Middleweight prospect Ian Heinisch may find himself as a 185-pound contender next week, as he scored a come from behind unanimous decision victory over Antonio Carlos Junior.
Scores were 29-28 across the board for Heinisch, now 13-1. The No. 12-ranked Carlos falls to 11-3 with 1 NC.
Carlos wasted to time getting the fight to the mat, not the place Heinisch wanted to be, but “The Hurricane” managed to get to his feet. Carlos stayed locked on, though, eventually getting the bout back to the mat. Late in the round, a guillotine attempt came up short, but it was a clear round for the Brazilian.
It took Carlos a little longer to get a takedown in round two, but it was still the same result, as he grounded Heinisch in the second minute. Heinisch again rose with Carlos on his back, but after landing a couple elbows, he was grounded once more. This time, Heinisch scrambled into the top position and was able to put together his first string of consistent offense, and he jarred Carlos with hard strikes before the horn sounded.
Heinisch carried the momentum of the second round into the third, and while there were several compelling scrambles between the two in the final frame, it was Heinisch who put together the late surge that allowed him to take the win.
