UFC 119 recap: Matt Mitrione wins slugfest over Joey Beltran
UFC 119's cable TV broadcast started with an entertaining bout as former Purdue football star and current Indiana resident Matt “Meathead” Mitrione took a unanimous decision over Joey
"The Mexicutioner" Beltran. All three judges scored it 29-28, two rounds to one for Mitrione.
Entering this fight, Mitrione, with two mixed martial arts battles, was clearly at a disadvantage in the experience department to Beltran
who had been involved in 15 MMA bouts. However, what Mitrione lacked in experience he more than made up for in enthusiasm. Mitrione flashed a smile throughout the three round fight, the former NFL lineman clearly enjoying his new profession.
Mitrione, a former cast member of the UFC’s
The Ultimate Fighter television program came out very aggressive and threw a big head kick to start the fight. After that the two heavyweights squared off in the centre of the octagon and looked to land some big punches.
As the first round played out, Mitrione looked to be the more confident of the two fighters. That confidence had Mitrione fighting a somewhat sloppy fight as he left himself open on many
occasions. Beltran attempted to capitalize on the mistakes the inexperienced Mitrione was making and delivered a few solid punches, but was unable to gain any large advantage.
Beltran was able to take Mitrione down and score with some body shots. By the end of the round Beltran had taken control and appeared to have won the round.
Mitrione came out just as aggressive for round two and tagged Beltran with a few good punches. Mitrione lacked focus when he sensed his opponent was hurt, a product of his inexperience
and aggression. That lack of focus allowed Beltran to stay in the fight and avoid being knocked out.
The fighters were fairly even in the second round until Mitrione decided to open it up and deliver some head kicks as the round came to a close.
Mitrione came out for round three looking much fresher than Beltran. Mitrione bounced on the balls of his feet and showed impressive footwork for a fighter of his size.
The fighters seemed content to exchange blows for most of the final round and the fight ended with the two exchanging a pretty sloppy flurry of punches, much to the delight of the crowd.
The fight ended with Beltran looking the worse for wear, while Mitrione flashed a huge smile. All three judges scored the fight for Mitrione, 29-28.
Mitrione advances to 3-0 in his MMA/UFC career while Beltran fell to 12-4(MMA) and 2-1(UFC).
Mitrione and Beltran each picked up a $70,000 bonus when they were awarded the "Fight of the Night."
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