Brandon Ezzo vs. “Showtime” AJ Aeschlimann

AJ Aeschlimann (who from this point on, will be referred to as AJ or Showtime) has an amateur wrestling background, placing at the state meet in Ohio. He is the 2008 National Amateur Middleweight Champion and brings a perfect record into the cage.

Ezzo is introduced as being from Pittsburgh, which is a sore spot for the fans from Cleveland, especially since the fight is being held in the shadow of Cleveland Browns Stadium.  Ezzo is long and lanky while Showtime is shorter and stocky.

This fight is for the NAAFS Middleweight Championship.

Ezzo is staying loose in the cage, appearing to dance to AJ’s entrance music. An interesting move, to say the least.

The cage is locked and here we go.

Now is as good a time as any to remind you that this fight is liveblog is brought to you by Intimidation Clothing.

AJ pummels for an over/under and takes the fight to the ground with a body lock. AJ is in Ezzo’s guard.  AJ dropping methodical elbows and punches. AJ seems content to stay in Ezzos guard and keep working.

AJ works a quick transition to mount Ezzo. Ezzo is trying frantically to bridge out and change his position. AJ still dropping fists, several landing cleanly. Ezzo uses the cage to try and sweep AJ, but is unsuccessful. The round ends with AJ on top. 10-9 AJ in my mind.

Start of round two and AJ is again digging for a takedown. He’s got it. AJ goes into sidemount and is looking to trap Ezzo’s arm. AJ is putting on a clinic in transitions. AJ willingly spins back into Ezzo’s guard. Ezzo looking for rubber guard, maybe a submission to follow? Ezzo grabs an arm for an armbar.

AJ has been watching the Rampage highlight reel and has a huge lift and slam to get out of the submission. AJ moves to halfguard and throws some thundering shots.  AJ could pass the halfguard and does. AJ’s strikes arent as heavy as early on. Ezzo rolls to his belly and AJ slips in a rear naked choke. Ezzo taps. AJ Aeschlimann is your new NAAFS interim Middleweight champion.