Kongo Scores Instant KO Classic, Brenneman Ends Win Streak of Story
By Kelsey Mowatt
Cheick Kongo and Pat Barry made the most of their newly appointed main event status in Pittsburgh tonight, as the two heavyweights engaged in a memorable slug fest to cap off the UFC Live on Versus event. Unfortunately for Barry, however, the instant classic concluded with him being unconscious on the canvas. (Pictured: Charlie Brenneman)
Early on, Kongo managed to keep Barry at bay with several hard leg kicks, but the feared striker eventually found his mark and sent Kongo reeling to the mat with a thumping right hook. For several frantic moments, it appeared as though the bout would be promptly brought to an end as Barry swarmed in for the finish and landed several more blows.
Kongo managed to halt referee Dan Miragliotta’s intervention, however, by desperately trying to secure Barry’s legs and working his way back to his feet. As Barry rushed in once again in search of the stoppage, a perfectly placed uppercut from Kongo instantly knocked out the K-1 vet, completing one of the sport’s more memorable come from behind wins.
If Kongo made the most of his opportunity tonight in Pittsburgh, so did Charlie Brenneman and then some. Not only did Brenneman not find out that he would be facing Rick Story until yesterday, after Nate Marquardt was not medically cleared to compete, Brenneman went on to end the rising prospect’s six fight win streak tonight with a unanimous decision victory.
Despite a valiant effort and several compelling submission attempts, Story was unable to negate Brenneman’s nicely executed takedowns and controlling top game for much of the fight. Although Story emerged from the bout relatively unscathed, Brenneman’s wrestling and work ethic earned him a 29-28 score from all three judges.
Matt Brown’s conditioning and persistence saw him through to a much needed UD win over John Howard to end the Ohio fighter’s three fight losing skid. Early on, Howard punished Brown’s legs with hard kicks and was controlling much of the bout, but Brown remained defiant and stepped up his attacks. Despite a late surge from Howard and a last minute kimura attempt, Brown did enough to earn a 29-28 score from all three cageside judges.
In the main card’s other heavyweight bout, Matt Mitrione once again turned to his boxing skills and put away Christian Morecraft in the second round with a highlight reel, three punch combo. To Morecraft’s credit, the Team Bombsquad fighter battled back from several punishing punches in the first round and took Mitrione down in the second, but was unable to capitalize on the position.
Here are the official results from tonight’s UFC on Versus 4 card.
UFC on Versus Broadcast Results
Cheick Kongo def. Pat Barry via KO (punches) – R1, 2:39
Charlie Brenneman def. Rick Story via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Matt Brown def. John Howard via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Matt Mitrione def. Christian Morecraft via KO (punches) – Round 2, 4:28
Preliminary Bouts
Tyson Griffin def. Manny Gamburyan via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-29)
Javier Vazquez def. Joe Stevenson via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Joe Lauzon def. Curt Warburton via submission (kimura) – R1, 1:58
Rich Attonito def. Daniel Roberts via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Charles Oliveira def. Nik Lentz via submission (rear-naked choke) – R2, 1:48
Ricardo Lamas def. Matt Grice via TKO (strikes) – R1, 4:41
Michael Johnson def. Edward Faaloloto via TKO (strikes) – R1, 4:42