Anthony Perosh takes down Cyrille Diabate
On Saturday night at UFC 138 the Croatian “Aussie” left the octagon as the victor via 2nd submission over Cyrille “The Snake” Diabate. The 39 year old Croatian proved tonight he has one of the slickest ground games in the UFC light heavyweight division. The victory ensures that his victory over Tom Blackledge was no fluke and that the Croatian light heavyweight is here to stay.
“My philosophy is position before submission”
~Anthony Perosh – Post Fight Interview
In round one the Muay Thai specialist dominated the stand-up game and looked to find his range with his jab and straight kicks. Perosh retreated and responded with several unsuccessful take down attempts. Diabate began to pick apart the BJJ specialist at will with his variety of strikes. It began to look as if it was going to be an easy night for “The Snake”. Nearing the end of the first stanza “The Hippo” finally got the takedown and transitioned from top control to side mount and worked his ground and pound to end out the round. The second round was total ground domination by Anthony Perosh. The Australian native quickly got the takedown and used his elite BJJ skills to transition to the full mount position. Perosh started to rain down punches on a defenceless Diabate and forced him to give up his back. The Hippo immediately snuck in the choke and tapped out Cyrille Diabate at the 3:04 mark of the second round via rear naked choke. The win leaves Perosh at 2-0 in his last two UFC outings as a light heavyweight challenger.
At 39 years of age time is of the essence for Anthony Perosh. If the Australian born Croatian can improve his stand up game and take downs he might still have a shot at contention in the UFC. The problem is the light heavyweight division is full of talented and experienced fighters and may be the top division in the UFC talent wise. If Perosh can secure a victory against a top contender in the foreseeable future the sky would be the limit for Anthony. At this stage in his career I don’t think he can hang with the Light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones but I do believe with his superior BJJ skills he could hang with some of the top contenders in the division. Only time will tell if Anthony “The Hippo” Perosh can keep his win streak going and climb his way up the light heavyweight ladder.
“Thank you to everyone for the support. That’s 2 wins in a row and 2 for 2 as a light heavyweight baby 🙂 Thanks again everyone :)”
~Anthony Perosh via Twitter
http://www.ufc.com/media/138-POST-DIABATE-PEROSH
Anthony “Hippo” Perosh post fight interview with the UFC.
If you missed the free telecast of the fight here is the link for your viewing. Enjoy.
http://www.mmabloodbath.com/2011/11/cyrille-diabate-vs-anthony-perosh-fight.html
~Written by Mike “The Croatian Crippler” Rožić
congratulations anthony on win, i knew you could it.
Showing the world what will-machado jiu jitsu is all about.
I thought the card last night was rather good. Good quick fights, lots of action.