Long Island MMA's Dennis Bermudez at UFC 160

                 At UFC 160 there was a highly anticipated matchup between raising featherweights Dennis Bermudez (11-3) and Max Halloway (7-2).Both fighters are fan favorites with their aggressive style and endless conditioning. Entering their bout both fighters were coming off impressive wins and riding respectable win streaks.  Max Halloway trains out of Gracie Technics in Waianae, Hawaii and Dennis Bermudez trains and teaches at the premier mixed martial arts gym in New York, Long Island MMA in Farmingdale, NY.  This fight could push one of these fighters into the UFC’s top 10 of the stacked 145lb division.

The first round was a display of impressive striking for Halloway, while forcing Bermudez to keep the fight standing he landed several big kicks. Throughout the opening round there were several exchanges that had the fans on their feet expecting an early night for the fighters but they continued to throw hard shots always moving forward.

                In the second round Bermudez came out and displayed his always evolving striking, landing big punch combinations and effective kicks to the lower body of his opponent.  “The Menace” used great foot work and head movement to get inside of his opponent’s longer reach while landing crisp clean shots that appeared to hurt Halloway several times. The round ended with Bermudez securing a single leg, taking Halloway down and landing a couple big elbows

               The final round began with both fighters coming into the center of the cage and exchanging strikes before the Long Island MMA fighter shot in with another single leg putting Halloway on his back. Bermudez landed several strikes before Halloway was able to escape and get the fight back on their feet where he was more comfortable.  The two featherweights continued to stand in the center trading kicks and punches. Halloway shot in on Bermudez, showing his superior grappling, Bermudez shook off the attempt with ease. Just after the 2 minute mark, Bermudez clinched with his opponent, sweeping him on to the canvas.  Bermudez created space between him and Halloway and began to rain down big elbows. In the closing moments of the third round Bermudez was able to advance his position to half guard and utilize his dominant grappling landing punches and elbows to a bloodied Halloway at the end of the fight.

              This close fight went to the judges’ scorecards and “The Menace” Dennis Bermudez was awarded the win in a split decision by the scores of 29-28, 29-28, 28-29. Halloway had his three fight win streak come to an end and felt his second defeat since signing with the UFC. Dennis is now on a four fight win streak, was a part of a potential fight of the year with Matt Grice at UFC157 and has been making a huge impact in the featherweight division.