Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Calif.
Metamoris 5
By Syl Peterkin, RCM Boxing/MMA/Jiujitsu/Judo Correspondent
Garry Tonon vs. Zak Maxwell
The first match was Garry Tonon vs. Zak Maxwell. Maxwell initially went for an omaplata but ended up in a sidemount. Maxwell would gain mount, and Tonon would go for a heel hook. The ref broke up the match as it approached the edge. They would restart at the center. The match saw a few changes before Tonon took on another heel hook, which forced Zak to tap.
Vinny Magalhaes vs. Matheus Diniz
Vinny is a former UFC fighter and M-1 Champion. The first thing the fans noticeable was the large size difference Vinny had over Diniz. Diniz went for multiple takedowns to which Vinny defended well. Eventually Vinny pulls guard and attempts rubber guard. Vinny transitions from various attacks from rubber guard such as triangle, mission control and wristlocks. Diniz tries to pass guard as time goes short, but the time runs out. The match ends in a draw.
Yuri Simoes vs. Keenan Cornelius
Cornelius was a replacement for Rafael Lovato Jr. after Rafael was injured prior to the match. This is the first Gi match of the night and first trilogy. Both fighters have grappled with each other twice before, splitting wins. This match saw more action than the previous fights of the night. A few throw attempts, back takes, and a knee bar attempt culminated in a Glover Donkey Guard. Yuri goes for a toehold and later attacks the knee. Cornelius goes on the attack with an Ezekiel attempt, kimura, and goes for the backtake. Cornelius works a body triangle and goes for an omaplata and later a paper cutter choke. Cornelius suddenly withdraws all attacks and Yuri attempts a triangle. Cornelius attempts a crucifix and later a lapel guard to a worm guard. Yuri attempts a footlock and knee bar and the match ends in a draw.
Jake Shields vs. Roberto Satoshi (secret match)
Jake Shields is a former UFC contender and Strikeforce middleweight champion in addition to being an accomplished grappler. Jake Shields went for a quick guillotine submission. Satoshi goes for double leg, but Jake does not give up the guillotine. Satoshi ends up within a closed guard. Satoshi goes for a leg and Shields forces the fight to stand up. Satoshi goes for jumping guillotine and ends up in jumped guard. After a back and forth the fight, Satoshi goes for a takedown attempt to which Shields pushes him to the mat. Shields transitions from half mount to side mount to full mount. Shields goes for an arm bar attempt but fails. After some movement, Satoshi stands and Shields attempts a guillotine and an arm bar. Satoshi escapes and the match ends in a draw.
Rory MacDonald vs. J.T. Torres (Co Main Event)
Rory (current UFC fighter) presented a size advantage while J.T. Torres had the experience advantage. After a small standup battle, Torres is in half guard, goes to side with knee on belly. Torres attempts north south but Rory reestablished half guard; to which Torres goes for knee on belly. Rory goes for the under hook, Torres attempts a kimura, a scramble ensues and Rory attempts a butterfly. After some action, Torres fakes a jumping guillotine and later jumps guard. JT attempts a heel hook and a calf slicer but ends up standing. Torres attempts to jump guard again and Rory goes for a heel hook. Torres escapes and attempts an arm triangle choke. The grapplers go to their feet and Rory attempts a flying scissor heel hook. Torres attempts to work through the legs and the fight goes back to standing. A few takedown attempts by Torres leaves him in a top half guard. Torres goes for a kimura, but Rory escapes. Rory goes for a foot lock but Torres passes into full mount. Rory proceeds to standing after this action. Torres pulls guard while Rory again attempts a heel hook; which leaves Torres going for the same move. They let go but Torres goes for a heel hook again and later pulls guard. Rory tries to cartwheel out as the match ends in a draw.
Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Renzo Gracie (co Main-Event)
The billed rematch from the first MMA fight over 14 years ago (August 2000) when Sakuraba defeated and effectively destroying Renzo with a kimura. The rematch was purely a grappling match and a rematch in name only (not in rules of the previous match). Both grapplers are in their mid to later 40’s so a smart fan shouldn’t be expecting a highly athletic match. The match started with both fighters going for a takedown with Sakuraba succeeding. Sakuraba dumped Renzo with a single leg but doesn’t jump on top. They both standup and Renzo stops another takedown with a sprawl to which Sakuraba retreats. They both go back to the center and Renzo lands a guillotine. Sakuraba ends up in Renzo’s closed guard and they both move to grip fighting. Renzo tries to position for an arm bar while Renzo is looking for guard breaks. Sakuraba finally rises and goes for a top position cradle. Renzo escapes, goes on top and goes to side control. Renzo moves to north–south and attempts an inverted triangle to no avail. Sakuraba moves to half guard but Renzo goes for the win with a mount which is stopped by a deep single by Sakuraba. The match ends in a draw.
Metamoris 5 ended up being more hype than anything else. Five matches ended up in a draw and one ended up in a submission. Quite possibly there might need to be some sort of rules changes or judging to end to keep fans interested.
Main Card
Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Renzo Gracie ends in draw
Rory McDonald vs. J.T. Torres ends in draw
Secret match: Jake Shields vs. Roberto Satoshi ends in draw
Yuri Simoes vs. Keenan Cornelius ends in a draw
Vinny Magalhaes vs. Matheus Diniz ends in draw
Garry Tonon def. Zak Maxwell via submission (heel hook)
Video Highlights
English
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