CFFC 148 results: Larry Gonzales weathers early storm, submits Anthony Guarascio in second to claim heavyweight title
Additionally, Itso Babulaidze stays undefeated in co-main event, closing out 4-0 night for Marquez MMA at 2300 Arena
PHILADELPHIA – Stepping in on short notice for the biggest opportunity of his career, Larry Gonzales was rewarded for his risk and is now the CFFC heavyweight champion.
Gonzales (8-4 MMA, 1-0 CFFC) was patient in the opening round of his headlining matchup with Anthony Guarascio (3-2 MMA, 2-1 CFFC, then came to life in the second, wobbling his foe and moving to mount before taking home a submission victory and the belt at CFFC 148, which streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS from the historic 2300 Arena.
Guarascio was the attacker in the opening round, peppering his opponent with punches to all levels and even scoring a big takedown late in the frame. However, he struggled to land the big shot that has proven his moneymaker early in his career. That would prove problematic, as Gonzales seemed to be simply waiting for the right moment to push forward.
In the second, Gonzales was clearly more interested in attacking, and as he started to push the pace, he landed a big right hand that forced Guarascio to cover against the fence. As Guarascio looked to clinch and slow things down, Gonzales brought him to the canvas with a beautiful inside trip, stepped over to mount, and began to rain down heavy punches and elbows from top. Eventually, Gonzales isolated the right arm, wrapping up a keylock and forcing a quick tap at the 1:23 mark of the round.
After the win, Gonzales told Din Thomas the fight played out exactly as he envisioned.
"I knew this guy had knockout power in the first," Gonzales said. "I was saying if he doesn't get me out in the first round, I'm definitely coming in the second and third and getting this dub."
While it was certainly the biggest win of Gonzales' career to date, he's hoping it will eventually lead to an opportunity in the UFC. Until then, he's looking forward to defending the title against all challengers as he works to get to the next level.
"This just proves to me, my family, and my friends and all of 559 that I have what it takes to be a big dog out here," Gonzales said. "I still have much to learn, so I wouldn't mind coming and defending this title a couple of times and then eventually making it to the UFC and making my dreams come true."
Complete CFFC 148 results include:
MAIN CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS, 9 p.m. ET)
Larry Gonzales def. Anthony Guarascio via submission (Americana) – Round 2, 1:23 – to claim heavyweight title
Itso Babulaidze def. Kyle Hill via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 1:16
Maksim Sergeev def. Shane Sobnosky via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Shaun Stant def. Yorrick Anderson via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Cody Porter def. Bill Lewis via submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 1:43
Jose Rodriguez def. Eman Hardy via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Nodir Alidodov def. Israel Gonzalez via TKO (elbows) – Round 2, 2:31
NextGen: James Lledo def. Trey Frazier via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) – to claim vacant welterweight title
NextGen: Giorgi Barliani def. David Harrison via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
NextGen: Kson Young def. Christion Anigalaje via submission (mounted triangle choke) – Round 1, 2:24