Forbes and Payan win at MTX Fight Night

 

From: www.mmajunkie.com

LAS VEGAS – More than 1,000 curious onlookers packed the Royale Pavilion at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas Friday night, many exposed to MMA for the first time in their lives.

“The Ultimate Fighter 3″ veteran Jesse Forbes (9-3) faced a far-less-rocky path in his main event bout with Rage in the Cage veteran J.R. Schumacher (4-2).

Forbes survived an early attack by Schumacher and brought the fight to the floor. The 24-year-old then moved to mount, where Schumacher immediately rolled to his stomach.

Rather than lock in a fight ending rear-naked choke on Schumacher’s exposed neck, Forbes elected to deliver a steady dose of damage from the top that forced referee Steve Mazzagatti to stop the bout at 3:13 of the first round.

Forbes admitted he headed into the bout with a bit of ill will toward his opponent. Schumacher had referred to Forbes as “an ass” for his behavior during his time on the UFC’s reality series.

“[Expletive] him,” Forbes said before the fight.

Forbes said he tapped on those emotions — as well as a desire to show the world’s biggest promotion that be belongs in their ranks — as he delivered the finishing blows.

“I love to stand and bang,” Forbes said. “I felt like [Schumacher] would trade with me. When the fight went to the ground, I wanted to punish him with strikes.

“The MMA world knows I can wrestle and submit people, so I am trying to round out my game and show the UFC I am worthy.”

With the win, Forbes rebounds from a November 2008 loss to Ryan Jimmo. Forbes has now won four of his past five contests.

“I love fighting on the MTX Audio cards,” Forbes said. “It’s a lot of fun.

“MTX Audio has stood behind me through the ups and downs, and I will always be here for them — just as they are for me and for the sport. I hope I gave MTX Audio and their guests a great performance.”

• Jesse Forbes (AZ Combat Sports) def. J.R. Schumacher via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 3:13

• Estevan Payan (AZ Combat Sports) def. Ray Robinson vis submission (arm bar) — Round 1, 0:58