys McKee. This included grounding the veteran and punishing him with ground and pound for the better part of the three rounds. As the fight wore on however we would see Orozco begin to tire and gas out which allowed McKee in turn to get back into the right. These openings would allow McKee to punish Orozco in the final moments of the fight leading to a TKO.
Result: Rhys McKee (15-7-1) defeated Anthony Orozco (8-1) by TKO in the 3rd round (4:01)
Walkmen:
Busurman Zhumagul: “Dagestan” by Sabina Abdullayeva
Matt Dixon: “Uprising” by Muse
Busurman Zhumagul (4-0) vs. Matt Dixon (11-1)
Two rising prospects would collide in a spirited effort. Dixon would look to close the distance against his towering unbeaten opponent in an effort to use his wrestling. However Zhumagul showed great control of distance as he would pick his shots and catch Dixon several times rushing in. This would lead to Zhumagul connecting with a heavy straight right which backed Dixon against the cage and a follow up flurry for a TKO finish
Result: Busurman Zhumagul (5-0) defeated Matt Dixon (11-2) by TKO in the 2nd round (1:15)
Walkmen:
Jonathan Piersma – “Indestructible” by Disturbed
Austin Clayton – “Till I Collapse” by Eminem
Jonathan Piersma (11-3) vs. Austin Clayton (5-0)
Freestyle wrestling standout Austin Clayton would very much put on a wrestling clinic in this fight with Jonathan Piersma. Taking down his opponent at will and landing several impressive trips. It did seem like the unbeaten Clayton very much had this fight in the bag. However despite his early success in the grappling, Jonathan Piersma was not put off and constantly went for submissions until he secured an armbar for a submission victory.
Result: Jonathan Piersma (12-3) defeated Austin Clayton (5-1) by submission (armbar) in the 2nd round (1:58)
Walkmen:
Ricky Glenn: "ready for war" by 50 Cent
Samandar Murodov: “Legend” by The Score
Ricky Glenn (22-9-2) vs. Samandar Murodov (11-0)
The next bout of the night would very much be a showcase for the unbeaten grappler Samandar Murodov. A heavy top grappler with great control, Samandar quickly established his tactic as he repeatedly took down and grounded UFC and WSOF veteran Ricky Glenn. Despite his best efforts Glenn could not get any offense off against his opponent who pinned Glenn down all three rounds for a unanimous decision verdict.
Result: Samandar Murodov (12-0) defeated Ricky Glenn (22-10-2) by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Walkmen:
Takashi Sato: "Oh Ashes/Ash King" by Susumu Hirasawa
Omran Chaaban: “Sultan” by Alaa Wardi
Takashi Sato (16-9) vs. Omran Chaaban (9-1)
Veteran Takashi Sato would look to rejuvenate his career in the next bout against rising prospect Omran Chaaban. Sadly this fight would very much be a showcase bout for Chaaban who managed to kick out Sato's legs with a series of vicious leg kicks. This would drop Sato to his knees and allowed Chaaban to quickly dive on his opponents back before he'd waste little time in securing a D'arce choke for the submission.
Result: Omran Chaaban (10-1) defeated Takashi Sato (16-10) by submission (D'arce choke) in the 1st round (3:09)
Walkmen:
Christian Turner – “Survival” by Eminem
Ivan Podrugin – “Monster” by Skillet
Christian Turner (10-2) vs. Ivan Podrugin (8-0)
On a night filled with early finishes, out next fight of the night would be one of the quickest and most dominant finishes we'd seen just yet. As seconds into the first round Ivan Podrugin would connect with a big overland left which put Turner on wobbly legs. A straight would follow dropping Turner and Podrugin would follow him to the ground where he wasted little time in securing a arm triangle choke for the submission.
Result: Ivan Podrugin (9-0) defeated Christian Turner (10-3) by submission (arm triangle) in the 1st round (0:54)
Walkmen:
Eddy Ellis – “Bad Company” by Five Finger Death Punch
Temirkhan Temirkhanov – “Kavkaz” by Timur Temirov
Eddy Ellis (18-12-1) vs. Temirkhan Temirkhanov (15-1)
The next bout of the night would see highly regarded standout Temirkhan Temirkhanov take on veteran journeyman Eddy Ellis. Despite some concerns of this being more of a grappling heavy fight, to the surprise of everyone this bout turned into a slug fest. Both Ellis and Temirkhanov would have one another hurt at points thanks to some heavy punches landed yet despite this they would manage to make it to the scorecards for a split decision verdict.
Result: Temirkhan Temirkhanov (16-1) defeated Eddy Ellis (18-13-1) by split decision
Walkmen:
Karl Amoussou; “Harder Than You Think” by Public Enemy
Shamidkhan Magomedov: “Born for This” by Papa Roach
Karl Amoussou (27-11-2) vs. Shamidkhan Magomedov (11-1)
Top prospect Shamidkhan Magomedov would fight his toughest fight yet as he took on Bellator veteran Karl Amoussou. Despite this being his most experienced and dangerous opponent yet, Shamidkhan would pass this test with flying colors as he quickly grounded his opponent and started to punish him with some damaging ground and pound. This would include a series of elbows from his guard which caused Karl to turtle up for a TKO finish.
Result: Shamidkhan Magomedov (12-1) defeated Karl Amoussou (27-12-2) by TKO in the 1st round (4:36)
Walkmen:
Murad Guseinov – “Can’t Be Touched” by Roy Jones Jr.
Sabah Homasi – “Walk” by Pantera
Murad Guseinov (10-0) vs. Sabah Homasi (17-12)
Unbeaten standout Murad Guseinov would start this bout out highly aggressive against Bellator veteran Sabah Homasi. This included picking Homasi up and dumping him down to the canvas before punishing Homasi with a series of punches on the ground. From here Murad would attempt several submissions which Homasi battled his way out of and made his way to his feet. Murad would wade forward looking to ground his opponent yet again only for a wild hook by Homasi to drop Murad. Several punches followed by Homasi for a shock upset victory.
Result: Sabah Homasi (18-12) defeated Murad Guseinov (10-1) by TKO in the 2nd round (1:58)
Walkmen:
Elizeu Zaleski: "The Final Countdown" by Europe
Tahir Abdullaev: "Immigrant Song" by Led Zepplin
Elizeu Zaleski (25-10-1) vs. Tahir Abdullaev (21-3)
Two veterans would collide in the semi final bout of the preliminary card. While some may have expected a back and forth battle between this pair of fighters we would see quickly Elizeu Zaleski hurt Tahir with a kick to the body. Abdullaev never truly seemed to recover as Zaleski continued to land his offense including a superman punch which backed Tahir up against the fence. Several more strikes by Zaleski would follow dropping Tahir against the fence, leading to the referee calling for a stoppage.
Result: Elizeu Zaleski (26-10-1) defeated Tahir Abdullaev (21-4) by TKO in the 1st round (2:24)
Walkmen:
Dan Hardy: "England belongs to me" by Cock Sparrer
Jason High: "Run the Jewels" by Killer Mike and ELP
Dan Hardy (25-10) vs. Jason High (23-8)
The final bout on the prelims would be a clash of veterans as Strikeforce veteran Jason High took on UFC veteran and GFL panel member Dan Hardy. For his return to MMA this would be a great showing for Dan Hardy as he quickly established himself to be the more skilled competitor on the feet. Hardy would very much pick Jason High off with ease and towards the end of the first round he'd connect with a left hook for a flush knockout!
Result: Dan Hardy (26-10) defeated Jason High (23-9) by knockout
The arena goes dark. A low rumble echoes through the SAP Center as red and white lights sweep the crowd. Pyro erupts on the stage and the GFL logo flashes across the massive screen. As always standing in the cage is our host Dasha Gonzalez.
DG: Ladies and gentlemen... San Jose, California... Are you Ready?
The crowd cheers as Dasha continues.
DG: Tonight, the Global Fight League returns to the Bay Area as we move from the prelims into the MAIN CARD of GFL 7! These fights are part of the opening round of the GFL Welterweight Championship tournament where legends, contenders and rising stars collide for the right to move one step closer to championship gold!
The lights pulse in the arena as Dasha continues.
DG: But before that please welcome our musical guest for the evening... Five Finger Death Punch!
Five Finger Death Punch storms the stage as “Wash It All Away” blasts through the arena. Pyro detonates in sync with the chorus. Fighters are shown warming up backstage, pacing, shadowboxing with eyes locked in. Once the performance has concluded we head to the commentary booth where Mike Goldberg, Brendan Schaub and Robin Black are stationed.
MG: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to GFL 7! What an atmosphere here in San Jose as we kick off the main card of the Welterweight Championship tournament!
BS: Goldie, this place is absolutely rocking. You feel it in the air, this is tournament fighting. Every decision, every exchange matters because one loss and you’re done.
RB: That performance sets the tone perfectly. Controlled violence. Precision under pressure. These fighters know exactly what’s at stake and the main card is where the real separation begins.
MG: We’ve already seen statements made on the prelims but now it’s time for the welterweights who expect to go deep in this tournament to prove they belong.
BS: This opener is a perfect example of that. Two men with very different paths, very different styles and one clear objective: advance.
RB: And that’s the beauty of this format. No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Just the truth of fighting.
MG: And that’s the beauty of this format. No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Just the truth of fighting.
Walkmen:
Francisco Trinaldo: "Can't be touched" by Roy Jones Jr
Isaac Moreno: “Legend Has It” by Run The Jewels
Francisco Trinaldo (28-9) vs. Isaac Moreno (8-0)
From the beginning of this fight Francisco Trinaldo would wade forward and begin to press his opponent. He would land some heavy leg kicks which backed Moreno up who was forced to use jabs and level changes to keep Trinaldo honest. Towards the end of round one Moreno would connect with a straight right on Trinaldo. During round two we would see Moreno successfully begin to implement his wrestling attempts as well as his boxing. Trinaldo would defend the takedowns well and actually land some short elbows on Moreno until Moreno rode out the final moments of the round from half guard. During the third round we would see both fighters showing signs of fatigue with Trinaldo actually landing a big left cross. To close the round Moreno would secure a big takedown and ride out the round.
Result: Isaac Moreno (9-0) defeated Francisco Trinaldo (28-10) by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
MG: What a way to open the main card. Isaac Moreno just picked up the biggest win of his career. But special credit must be given here to Francisco Trinaldo who proved tough, durable and dangerous to the very end.
BS: This was a true test for the prospect and Moreno passed it. He stayed composed and stuck to the gameplan to earn that decision.
RB: The story of this wasn't dominance it was development. Moreno showed maturity, adaptability and resilience.
Walkmen:
Rinat Fakhretdinov: 'Ve Vigja' by Eolya
Mark Hulme: “Bulls on Parade” by Rage Against the Machine
Rinat Fakretdinov (25-2-1) vs. Mark Hulme (13-4)
Recognizing his underdog status Mark Hulme would come out aggressive and actually managed to put Rinat on the back foot following an overhand punch. Hulme's aggression would eventually backfire as Rinat managed to duck under a looping hook and secure a takedown. From here Rinat took half guard and used shoulder pressure to make Hulme uncomfortable. From here we'd see Rinat move to side control and quickly shift to mount before he'd secure a tight armbar for the submission.
Result: Rinat Fakretdinov (26-2-1) defeated Mark Hulme (13-5) by submission (armbar) in the 1st round (2:41)
MG: A big submission there for one of our tournament favorites. That armbar was vicious.
BS: Rinat didn't panic or waste energy. He waited for Hulme to be off balance and seized his moment. You do not want to be in a grappling exchange with this man.
RB: This performance sends a message to the entire bracket. This was a statement maker.
Walkmen:
Gleison Tibau: "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath
Carlos Petruzella: “Coming Undone” by Korn
Carlos Petruzella (14-1) vs. Gleison Tibau (39-19)
As this fight begins both fighters meet in the center of the ring and despite Tibau's attempts to counter, Petruzella manages to pick him off with jabs and leg kicks. Looking to rush in with a right hand, Gleison is met with a short left hook from Petruzella which snaps Gleison's head back. A follow up combination by Carlos lands with the left hook at the end putting Tibau on unsteady legs with Carlos finally knocking out the veteran flush with a straight right hand.
Result: Carlos Petruzella (15-1) defeated Gleison Tibau (39-20) by knockout in the 1st round (1:18)
MG: What a statement by Petruzella. He just knocked out Gleison Tibau in the first round! That's how you advance in an emphatic fashion.
BS: That was so clean. If you didn't know Carlos' name before.. You do now!
RB: This was about speed and conviction. The second Gleison stepped in, Petruzella didn't hesitate.
Walkmen:
Lyman Good: "This Is Now" by Hatebreed
Lorenz Larkin: "Hometown" by Thurrobred
Lyman Good (21-6) vs. Lorenz Larkin (27-8)
Very quickly into this fight we would see Lorenz Larkin establish his range as he darted in and out with side kicks to the body and calf kicks to Good's lead leg. Every time in the first round Lyman tried to press the action, we would see Larkin slide out of range. Round two would see Good look to continue to pressure Larkin but he would be cut off on every occasion by the striking of Larkin including a straight right which dropped him at the close of the round. Round three would see a desperate Good up his aggression as he realized his needed a finish, Larkin however would continue to control the tempo as he picked Good off for the decision.
Result: Lorenz Larkin (28-8) defeated Lyman Good (21-7) by unanimous decision (30-2 x3)
MG: what a masterclass by Lorenz Larkin here as he showed distance and discipline to advance.
BS: Good was never able to get comfortable. Not once.
RB: This was pure geometry. Angles, exit and timing. Larkin put on a beautiful showing.
Walkmen:
Demian Maia: "Numb" by Linkin Park
Ben Saunders: "Grew Up a Screw Up" by Ludacris
Demian Maia (28-11) vs. Ben Saunders (23-13-2)
This fight would get off to a swift start as Ben Saunders came out highly aggressive throwing kicks and looking to use his reach. Saunders game plan would backfire however as soon Maia managed to catch one of his legs and take Saunders down to the ground. A spirited Saunders would gamely attempt a triangle but Maia remained calm and passed to side control. Saunders would look to scramble but in the process he'd give up his back to Maia who clamped on a rear naked choke for the submission.
Result: Demian Maia (29-11) defeated Ben Saunders (23-14-2) by submission (3:41)
MG: This was a vintage performance here. Absolutely textbook by Demian Maia!
BS: Saunders was game but once this hit the ground.. It was done.
RB: This was a true demonstration of grappling by Maia. A big way to advance.
Walkmen:
Neiman Gracie: "Pharoahe Monch" by Simon Says
Abubakar Nurmagomedov: "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio
Neiman Gracie (13-6) vs. Abubakar Nurmagomedov (17-4-1)
Wasting little time from the off, Abubakar Nurmagomedov would charge forward and pressure Gracie against the fence. Once they were in the clinch Abubakar would use short punches to set up a trip from the clinch. For the remainder of the first round Abubakar maintained side control and wrist control to hold Gracie in place. Abubakar would look to continue this during round two but would be forced to settle for the guard. This would be a mistake on Nurmagomedov's part as Neiman would clamp on a swift triangle choke for a shock submission victory!
Result: Neiman Gracie (14-6) defeated Abubakar Nurmagomedov (17-5-1) by submission (triangle choke) in the 2d round (2:56)
Walkmen:
Yaroslav Amosov: "Moya Igra" by Besta
Nikolay Aleksakhin: "Phenomenal" by Eminem
Yaroslav Amosov (29-1) vs. Nikolay Aleksakhin (29-10)
Off the back of two submissions we would get another grappling heavy bout as from the off, Yaroslav would shoot in on Nikolay and take him down to the canvas. Despite Aleksakhin's best effots, Amosov would very much control him for the remainder of this round. During round two Aleksakhin would look to get some offense on the feet but would once more be taken down and controlled by Amosov who would do enough to stay busy. The third would continue this story with Amosov controlling Aleksakhin, to his credit Nikolay would attempt a guillotine but Amosov would defend and ride out the round!
Result: Yaroslav Amosov (30-1) defeated Nikolay Aleksakhin (29-11) by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
MG: That was a dominant showing by the former Bellator Champion!
BS: Amosov just showed why he is a favorite for a reason. He controlled one of the tournaments best grapplers.
RB: Amosov made it look easy here. He shut Aleksakhin down.
Walkmen:
Nate Diaz: "Don't Make Enemies With Me" by Tupac and Outlawz
Joe Riggs: "Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake
Nate Diaz (21-13) vs. Joe Riggs (50-8-1)
To no surprise these two would meet in the center immediately. As we'd see Diaz wasted little time in establishing his jab while Riggs would swing wild looping punches. Diaz would also quickly begin talking trash to Riggs who shot on Nate near the end of the first and landed some ground and pound. The second round would see Nate up the volume as he kept landing jab after jab and multiple hooks which would begin to swell up Riggs' face as as bust his nose. Riggs' attempts to counter would only be met with more volume at the close of round two. During round three, Nate seemingly smelled blood as he upped the pressure and landed some punishing body blows on top. A big straight punch would back Riggs up against the cage and Diaz pounced with body shots and hooks until Riggs drops to a knee under the barrage and the referee calls a stop to the contest.
Result: Nate Diaz (22-13) defeated Joe Riggs (50-19-1) by TKO in the 3rd round (3:46)
MG: What a performance there by Nate Diaz. He very much took every page out of the Diaz playbook tonight.
BS: That was suffocating. No breaks and absolutely no mercy
RB: Diaz weaponized pressure big time here. He just showed he is a big threat in this tournament.
MG: Well fans that is it for tonight but we will see you for the continuation of the Welterweight tournament at GFL 8