Monson claims ISKA MMA Heavyweight Title
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – There were some who speculated that Former UFC heavyweight title challenger Jeff "The Snowman" Monson's (41-11) career had melted away, but he's proving us all wrong as he picks up win-after-win of an 8-fight win streak and now the ISKA heavyweight title belt. Monson achieved his first major title as a professional mixed martial artist, as he defeated former King of the Cage champion Tony Lopez (23-6) via unanimous decision in the main event at "Fight Time 4" to become the first-ever ISKA heavyweight champion.
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Most speculated that Lopez, who’s younger, almost a foot taller, and has a greater reach, would outmatch Monson standing up and give him a tough time on the ground. However, Monson made Lopez look like an amateur as he completely dominated him round-after-round. While Monson stood up with Lopez and pounded it out, the majority of the fight was spent on the mat, with Monson’s wrestling skills controlling the bout. Lopez tried with all efforts to free himself from Monson’s grip but at every attempt, Monson rolled around him like a ball in snow, locking him up at every opportunity.
“My strategy was to stay on the inside. I knew if I did that I would win,” said Monson. “I stuck with my strategy and it paid off. After that, all my wrestling skills took over and it was done.”
While some have claimed that Monson is a boring fighter, the crowd screamed and cheered him on as Monson continuously picked up and moved Lopez around like a rag doll. The crowd gasped in the last round as Monson slipped on the mat and went tumbling down while Lopez locked in on the opportunity. It was the first time of the night it appeared Lopez might take the victory as Monson, exhausted and stunned, took a minute to recover while Lopez went in for the kill. Unfortunately for Lopez, Monson came back big. With legendary Master Ricardo Liborio in his corner, Monson controlled the five-round fight en route to his eighth consecutive victory dating to last July.
“That slip was nasty. It gave Tony a huge advantage because I was in a tough position, stunned and tired. I was worried about the outcome at that time, but I knew I had to pull through and I did,” indicated Monson. “Lopez is a great fighter and a difficult opponent. I have a lot of respect for him.”
Now 40 and still going strong, “The Snowman” has his sights set on a return to fighting in a major promotion before the end of his career. In order to make it back to the top of the mountain, the American Top Team fighter plans a move to 205 pounds after his next two scheduled heavyweight fights.
“As they say ‘age is nothing but a number,’” said Tina Vidal, Monson’s manager. “Monson went a hard 5-rounds with Lopez and continues to prove he’s back and here to stay. His training is where it needs to be, his head is where it needs to be.
5 April 2011
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