Tonights proceedings kicked off with Felipe Arantes collecting a Unanimous Decision victory over highly touted Canadian prospect Antonio Carvahlo.
Carvahlo opened the night looking to silence the Portugese-speaking public surrounding the octagon taking his Brazilian counterpart down and working his slick submission game.
But the conditioning of Carvahlo played a big factor and Arantes took control of the fight out-striking the Canadian and cutting himwhile working on the ground to earn the nod on the judges score cards 29-28 across the board.
Here are what the combatants had to say when all was said and done.
FELIPE ARANTES:
“I’m very happy with this win because I went out there and proved to the people of Brazil that I belong in the Octagon. He was a very tough opponent. I had a tough camp and battled some injuries, but I was able to get in there tonight and control the striking and win.”
ANTONIO CARVALHO:
“I expected the crowd to be against me, but I’m not sure it played a big factor. They were definitely loud. In the end, Felipe listened to his corner very well. I wish I would have had more efficient shots (for takedowns) because they worked in the first round. I went for a few too many submissions and tired myself out.”
