Bobby Lashley wins Shark Fights heavyweight title beating veteran Karl Knothe – MMA News
35-year old Bobby Lashley, former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) athlete made his mark at the Shark Fights 21 on November 11, 2011 event by winning the Shark Fights heavyweight title belt.
Lashley nicknamed The Dominator in the mixed martial arts (MMA) division, overpowered Karl Knothe commonly known as The Original Son of Punishment. It was an ironic match as Knothe was punished by Lashley in the match.
The American mixed martial arts fighter, Darrell Schoonover, scheduled to face Lashly but after a shoulder injury, the title was stripped from Schoonover. The heavyweight title was in vacant position. Knothe and Lashley clashed at Shark Fights 21 to claim their hands on the title.
Knothe was confident as he stepped on the mat to face Lashley. Knothe, who has a win/loss ratio of 20/7 was the possible winner against Lashley, who has a win/loss ratio of 7/1.
With greater experience, Knothe could have taken down Lashley for he was the veteran against Lashley. But Lashley proved himself as an intimidating and a formidable opponent.
The Shark Fights event held at the Fair Park Coliseum in Lubbock, Texas was the venue where Knothe met the punishment he thought to have never encounter in his career. Knothe tried to keep away from the holds of Lashley and did manage to succeed for a brief time only.
Knothe is heavier than Lashley as he weighs at 255 lbs (pounds) as compared to Lashley’s 243 lbs, but Lashley had a height advantage. The former United States Champion at the WWE, Lashley is 6ft 2in tall, quite taller than Knothe, who stands at 5ft 11in.
Lashley used his height advantage to grapple Knothe and lock him in the Americana hold. The submission maneuver was all that kept Knothe from losing the match and once Lashley applied the hold, it proved as Knothe’s downfall.
Knothe tried to use his own submission holds but Lashley’s strong hands were a huge resistance. Knothe also tried to put down his opponent by his kicks and punches, but Lashley’s forceful grappling move took Knothe down and once Lashley applied the Americana, Knothe took little time in tapping out. Lashley won the match in three minutes and forty-four seconds.
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