The first fight of the night for Showtime broadcast of Strikeforce Grand Prix: Barnett vs. Kharitonov is Maximo Blanco vs. Pat Healy. This is a lightweight fight, meaning 155 pounds. The referee in charge of the action is Gary Copeland.
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ROUND 1 - Both fighters start orthodox. Blanco lands a foot sweep and is now on top of Healy in half guard. Healy uses a single leg attempt to stand. Blanco unloading now with kicks and punches and Healy is reeling. Healy recovers now and takes full guard on Blanco. Healy posturing for an armbar and now a triangle, but Blanco postures out. Healy transitions to an oma plata. Healy tries to escape but takes short kicks to the face. The referee stops the action and deducts a point from Blanco for illegal strikes to the head of a downed opponent. Blanco goes full blitzkrieg lands middle kicks and punches, but Healy takes Blanco's back standing and dumps him on the mat retaining position. A few hammerfists from there and the round ends.
MMA Nation scores this round 9-9.
ROUND 2 - Spinning back fist from Blanco misses, but a lands a right. Healy responds from one of his own. Blanco switching stances over and over. Healy doing most of the stalking. Healy dumps Blanco on the mat and secures half of the position and choke of a rear naked choke, but Blanco escapes and stands. Healy double legs Blanco to the floor takes his back from a tight waist position. Blanco stands but Healy dumps him and secures his front right arm with his leg, rolls Blanco over and secures the rear naked choke. Blanco taps.
Strikeforce results: Pat Healy defeats Maximo Blanco by submission (rear naked choke) at 4:24 of round 2.