The World Series of Fighting light heavyweight title was on the line as David Branch successfully defended his crown against Vinny Magalhaes in the WSOF 33 main event. The co-main event saw a hometown upset as “The Kansas City Bandit” Jason High fell victim to a Joao Zeferino right hand. Check out the results and highlights from WSOF 33 from Kansas City, Missouri:
Main Card:
David Branch def. Vinny Magalhaes via Unanimous Decision (50-44 x3): Light Heavyweight Title
David Branch started the bout by marching down Vinny Magalhaes while throwing volume and working behind his jab. The second stanza saw Vinny Magalhaes eat a massive amount of strikes, and even sustain a knockdown, from the two-division champion Branch. The remainder of the lightweight title tilt saw more of the same from the champion while Vinny Magalhaes displayed heart and durability but not much more.
Here is David Branch helping Vinny Magalhaes have a seat:
Joao Zeferino def. Jason High via TKO in :51 of Round 3: Lightweight
Joao Zeferino escaped an early Jason High Guillotine choke before implementing his own game plan. Zeferino was able to secure multiple takedowns on a High without many answers. The third stanza saw Jason high land a strong left hand to which Zeferino instantly responded with an even stronger right hand.
Check out Joao Zeferino TKO Jason High via strikes:
Brian Foster def. Luis Firmino via Submission (Triangle Choke) in 3:14 of Round 1: Lightweight
After a brief game of footsie, Brian Foster spent a little bit of time on his back before spinning off of the fence to throw up a triangle. Luiz Firmino’s only two options from that position was either tapping or napping; Firmino chose the former.
Watch Brian Foster’s slick submission of Luiz Firmino:
Abubakar Nurmagomedov def. John Howard via Unanimous Decision (29-28 x2, 30-27): Welterweight
Abubakar Nurmagomedov took a step up in level of competition against John Howard and was able to get his strikes going against the longtime veteran. Nurmagomedov struggled, at times, to secure the takedown; however, Khabib’s brother did make the most of his top positions when the opportunities arose. Howard had fits returning to his feet due to the smothering top pressure of Nurmagomedov and failed to mount much significant offense.
Watch Abubakar Nurmagomedov let his hands go against John Howard:
Shawn Jordan def. Ashley Gooch: Heavyweights
Shawn Jordan showed his veteran stripes as he dispatched Ashley Gooch in the first round of their heavyweight bout. Jordan opted to forgo any extended standup action as he took Gooch to the ground where he unloaded heavy leather which forced the referee to call the fight at 4:40 of round 1.
Watch Shawn Jordan make a splash in his WSOF debut:
Timur Valiev def. Chris Gutierrez via Unanimous Decision (30-27 x2, 29-28): Bantamweight
It was a rather different narrative than the initial bout between Timur Valiev and Chris Gutierrez as Valiev was able to utilize his grappling more effectively than before sway the judges in his favor.
Preliminary Card:
Bekbulat Magomedov def. Jesse Brock via Unanimous Decision: Bantamweight
Abu Azaitar def. Mike Arrant via Unanimous Decision: Welterweight
Magomed Magomedkerimov def. Bobby Cooper via Split Decision: Welterweight
Bryce Mitchell def. Brandon Phillips via Submission (Triangle Choke) in 3:14 of round 2: Featherweight