Markus Perez Submits Ian Heinisch; ’TUF’ Vet Gilbert Smith Wins Farewell Fight at LFA 22

Markus Perez was more than comfortable in Ian Heinisch’s world.

Perez (9-0) upset the hometown favorite in the Legacy Fighting Alliance 22 headliner at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colo., on Friday night, claiming the promotion’s vacant middleweight crown in the process. The end came 2:14 into the opening stanza, as Heinisch tapped to an arm-triangle choke.

The wrestling-minded Heinisch (8-1) shot for a takedown within the bout’s first 30 seconds, and he was able to get his Brazilian opponent to the canvas for a moment. However, Perez was able to quickly reverse the position, and he locked in an arm-triangle choke from inside Heinisch’s half guard. Heinisch rolled into top position as Perez attempted to pass guard, but Perez only tightened his grip from his back. Seconds later, Heinisch was forced to concede defeat.

This is Brazilian jiu-jitsu,” said Perez, who also owns victories over UFC veterans Ildemar Alcantara and Paulo Thiago.

In the co-main event, Gilbert Smith ended his mixed martial arts career on a high note, earning a second-round submission triumph against Ben Smith in a 190-pound catch-weight affair. The end came via arm-in guillotine choke at the 4:16 mark of round two.

Ben Smith the action in the early going. He executed a lateral drop early in the first frame and spent much of the period in top position, briefly taking his opponent’s back. However, Gilbert Smith (13-6) found his momentum late in the round, and it continued into the second stanza.

The two-time “Ultimate Fighter” contestant landed a big double-leg takedown near the fence and then gradually worked his way to full mount. Ben Smith gave up his back for a few moments but then was briefly able to scramble out of danger. However, he found himself caught in Gilbert Smith’s guillotine, and after attempting to roll out of danger, he was finally forced to tap out.

Gilbert Smith, who retired after a pro tenure that began in 2011, also defeated Ben Smith via third-round armbar in their first meeting at Resurrection Fighting Alliance 26 on June 5, 2015.

In earlier action: Chris Gutierrez (10-3-1) took a split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) over Mario Israel in a catch-weight contest; Derek Brenon (6-0) captured a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) triumph over Boimah Karmo (4-2) at featherweight; Brandon Royval (6-3) submitted Demetrious Wilson with a triangle choke at the 2:00 mark of round two in a flyweight tilt; Maycee Barber (2-0) earned a three-round verdict (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) over Mallory Martin (1-2) at a catch-weight and Jonathon Wyderko (3-1) defeated Juan Gonzalez (3-1) via technical knockout 52 seconds into round two at lightweight.