Mike Banayad Versus Alcer Lozada: Who Do You Think Won?

I visited some friends from Manila who were in LA yesterday. I didn't plan on hanging out the entire day, but one thing lead to another and I had no time to get online. But, I'm back online now. I've been sitting at my desk all day valuing stocks and bonds. Fun stuff.

It's time for a break so I want to write a quick entry about some video clips I came across today. The videos are from the latest Fearless Fighting Championship event at Metrowalk. The fight between Mike Banayad and Alcer Lozada. I thought the match was entertaining. The first 2-3 minutes of the match were the best because both fighters displayed intensity-- I felt like I was watching a Tim Sylvia fight the second and third rounds.

The match does show how "home grown" MMA fighters still have a long way ahead of them if they want to do well against international competition. But, the two fighters showed a lot of heart, and with the right guidance and training, I think both fighters can only improve. I was really surprised with Lozada, and liked his intensity in the first half of round one. I also liked how Banayad seemed calm throughout the match and worked counter punching. I did see a number of holes and opportunities that both fighters should know about (this will be their trainers' job). One example: while Mike worked good counter punching, he seemed to be anticipating Lozada's right leg kick too early. Mike was dropping his left hand to grab the kick and counter with a right cross/hay maker. He timed some attempts well, but on other occasions, Lozada would simply make a slight movement with his write hip/shoulder or throw a light right kick, and without fail, Banayad would drop the left hand. I think Lozada could have, and should have, capitalized on this. It seemed like Lozada wanted a one-punch knock out, and this might have been his only opportunity.

The match was declared a majority draw (i.e. two judges decided on a draw while the other judge gave the match to Banayad). Apparently, a good number of people disagree with the judges. If the fight were based solely on round one, I would have given Lozada the match. Lozada showed little offense and kept backing away in rounds 2 and 3 which probably didn't look good to the audience, etc. Although, Banayad didn't overwhelm Lozada. Technically, based on GAB scoring, I would give Banayad the win. However, I can understand how the two judges decided on a draw.

Here are rounds 1 to 3. Who do you think won? (Note: The video is unclear and shaky at some points, so if you felt like throwing up when you watched Cloverfield, you might not be able to watch this. j/k)

Tags: mike banayad, fearless fighting championship, philippines, alcer lozada, ffc