LAS VEGAS – In a matchup of “TUF 28” heavyweight semifinalists, Maurice Greene (6-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) was forced to work from his back, but proved up to the challenge against Michel Batista (4-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC).
The heavyweight bout was part of the preliminary card of today’s TUF 28 Finale event at Pearl Theatre at The Palms in Las Vegas. It aired on FS1 following additional prelims on UFC Fight Pass and ahead of the main card on FS1.
Greene took the center to start the fight, looking to strike from range, but Batista was able to push inside and look for the takedown. Greene briefly defended well against the cage, dropping in elbows to the head, but Batista was able to drive his opponent to the floor. Undaunted, Greene was able to sneak in a triangle choke, quickly bringing it in tight. Batista did his best to wait through the hold, but he was trapped and was forced to tap at the 2:14 mark of the first.
“If you ask my coach, getting a triangle was not part of the gameplan,” Greene said after the win. “We worked on takedown defense, getting off the cage and striking, so that was the plan. I tried to keep his hands off me, but he’s obviously an Olympic-level wrestler, so it was hard. Once we were on the ground, I just wanted to see what he was going to do; he wasn’t really hitting me much so I went for the triangle. That’s my fourth triangle. Everyone thinks I’m just a striker, but I do it all, and I’m happy I got to show that. I’m no slouch anywhere.
“It went my way tonight, and I’m very happy that it did. I’m glad to get this first one out of the way and look forward to fighting through the heavyweight division and leveling up every time.”
Up-to-the-minute TUF 28 Finale results include:
- Maurice Greene def. Michel Batista via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 2:14
- Leah Letson def. Julia Stoliarenko via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Roosevelt Roberts def. Darrell Horcher via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 4:50
- Tim Means def. Ricky Rainey via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:18
- Raoni Barcelos def. Chris Gutierrez via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:12
For complete coverage of TUF 28 Finale, check out the UFC Events section of the site.
