TUCK FINISHES OFF FINE NIGHT IN UFC

By Jay Leon Guerrero

Jon Tuck gives his victory speech with UFC announcer Jon Anik after his submission victory in Manila. (photo by getty images)

MANILA – Jon ‘Super Saiyan’ Tuck followed the game plan and finished his opponent in the first round in the UFC Manila Fight Night at the Mall of Asia Arena. Tuck picked his opponent apart and went in for the rear-naked choke after dropping Korean Top Team’s Tae Hyun ‘Supernatural’ Bang to the delight of a big Guam crowd.

The Mangilao resident later received ‘Performance of the Night’ honors and a $50,000 bonus.

Tuck went for an axe kick that missed but then quickly followed with a right that dropped Bang. Tuck then went into auto pilot mode and used his black belt jiu jitsu skills to lock in a rear naked choke after stunning Bang.

After the fight Tuck said that he had a good fight camp and he thanks all supporters who flew in from Guam to watch his fight. “The Philippines is a second home to me. Every time I come here, everybody gives me love. I always come here and have nothing but pleasurable experiences,” said Tuck in his post fight interview.

Jon Tuck sinks in the rear-naked choke to improve to 3-2 in his UFC career. (photo by getty images)

THE BATTLE

Both fighters touched gloves and Tuck quickly established position at the center of the Octagon. Both fighters were patient and felt each other out for the first thirty seconds. Tuck then decided to push the pace and threw a combo that was countered by Bang. Bang hit Tuck with a right that draws some “oohhhs” from the crowd but Tuck smirked to let the crowd know it didn’t faze him.

‘Super Saiyan’ continued to push forward and scored on his first takedown attempt, but Bang quickly recovered and shrimped his way up with his back against the cage. The fighters exchanged punches, but no damage was done until Tuck goes for the axe kick.

The kick does not land, but Tuck followed up with a devastating right that sent Bang staggering to the ground.

After several hits from both sides, Tuck showed his jiu jitsu and finished the fight with a rear naked choke. Tuck said after the fight that he wanted to showcase different areas of his game and he has no weaknesses.

“I don’t know who my opponent will be next but I want into that top ten,” said Tuck. He added that his ultimate goal is to be the lightweight UFC champion.

Vince Salvador, one of Tuck’s cornermen, told GSPN that Jon was going to be aggressive and win the battle standing and on the ground. Tuck followed the game plan and got the finish as predicted. Tuck celebrated after the fight with his team of “Big” John Calvo, Salvador and Rob Wusstig.

Fans cheered for Tuck who came out to the song “Jump Around” by 90’s rap group House of Pain. Hundreds of Guam fans in attendance cheered as Tuck had his hands raised. ‘Super Saiyan’ improves his MMA record to 9-2, his UFC record is now 3-2. The 32-year old Bang falls to a 17-9 MMA record.

 “My game plan was to remain confident and show my true skill level. I’m continuing to grow as a fighter, and I can show that every time I step into the Octagon. I’m a better fighter than my last fight. I’m evolving, and I’m able to show that, mixing up my wrestling into the whole package.” – Jon Tuck

Jon Tuck raises his hand in victory as his opponent Tae Hyun Bang recovers from the rear-naked choke. (photo by getty images)