Titan FC 27 Delivers without a Blemish
Titan’s first major network broadcast went off without a hitch, as Titan FC 27 brought fans five main card bouts that delivered. For the hardcore fan, familiar faces held down the top of the card, and there wasn’t a blemish in terms of action or production of the show, making this a debut that signals good things in the future.
As for the action in the cage, here’s what I picked up on at Titan FC 27.
Kevin Croom vs Bryan Goldsby: A great bout between two solid bantamweights, Croom came out in his typical wrestle/brawler style, with Goldsby trying to play the smooth operator throughout. Croom is a difficult opponent to deal with due to his chin, cardio and forward pressure, and while Goldsby seemed to get the better of him in some exchanges, he simply couldn’t match Croom’s ferocity. Goldsby looked the best we’ve seen him with his slick movement and sharp angles on his strikes, but being a lanky wrestler in the weight class doesn’t seem to be doing him any favors.
Croom is on the war path with nine wins and a title shot looming in MFC, yet his lack of cerebral offense is going to hurt him as his career goes on. Sometimes it’s not about taking any shot you have, but picking the right one for the occasion, and it’s something Croom hasn’t gotten the hang of yet. With time, I think Croom will pan out to be the Bantamweight version of Matt Brown, and with his work ethic and confidence, the sky is the limit.
Kurt Holobaugh: A fighter I felt was ejected from the UFC too soon, Holobaugh gave a strong performance across the board tonight, taking Eric Marriott to a clear-cut decision. Holobaugh is an offensive nightmare, having natural power on the feet and balance during transitions, allowing him to fluster even a polished grappler like Marriott. Aside from a scare in the middle of the 3rd, when Marriott caught him on his heels with an overhand, Holobaugh was simply too dominate everywhere the fight went. While I’m not sure how the division will flesh out, or what weight class Holobaugh wants to compete at, he stands to do well in Titan as he grows as a fighter.
Mike Ricci: There were two scenarios for this fight: Ricci fights like Ricci and pussyfoots around Gurgel, or he finds some aggression and makes a statement. With a savage ground and pound beating leaving Gurgel a bloody mess, it’s safe to say what path Ricci took. Ricci is a great talent, yet it’s the difference between athlete and fighter that’s kept him from his potential. While I’m not sure he can duplicate this feat against a warmer body, Ricci at least showed he’s not content with simple wins, but will be looking to make statements from here on out.
Complete Titan FC 27 Results:
MAIN CARD
Mike Ricci defeated Jorge Gurgel by 1st rd. TKO (3:57)
Matthew Riddle defeated Michael Kuiper by 2nd rd. Guillotine Submission (2:29)
Kurt Holobaugh defeated Eric Marriott by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Kevin Croom defeated Bryan Goldsby by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Anthony Gutierrez defeated Charlie DuBray by 1st rd. Triangle Choke Submission (0:59)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Kalvin Hackney defeated Jeff Robbins by 3rd rd. TKO (2:12)
Bill Friday defeated Kenneth Porter by 3rd rd. Guillotine Submission (4:28)
Category: Featured, MMA, Results, Titan Fighting Championship
About the Author (Author Profile)
I'm a 20+ year veteran of martial arts and a fan of MMA since UFC 1, when my world was thrown on its head by the budding sport. I'm obsessive in the pursuit of martial abilities and have competed across the country in everything from Vale Tudo to archery to Scottish broadsword. Once my body broke down, I picked up a pen and went in the direction of writing. I specialize in betting advice, predictions, and I'm a walking encyclopedia of MMA trivia. I own a cafe in Exeter, NH called Hammersmith Sandwich Company and write out of my office between customers.Subscribe
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