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Baby Joe Taimanglo rebounded from two decision losses to convincingly beat Michael Parker by unanimous decision Friday night in Bellator 126 Grand Canyon University Arena in Phoenix against the hometown fighter.
Here is how sherdog.com saw the fight:
ROUND 1
Taimanglo takes the center and opens up with a pair of straight punches upstairs. The Guam native thwarts a trip attempt by Parker. Taimanglo look for a guillotine attempt and briefly switches to a Peruvian necktie. “Baby Joe” gives up on the submission and the fighters tie up against the fence. Taimanglo completes a double leg takedown and lands in side control. Taimanglo scrambles to take Parker’s back, but the Arizona native springs to his feet. Taimanglo pushes his man against the cage and lands a solid knee to the body from the clinch. The Guam native continues the pressure against the cage landing short strikes on the inside. Parker looks for a head and arm throw, but Taimanglo defends. The bantamweights separate and Taimanglo lands a solid knee up the middle. “Baby Joe” seemingly has Parker stunned against the fence n from an elbow strike. He follows with a left-right combination, but the bell sounds. 10-9 Taimanglo.
ROUND 2
Taimanglo immediately changes levels but opts to remain standing. Taimanglo whiffs on a standing elbow over the top. Parker circling the cage as “Baby Joe” looks to cut off the cage. Taimanglo scores with a solid right body kick and continues to stalk the American. Parker backpedaling now while Taimanglo tries to set up his strikes. Taimanglo lands a step-in knee and has Parker backing up. Taimanglo is the clear aggressor here. Parker backing up looking to counter but Taimanglo rushes forward with a knee to the midsection.
The bantamweights take the center, but Parker seems content with not offering much output. Taimanglo wades forward with a punch combination and the round comes to an end. 10-9 Taimanglo.
ROUND 3
The final round begins and Parker opens with a series of kicks. Taimanglo lands a short right hand over the top that has the American on wobbly legs. Taimanglo immediately changes levels and takes the fight to the floor. “Baby Joe” working from top position with Parker’s head trapped against the fence. After a lack of action, referee Al Guinee stand the fighters up. Taimanglo lands a sharp knee from the clinch and follows with a hard outside low kick. Midway through the round and we’re back to where we were in round two as Parker backpedals. Taimanglo sprawls on a takedown and threatens with a guillotine but switches to a possible Peruvian necktie. He gives up on the submission and the fighters return to the center. Under one minute left on the clock and Parker is simply pawing out his jab. Taimanglo throws a tornado kick that is completely off it’s mark. The final round ends with Taimanglo firing off a Rolling Thunder kick, but it’s all for style points as it doesn’t land clean.
THE OFFICIAL RESULT
Joe Taimanglo Def. Michael Parker Decision (Unanimous) [30-26, 30-27, 30-27] R3 5:00
Baby Joe would like to thank his sponsors: sokelindustries, mini Camachilie tree store, uncle John and Annabell Hemsing Cruz, uncle Tony and Lette Castro, Gary Taimanglo, Jovin Santos, HBP, Real Time
(photo credit: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com)
(AP/Carlos Osorio)
