This time on prospect watch we have a Bellator debut fighter by the name of Ricardo Tirloni (14-1) from Santa Catarina Brazil. Holding his one and only loss to Benson Henderson via guillotine choke, he has won 7 of his fights by submission 5 by (t)KO and 2 by decision. As a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu his transitions are very smooth and he has submissions from every position. He also has a good stand up, notably his knees in the clinch and lead hand strikes.
His opponent Steve Gable is a Gracie Barra Black belt, however Tirloni completely outclassed him on the ground threatening him with the d’arce choke in the first round and striking him while Gable was stuck trying to figure a way up from half guard. In the clinch Tirloni landed several heavy knees throughout the fight. In the second round Tirloni was able to stuff a takedown leading to a takedown of his own. He was maintained dominant position by pressuring with ground and pound, and transitioning to Gable’s every reaction. Slipping in to the mount from the quarter mount; Tirloni turned on the heat with some heavy ground and pound forcing Gable to give up his back and allowing Tirloni to sink in the rear naked choke.
A very exciting fighter, with the killer instinct and great all-around game plan, this guy is someone to watch out for in future fights, and someone who has every potential to make his way up in the Bellator fight leagues. I’d like to see him fight someone who will challenge his stand-up abilities in his next outing.
