Fletcher trained by Josh Barnett, who is in Tokyo–Mauro points out his “moonlighting” as a pro wrestler and participation on yesterday’s IGF card. Fletcher an aspiring rapper–lets hope he’s more Roy Jones, Jr. and less Aleksander Emelianenko on the mic. Cyrille Diabate is French, but he must have some British roots because that ain’t a French accent. Just going by physical appearance, Diabate looks more like a professional fighter while Fletcher just looks like a big tough dude. Diabate is, of course, an excellent technical martial artist with a ton of credentials in kickboxing and Muay Thai. He’s just a great athlete–they just showed a clip of him fighting a BJJ specialist on a CageRage show and Diabate takes the guy down and taps him out with an armbar. On paper, Diabate’s experience gives him the edge but Josh Barnett trained fighters are no joke. Fletcher’s build looks kind of like Barnett’s early in his career before he got really “cut”. Diabate is a very tall fighter at 6′6″ and towers over Fletcher who has to be 5′11 or shorter…

ROUND ONE:

Mauro informs us that Diabate has a staggering 10″ reach advantage. Fletcher starts with some vintage Barnett strategy, throwing chopping leg kicks at the taller opponent. Fletcher jukes his way inside and gets a clinch against the cage and is going for the takedown. Quadros informs us that not only is Diabate freakishly tall and rangy, but he’s also a southpaw. Fletcher having trouble with the lanky opponent, who uses his leverage to get out of trouble. Fletcher getting inside his opponent effectively, clinching and going for another takedown. Fighters now exchanging knees against the cage with the more experienced MT fighter Diabate getting the better of it. Fletcher tries a guillotine, ends up in a front facelook but intelligently lets it go rather than expend a lot of energy. Two big knees by the Frenchman followed by another which Fletcher takes fell. Fletcher swinging for the fences. Quadros notes that Fletcher’s unorthodox style is very effective against a tall fighter. No doubt that’s also something taught to him by his trainer Mr. Barnett, who’s one of the more cerebreal fighters in the sport. Fletcher finally gets a takedown with :30 seconds left and for now seems content to take a break in Diabate’s guard as the round closes. With a few seconds left, Fletcher cinches in the anklelock but doesn’t have enough time to do anything with it. Diabate’s round, but credit to Fletcher for taking advantage of some opportunities late in the round. 10-9 Diabate

ROUND TWO:

Low blow by Diabate starts the round, and Fletcher takes a minute or so to recover. He’s now eating a lot of Muay Thai kicks and knees, though is still coming forward and now pulls off another takedown and ends up in Diabate’s guard. He’s going to channel Barnett some more and maul Diabate from the guard, which is definitely the smart strategy. Fletcher also trains with a guy you may have heard of named Dan Henderson. Diabate reverses and is now trying to work the half guard. Fletcher tries to roll out of it but he’s having trouble with the long limbs of Fletcher. Diabate trying to score with elbows, Fletcher gets up for a moment and then Diabate takes him back down. Diabate now reaming Fletcher with eblows and is just pummelling his opponent now. Fletcher turtled up on the ground with 30 seconds left and just trying to survive. Ref letting it continue for now with 10 seconds left and Fletcher trying to roll out of it. Fletcher has a wicked cut on his forehead looking like he bladed. Mauro–who got his start in pro wrestling–takes the opportunity to boom out that Fletcher has a “proverbial crimson mask”. 10-9 Diabate, 20-18 he leads

ROUND THREE:

Fletcher showing a lot of heart, but everytime he tries anything he eats some more strikes. Fletcher’s cut opened up again though it looks more nasty than anything–it doesn’t appear to be impacting his vision. Fletcher trying to work a guillotine choke but hard to see if he’s being effectgive at it. Diabate slips out, now he’s back on top throwing strikes, Fletcher’s face a bloody mess. Fletcher survives but he’s a bloody mess, Mauro throws out a “slasher film” blast. Diabate does a little dance, Fletcher has several cuts on his head. Almost certain win for Diabate but Fletcher is a tough dude. 10-9 Diabate, 30-27 he should win.

All three judges have it 30-27 Diabate which is hard to argue with…

CYRILLE DIABATE WINS BY UNANIMOUS DECISION