Titan FC 29 Play-by-Play: ‘Sotiropoulos vs. Ricci’ Results & Updates

Luciano dos Santos vs. Jeremy Severn

Round 1

Dos Santos shows his jab from the outset, but Severn circles to his right and responds with a left roundhouse kick to the body. When dos Santos tries to respond with a kick, Severn drives three jabs into his face and knocks him off balance momentarily. Dos Santos gets up and starts to stalk Severn, pressuring him to the fence and flurrying. Severn covers up and dos Santos drives a knee between his guard, rocking the American's head up. Severn regroups, smothers his opponent in the clinch and separates, but just seconds later they come together. Dos Santos trips Severn from the clinch, but bails out they jump back to their feet. More jabs and body kicks clash before dos Santos lands a clean body kick. Severn returns with a sharp standing elbow that gets the Brazilian native off of him. Stiff jabs from both men land, prompting a Severn takedown attempt. Dos Santos turns to escape and blatantly grabs the fence while doing so, but referee Dale Frye stands by idly. Dos Santos looks for a takdown of his own briefly before separating. Severn rushes dos Santos with a right before the bell.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-10
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Severn
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 dos Santos

Round 2

Both men paw with their jabs as was the case in the first, but Severn scores more prominently with two hard body kicks. Dos Santos continues to chase and Severn around the cage and walks into a clean counter hook. He roars right back with a left hook of his own that clearly rocks Severn. “Macarrao” lets loose with a flurry of left hands but Severn jabs to back dos Santos up and cracks him with a body kick. Severn continues circling away but dos Santos appears to smell blood. Dos Santos lands an overhand right that prompts the South Carolina fighter to shoot, an attempt that's easily stuffed. Severn gets stuck on the fence for a moment and tagged with a one-two. Dos Santos traps him on the fence again, raking him with hooks that make him turn tail and jog it off. Each exchange seems like a copy of the last, as Severn circles the perimeter, getting tagged with single shots and two-pieces from the Brazilian until the round's conclusion.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 dos Santos
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 dos Santos
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 dos Santos

Round 3

Severn is much more aggressive after fading in the second round, doubling his jab and winging overhands at dos Santos who has been the forward-moving fighter for most of the contest. An overhand right for dos Santos just glances its target. Severn sticks two good right hands into dos Santos' face as the Brazilian trudges forward. “Macarrao” smoothly dodges a Severn jab, landing two of his own on the counter. Dos Santos looks for a right uppercut to the body which doesn't connect, but he maintains an active interest in the body attack. Severn tries to load up on a hook, but dos Santos dips his shoulder and drives a left hook right into the solar plexus of his foe, sending him into the cage. As dos Santos charges in to finish, Severn ducks for a takedown and walks right into a lunging knee. Severn is down and out, and three short follow-up shots force Dale Frye to rescue him.

The Official Result

Luciano dos Santos def. Jeremy Severn via TKO (Punch to the Body and Knee) R3 2:38

Rakim Cleveland vs. Steve Montgomery

Round 1

The feeling-out process begins as the southpaw Montgomery shows off his head-kicking ability early. Cleveland blocks the attempts, then turns southpaw himself, rattling Montgomery with a sharp left cross. The American Top Team product runs Cleveland into the fence looking for a takedown but abandons the attempt before long. Montgomery charges in with his hands down, eating a left hook for his trouble. Cleveland smacks him with a second one that hurts him, then a third one that drops him. Cleveland tries to pounce, only to get double-leg slammed briefly, then pushed into the fence when he regains his feet. He breaks free with two minutes to go in the round and Montgomery appears to have cleared the cobwebs. Montgomery lands a left roundhouse kick to the body, but eats a Cleveland left cross simultaneously. The native South Carolinian clinches but gets nowhere on a takedown attempt, then Cleveland breaks free and body kicks him once more.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Montgomery
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Montgomery
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Montgomery

Round 2

Cleveland rips another left kick into Montgomery's ribs. Montgomery grabs a collar tie and they exchange knees awkwardly and Cleveland comes out of the clinch holding his groin. Referee Larry Carter quickly intervenes and gives him a brief respite. Montgomery walks lazily into the pocket and Cleveland starts ripping punches, letting off eight quick shots and just missing with a huge uppercut. Montgomery tags him with a one-two, then Cleveland puts another shin into his body, then a left hook upstairs in a brief moment of wild action. Montgomery thinks better of a fire fight, changes levels and dumps Cleveland on the fence. The ATT fighter quickly locks up an arm-triangle choke and tries to pass to the far side to finish it, but he's caught up against the fence without much space. He tries to base out and squeeze, but Cleveland wriggles free and gets to his feet. Another big left hook lands for Cleveland. Montgomery pushes Cleveland away and cracks him with a left head kick, then a clean one-two, a knee and then a left body kick. Cleveland is completely stationary for a second, just eating shots, and narrowly ducks under another left high kick from Montgomery. Cleveland suddenly springs to life, chasing “The Creepy Weasel” down and smashing him with another left hook. Great round of action.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Cleveland
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Cleveland
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Cleveland

Round 3

Both men show an active jab over the first minute, but Montgomery lands the first serious shot with a clean left hook that wobbles Cleveland. Cleveland shoots, is rebuffed and gets hit with another left kick to the body. Left crosses just miss for each man, but the Texan puts a teep into Montgomery's gut at the end of the exchange. Right cross-left hook scores for Cleveland, prompting a clinch. Montgomery lands a volley of knees while Cleveland digs to the body with both hands. Left body kick by Montgomery again. Montgomery jumps into the collar tie again and avoids Cleveland's counter left, driving knees into his opponent's stomach. Montgomery's left hook to the body touches Cleveland, who runs into the clinch and gets tied up in a guillotine as the fight ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Montgomery (29-28 Montgomery)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Cleveland (29-28 Cleveland)
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Montgomery (29-28 Montgomery)

The Official Result

Steve Montgomery def. Rakim Cleveland via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Blaine Thomas vs. Robert Washington

Round 1

Washington fights out of a low crouch, winding up on an overhand right that knocks Thomas off balance. He goes back to the well immediately, then sets to work with leg kicks. “The Beast” smashes Thomas with a right outside low kick, sweeping him right off of his feet. Washington senses his man is hurt and chops into him with more kicks. The first one stumbles him, and the second one sends him sprawling onto the canvas again. Thomas goes down clutching his left knee and doesn't appear that he can get up. Referee Dale Frye wards Washington off without signalling the fight is over, but this one is a goner. Curiously, the fight is officially announced as a doctor stoppage.

The Official Result

Robert Washington def. Blaine Thomas via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) R1 1:20

Dustin Jacoby vs. Lucas Lopes

Round 1

Lopes patiently leg kicks at Jacoby before shooting in for a single-leg takedown. Jacoby shrugs him off and resets, circling around the Brazilian and changes stances. Jacoby flashes his jab but seems happy to counter. Jacoby swipes a wide left hook-right hook, landing with the former. Lopes jumps in with a left hook, only to eat one from Jacoby. Hard right outside low kick by Jacoby, and another 10 seconds later. Another low kick to the lead leg of Lopes, then a stiff jab lands behind it. Jacoby shows back-and-forth lateral movement, while continuing to chop at Lopes' left leg. Jacoby, having targeted the lead leg, goes up top with a right roundhouse. It cuts through Lopes' guard and sends him reeling. He's deep in danger and Jacoby turns absolutely predatory. Jacoby smashes him with a left hook to the body, upstairs, then lets loose with both hands. Lopes crumples to the canvas and Jacoby guns him with right hands until referee Wayne Spinola steps in.

The Official Result

Dustin Jacoby def. Lucas Lopes via TKO (Head Kick and Punches) R1 4:15

Brian Davidson vs. Kevin Smith

Round 1

Smith starts out pumping his jab. Both fighters exchange leg kicks in the center of the cage. The featherweights continue to trade leg kicks early on. Davidson follows up a one-two combination with a side kick. Davidson with a knee to the head. Smith closes the distance and tries to take his foe’s back, but Davidson escapes. Davidson throws a high kick, then follows up with punches and ends the combo with a low kick. Nothing lands directly, but he is the more active striker thus far. They tie up and Davidson lands punches to the body and goes upstairs with a knee. A counter left hook from Smith drops Davidson and Smith follows his man to the ground. Smith throws punches from above but Davidson secures full guard. Smith stands and Davidson tries an upkick. Smith elects to go back into his opponent’s guard with less than a minute remaining. Davidson seems to have recovered. Smith ends the frame with a couple left hands from above.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Smith
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Smith
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Smith

Round 2

Davidson fires off a one two combination, while Smith begins throwing low kicks. Smith wobbles his foe with a left hook, but after a brief moment, Davidson charges forward, lands a barrage of strikes and secures a tie-up. They break away and return to the center of the cage. Davidson floors Smith with an uppercut and is working ground-and-pound. Smith works his legs in hopes of framing a triangle, and it looks tight. Smith tries for an armbar from the position, Davidson stands and loosens the grip on the hold. Smith adjusts and continues to hyperextend his opponent’s arm. Davidson gives the referee a thumbs up and keeps on trying to yank himself free. Smith lands few light left hands to Davidson’s head. Davidson escapes and moves into side control. He looks for a crucifix, trapping Smith’s right arm and landing punches. Davidson transitions to Smith’s back and hunts for a rear-naked choke. He doesn’t get the choke and ends the frame on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Davidson
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Davidson
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Davidson

Round 3

Davidson lands a hard right hand. Smith shoots for a single leg. Davidson sprawls easily and moves into side control. Smith is able to regain half guard. Now Smith has recovered full guard. Davidson landing periodic punches and elbows. One of Davidson’s elbows appears to have opened up a cut near Smith’s eye. Davidson remains methodical on top. They’re near the cage now, and Davidson stands and lands more punches and elbows. Smith escapes and grabs hold of a single-leg against the fence. It isn’t happening, however, and Davidson regains control. Davidson now back on top, landing standing to ground elbows from inside his opponent’s guard. That’s how the round ends, with Davidson on top.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Davidson (29-28 Davidson)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Davidson (29-28 Davidson)
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Davidson (29-28 Davidson)

The Official Result

Brian Davidson def. Kevin Smith via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Mike Bronzoulis vs. Keith Johnson

Round 1

Bronzoulis throws a low kick and is punished with a punching combination. Bronzoulis drives his man against the cage, but Johnson turns and slams the “Fight Master” alum to the mat. Bronzoulis quickly works his way back up, but Johnson maintains a body lock. Bronzoulis throws a wild hook and Johnson capitalizes with a brabo choke. Johnson lands a couple knees and then Bronzoulis is out of the choke. Now it’s Bronzoulis pressing his foe against the fence. Johnson has a pretty significant cut above his right eye. Johnson with a punching combination as they return to exchanging in the middle of the cage. Bronzoulis throws a looping hook and closes the distance. They’re grappling against the cage again now, with the taller Johnson on the outside. Johnson with a couple knees in the tie-up. Bronzoulis breaks away and whiffs on a punch. Johnson moves forward with a barrage of punches and they lock up again as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Johnson
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Johnson
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Johnson

Round 2

The cut over Johnson’s right eye is of some concern as the frame begins. Johnson moves forward with a flurry of punches and they tie up before quickly breaking away. Bronzoulis forces a clinch and changes levels for a double-leg takedown. Johnson executes a switch and returns to his feet. He locks his hands and takes Bronzoulis down. He immediately looks for an arm-triangle choke. He passes to side control, then moves to full mount and lets the choke go. Bronzoulis gives up his back briefly, then rolls over again. Johnson locks up the brabo choke and rolls him over. Johnson goes back to full mount and releases the hold. Now Johnson unloads with ground-and-pound while maintaining full mount. Bronzoulis is doing his best to move out of danger, but he finds himself in another brabo choke for his troubles. Bronzoulis escapes, but Johnson is back in full mount. Johnson isn’t landing enough offense to end the fight, but he is dominating the round. Johnson closes out the period with more punches from full mount.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Johnson
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-8 Johnson
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-8 Johnson

Round 3

Bronzoulis tries a few half-hearted low kicks before Johnson closes the distance and lands a takedown. Johnson picks up where he left off in round two, taking a dominant position and punishing his foe with measured ground-and-pound. They stand, and Johnson looks to work his way to Bronzoulis’ back. Bronzoulis avoids surrendering back control, but Johnson is making this a grueling affair. Finally, Johnson dumps his foe to the canvas and moves right into full mount. Johnson takes Bronzoulis’ back on the mat, secures both hooks and flattens his opponent out. Johnson locks in the choke and Bronzoulis has no choice but to tap out.

The Official Result

Keith Johnson def. Mike Bronzoulis via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R3 3:31

Micah Miller vs. Bristol Marunde

Round 1

After a brief feeling-out process, Marunde powers Miller against the fence. The Strikeforce and UFC veteran controls the battle for position against the cage. Miller throws a knee with his back to the fence. Marunde nearly lands a takedown, but he maintains a waistlock as Miller returns to his feet. They’re back against the fence again, with Marunde keeping the pressure on. Marunde trips Miller to the floor. Miller shoves him off and is right back up. Marunde is undeterred, however, and he takes his adversary down near the fence once again. Marunde goes to work from half guard. They stand and Marunde lands a punching combination and a leg kick before securing an underhook. They separate and Marunde lands some more punches before changing levels for yet another takedown. Miller gets up again, but doesn’t mount any offense before the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Marunde
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Marunde
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Marunde

Round 2

Miller begins the round throwing his jab, but Marunde is able to tie his man up. They separate and Miller connects with a punch. Miller with a left kick to the body. They tie up and Miller breaks away and lands a right hand. Marunde turns the corner and gets a relatively easy double-leg takedown. Miller gets separation and stands. Miller whiffs on a left hook, Marunde ducks and misfires on an uppercut. Marunde lands a right hand, ties Miiller up and lands a knee. Miller goes for a hip toss but Marunde defends it nicely and winds up on top in his opponent’s guard. Referee Larry Carter orders a standup and they return to the center of the cage. Marunde with a right hand followed by a knee, and Miller backs into the fence. Marunde takes the opportunity to force a clinch. Marunde gets poked in the eye and the action is temporarily halted. After a consultation with the cageside doctor, a blinking Marunde is ready to resume. Marunde connects flush with an overhand right and he follows up with a series of short left uppercuts. Marunde drives Miller into the fence once more and the welterweights trade blows in close quarters as time runs out.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Marunde
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Marunde
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Marunde

Round 3

Marunde grabs a Miller’s right leg and kicks the left out for a takedown to begin the stanza. Marunde goes to work in Miller’s guard. Miller tries for an armbar but Marunde quickly escapes. The Las Vegas resident stays attached as Miller works his way back up. Miller needs to get off the fence, but Marunde continues to apply heavy pressure. Marunde drives his opponent back down to the canvas and lands a few short punches to the ribs. Miller attempts to frame a triangle, but Marunde slips out and continues to grind away. With one minute to go, Marunde is inside of Miller’s guard. Miller finally gets up, but Marunde isn’t letting have any space. They finally separate with about 15 seconds to go. Miller lands a solid right hand in the final exchange, but it isn’t going to be enough.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Marunde (30-27 Marunde)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Marunde (30-27 Marunde)
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Marunde (30-27 Marunde)

The Official Result

Bristol Marunde def. Micah Miller via Unanimous Decision R3 5:00

Kurt Holobaugh vs. Lloyd Woodard

Round 1

Woodard opens with an inside leg kick and Holobaugh answers with a leg kick of his own. Woodard presses forward aggressively with punches. “Cupcake” pays for his eagerness, as he misses an overhand right and Holobaugh clips him with a short counter right hand. Woodard smiles as he falls backward, but the end is imminent. The Bellator veteran grabs for an ankle in desperation, which leaves him open for a furious flurry from Holobaugh. After a series of unanswered blows, referee Dale Frye intervenes to stop the featherweight bout on Woodard’s behalf. Woodard comes to and is informed by Frye that he took too many blows. He is still in disbelief as he returns to his corner.

The Official Result

Kurt Holobaugh def. Lloyd Woodard via TKO (Punches) R1 0:15

George Sotiropoulos vs. Mike Ricci

Round 1

Ricci with a hard kick to the body at the outset. Ricci maintains distance with his punches, while Sotiropoulos looks to close the distance with combinations. The Australian lands a nice body kick of his own. Now Sotiropoulos tries for a takedown, but Ricci stops it and lands a hard knee to the face. A left high kick upstairs has “G-Sot” temporarily reeling. Sotiropoulos clinches up to regain his bearings. Ricci defends a single leg against the cage. Ricci separates and they’re back in the center of the cage. Ricci follows a one-two combo with a head kick that narrowly misses. Sotiropoulos grabs a body lock and drags Ricci down, but only for a moment. Sotiropoulos keeps the pressure on and locks his hands behind Ricci. Somehow the Canadian keeps his feet. Ricci breaks away with 30 seconds to go. Sotiropoulus ducks under a right hand. The round ends with both men standing.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Ricci
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Ricci
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Ricci

Round 2

Ricci lands a right hand to open the period. Ricci goes up top with a left head kick, but Sotiropoulos blocks it. Another high kick connects on the Australian. Now Ricci is finding a home for his punches. Sotiropoulos grinds his man into the fence. A cut has opened up over the right eye of Ricci. Sotiropoulos is doggedly pursuing the takedown. Ricci’s defense remains stout. Ricci lands a right hook as his foe comes forward. Ricci lands another left kick to the body. Sotiropoulos counters with a left hook, but Ricci lands yet another kick to the body as well as a straight right hand. Sotiropoulos goes back to working on the takedown, looking for a single leg. They break away and Ricci throws a pair of high kicks; the second one hurts “G-Sot” and is followed by a straight left. Now Ricci follows his man to the floor and works inside his opponent’s guard. They return to their feet before the period ends.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Ricci
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Ricci
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Ricci

Round 3

Sotiropoulos opens with a left hook. Ricci answers with a combination as the featherweights exchange in the pocket. Ricci with a couple kicks to the body, Sotiropoulos answers with a body kick of his own. Sotiropoulos presses Ricci into the fence, but Ricci continues to remain calm as his foe hunts for a single-leg. Ricci escapes, changes levels and gets a surprise takedown. Sotiropoulos uses his guard to push Ricci away, but the Canadian keeps top position. They’re against the fence now, with Ricci in his opponent’s high guard. Not a lot of offense from Ricci on top, but he’s avoiding submissions and holding his position. Sotiropoulos tries to push off and get up, but Ricci isn’t having it. Now Sotiropoulos tries for a leg lock. Ricci isn’t in any serious danger, and now he’s back inside his opponent’s guard. Sotiropoulos doing a good job of controlling Ricci’s posture, but he isn’t doing anything that’s going to win him the fight at this point. Sotiropoulos gets up and takes his man down late; Ricci tries for a kimura as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Ricci (30-27 Ricci)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Ricci (30-27 Ricci)
Joe Ortiz scores the round 10-9 Ricci (30-27 Ricci)

The Official Result

Mike Ricci def. George Sotiropoulos via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00