World Series of Fighting came into Kansas City for their 33rd event expecting to have two title fights on top, but the most work Justin Gaethje had to do all night was a cageside interview. In the main event, David Branch remained a two-weight champ with a dominant win over Vinny Magalhaes. There was some controversy in the two top lightweight bouts as well. Check out the results and some video below.
David Branch defeated Vinny Magalhaes by unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-44)
This one was all Branch. After a strong first, he hurt Vinny in the second and almost finished him. He wasn't able to get it done though, and the last three rounds dragged a bit. Branch was firmly in control, with Magalhaes looking to react instead of trying to act first. Branch pushed his win streak to nine with the W, and defended his LHW title for the first time. Magalhaes retired from MMA after the bout.
Joao Zeferino defeated Jason High by TKO (punch), :51 of round 3
Zeferino used some pretty excellent grappling to keep High off balance for most of the fight. High actually almost finished it early with a strong guillotine, but Zeferino was able to escape. Early in the third, High cracked Zeferino with a shot, but Zeferino fired right back and dropped High. It seemed that High was alert and able to continue, but the ref called it off. Check the video and judge for yourself.
Brian Foster defeated Luiz Firmino by submission (triangle choke), 3:14 of round 1
This one had some controversy. Firmino was working well on top when Foster used the cage to push off and secure a triangle. It seemed that Firmino was complaining about the lack of a tap, but he actually thought he got kicked in the head from underneath before Foster applied the triangle. You can check the video and see if Firmino has a case, but the win went to Foster nonetheless.
Abubakar Nurmagomedov defeated John Howard by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Nurmagomedov kept Howard off balance with a steady stream of jabs and some slick takedowns. He dropped Howard in the second, but was unable to capitalize as Howard popped up right away and got a takedown. Overall though, Nurmagomedov's wrestling and boxing was too much for Howard and Khabib's cousin took a comfortable unanimous decision.
Shawn Jordan defeated Ashley Gooch by TKO (strikes), 4:40 of round 1
The UFC dominated here. He cracked Gooch with an early elbow and it looked like he might get a quick finish, but Gooch showed his toughness by holding on for a while. Jordan was too much on top though, eventually flattening him out and busting him up with punches until the ref was forced to stop it. Check the video:
Timur Valiev defeated Chris Gutierrez by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
This one was pretty simple - Valiev dominated Gutierrez with his grappling. Valiev took down his opponent and kept him there for large portions of the fight. Gutierrez was never really in danger, and he did have a decent third round, but it was pretty much all Valiev overall.
Prelims results
Bekbulat Magomedov defeated Jesse Brock by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-28)
Abu Azaitar defeated Michael Arrant by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-29)
Magomed Magomedkerimov defeated Bobby Cooper by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Bryce Mitchell vs. Brandon Phillips by submission (arm triangle choke), 3:14 of round 2)