Rani Yahya vs Enrique Barzola ends in majority draw (29-28, Barzola and 28-28 x2)
A grueling, grappling-heavy bout in the bantamweight division saw Peru’s Enrique Barzola and Brazil’s Rani Yahya battling to a three-round draw.
Scores were 29-28 Barzola and 28-28 twice.
The two scrambled for position in the second minute of the fight, and it was Yahya (26-10-1, 1 NC) briefly getting his foe’s back before Barzola (17-5-2) adjusted and got back to his feet. A right hand did land flush for Yahya moments later, leading to a takedown attempt by the Brazilian. Barzola defended well on the mat as the scrambles continued, Yahya determined to take over, but unable to.
The fight went back to the mat to start round two, Yahya in the top position and in control. As the round progressed, the Brazilian stayed in the dominant position, but late in the frame, Barzola got loose and scored his own takedown and kept Yahya grounded until the two stood and exchanged punches in the closing seconds.
The mat action continued in the third, but this time is was Barzola dominating with his ground strikes and positioning as Yahya tired badly, unable to put together any offense in the final five minutes.
