The Central Valley's Larry "Oso" Gonzales is no stranger to putting on a show in the heavyweight division. So it is no surprise that the LFA came knocking on the door when they needed a solid challenger to take on hometown heavyweight (2-0) Steven "Concrete" Asplund. Gonzales came into the fight with a 5-1-1 record and on a three fight win streak. Gonzales, a former amateur champion at 559 Fights would pick up a few wins outside of the California, before resurfacing in the Central Valley at Urijah Faber's A1 Combat 13 in Lemoore, Ca. Gonzales took on always tough Luis Schwenke in a fight that went the distance and stole the show. At LFA 181, Gonzales did the same.
The first round saw the taller Asplund use his reach to land a few jabs. Asplund, a former undefeated amateur champion himself. Put together some nice combos that left some damage on Gonzales in round one. A hard straight right hand also put Gonzales on the ground, but "Oso" stood calm through it all. Maintained his composure and kept coming forward. Asplund had finished his first two pro fights inside the first round. Gonzalez made it clear, that this fight wouldn't be a quick one rounder and Asplund was in for a war.
Gonzales who trains out of Dethrone MMA, began to find his stride in round two. Cutting the distance where he was able to score with some punches. Gonzales mixed in the kicks and elbows, before a left straight caught Gonzales off balance. Sending him to the canvas, Asplund rushes in but Gonzales is back to his feet immediately. Gonzales finished the round by pressing forward, while landing some nice shots to the body as the fight went into the final round.
Round three saw both fighter's exchange spinning back kick attempts early on. Both heavyweights with very active game plans, had the crowd on their feet in the final round. With both fighters going back and fourth, Gonzales would press Asplung along the cage mid way through round three. Gonzales would then secure a takedown, where he moved to full mount and scored with a few hammer fists. Asplund would give up his back while attempting to get to his feet. Asplund would make it back to his feet and start firing off some punches. The fight would end with both fighters letting loose and leaving it all in the cage until the final bell, sending the fight to the judges. Where they scored it (30-26. 29-28, 29-27) a unanimous decision for Steven Asplund, who moves his pro record to 2-0. Gonzales sits at 5-2, after what was his first loss since 2021. Both fighters futures look bright.
"Best heavyweight fight I've seen! Just a great display of heart, courage, skill, and technique. We had heavyweights performing like lightweights tonight out there." said MMA veteran Gilbert Melendez who was on the commentating team for the event.
To keep up with Larry "Oso" Gonzales Jr. follow him on IG @ www.instagram.com/oso.feroz
Also keep up with "Concrete" Steven Asplund in his MMA journey. The man has a incredible story already, after making his way down from 500 pounds. To now making a name for himself in the heavyweight division at 25 years old. Follow him on IG @ www.instagram.com/steven_asplund
Watch the fight for yourself by skipping to 27:22 on the video below:
LFA 181 Results:
Igor Siqueira defeats Eimar Hernandez by ko to win the interim LFA Flyweight title at 1:07 in round 1.
Quang Le defeats Tial Thang by ko at 2:47 in round 1.
Shaheen Santana defeats Isaac Thomson by split decision.
Santos Verdinez defeats Keegan Witbeck by unanimous decision.
Wes Shultz defeats Adland Benson by tko at 3:39 in round 1.
Alvin Hines defeats Justin Smith by unanimous decision.
Steven Asplund defeats Larry Gonzales by unanimous decision.
Mark Choinski defeats Noah Lindsey by submission with a armbar that forced the tap at 4:57 in round 1.
Jayde Sheeley defeats Hannah Brobyskov by submission with a rear naked choke that forced the tap at 3:34 in round 1.
Kurtis Ellis defeats Canon Swanson by tko at :24 seconds in round 1.
Kelton Sneve defeats Davion Trotter by unanimous decision.
Griffin Parriott defeats Michael Banks by submission with a rear naked choke that forced the tap at 2:21 in round 1.
Dalan Jones defeats Zach Gehl by tko at :42 seconds into round 1.
LFA is right back at it on Aril 26th 2024 in South Dakota with LFA 182: McKee vs Hernandez for more info visit www.lfa.com
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By: Daniel "Trip" Quintana www.noweakshitever.com
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