MILDURA Martial Art’s Jesse ‘Funky Cold’ Medina staged a barnstorming effort at the Diamond Back Fight Night.
Despite not getting the judges’ nod for the lightweight belt “the nicest guy in Australian MMA” won the hearts of the crowd showcasing his diverse skill set against Cardioflex’s Tim Rogers.
Rogers enjoyed a reach advantage over Medina which he used to set up long boxing combinations.
But the Mildura veteran stayed composed in the fire and returned damage on the feet sending his opponent reeling with knees and elbows.
Coach Mick Moloney said the game plan was to conserve energy for the long fight.
“It is a 25-minute fight, so the plan was to start slow and work our way up, whereas the other guy we knew would come out hard from the start,” he said.
“The third round which is usually the final round was our start round and that’s where Jesse opened the guy’s mouth and nose up and he was bleeding quite heavy.”
Medina’s BJJ brown belt and wrestling pedigree were on full display as he secured explosive double leg takedowns to the delight of the crowd.
The ensuing high level scrambles were a spectacle for grappling fans as Medina and Rogers employed sweeps to reverse each others top control positions with Rogers taking majority of top control time and Medina receiving a face full of blood.
“Because of the amount of blood it got very slippery. Jesse attempted a guillotine and an arm bar but the guy slipped out,” he said.
“Jesse off his back couldn’t get enough purchase on the ground to hip escape and get away and that’s what ultimately cost us the fight.”
By the closing bell, Medina’s face remained largely untouched with a slight bump on his left eye from an accidental head clash while his opponent had suffered a broken nose courtesy of Medina’s knee.
“Jesse didn’t really take any damage, the only thing that is really dented is our pride.”
Medina will now prepare for his next fight in seven weeks times.
