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Monday, Dec 09, 2013

Opinion: Jesse Taylor Dominates Elvis Mutapcic, Awaits WSOF Title Shot

A victorious Jesse Taylor (left) (photo via WSOF.com)

By Michael Hatamoto

MMA veteran Jesse Taylor completely dominated Elvis Mutapcic during their World Series of Fighting (WSOF) 7 middleweight tournament semifinal on Saturday night.

Taylor and Mutapcic were supposed to fight earlier in the year, but recklessness in Mutapcic’s corner and a stern ruling from the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board led to the fight being scrapped. Both fighters were given their show money, but it was clear they wanted to step into the cage and put hands on one another.

It was an impressive showing from Taylor, as he was largely able to control Mutapcic throughout the three-round fight, landing brutal ground and pound. The fight started with a quick takedown, and it clearly set the tone for the rest of the fight. Mutapcic briefly threatened in the first round, but was unable to capitalize, while Taylor was able to impose his will with critical takedowns in each round.

Using devastating elbows, Taylor was able to cut Mutapcic and the bloody fight involved Taylor controlling Mutapcic, advancing position, and landing ground and pound.

Following a rather controversial stint on The Ultimate Fighter, Taylor has cleaned up his act and continued to work hard. Since his UFC loss to CB Dollaway in 2008, after which he was released, Taylor has gone 21-6 and has fought across the world.

It’s great to see a fighter work through adversity and bounce back from a tough four-fight stretch in 2011-2012 – and he has fought eight times through the past two years, despite waiting an extra three months to fight Mutapcic.

Follow Full Contact Fighter to see how Taylor does when he fights David Branch in early 2014 for the inaugural WSOF middleweight championship. I think the WSOF middleweight division will be fun to watch in 2014, as Yushin Okami should become an immediate contender.

posted by FCF Staff @ 12:55 pm
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