‘5 Star’ Trevin Jones got back to winning ways in San Diego on Friday night, snapping a four-fight UFC losing streak with a workmanlike performance against the always-game Wilson Reis.
The Guam-based American made his Cage Warriors debut in the main event at the Sycuan Casino Resort, and while he didn’t have everything his own way, the 33-year-old showed that he still has plenty to offer en route to picking up his fourteenth professional victory.
Jones dropped Reis with a crisp left hand midway through the first round, but was unable to finish with either the strikes or guillotine attempt that followed.
The Brazilian came out fired up in the second, scoring with a huge slam before taking Jones’ back. Scrambles ensued, but Reis was able to main top position and score with a steady stream of punches and guard passes.
With the scorecards likely tied heading into the final round, Reis again came out the aggressor as the pair relentlessly jockeyed for position.
Jones appeared to hurt Reis with a knee late in the round, but the former UFC title challenger bounced back with a slick throw in the dying seconds.
The judges were split, but ultimately it was ‘5 Star’s hand raised after scores of 29-28, 28-29 and 29-28 went his way.
Roberto Hernandez had to overcome a couple of low blows in the first round of his co-main event against Hawaii’s Toby Misech.
Having hurt his man to the body in the first though, ‘Green Light’ concluded his business early in the second, dropping ‘2 Quick’ with a brutal body shot for the TKO.
Fan favourite John De Jesus made use of his range early against Elijah Leggett, who blasted back with power shots before being cut by a savage elbow.
Both men landed some significant strikes in the second, but it was De Jesus looking the fresher man going into the third.
Leggett came out with urgency in the final round, but De Jesus gave as good as he got, ultimately picking up the win by unanimous decision.
In heavyweight action, Ian Daube made an explosive start to his pro MMA career, putting his amateur wrestling credentials to good use by repeatedly dumping Sean Rose to the mat.
From there it was a matter of time, as Daube closed the show with some rough and ready ground ‘n’ pound in the first round.
In the opening bout of the main card, Alex Trinidad was able to push the pace early, mixing his strikes up with a nice takedown and cutting his opponent under the left eye.
Both men got their licks in in the second round, with Lucas Martino landing some chopping leg kicks.
After a nip-and-tuck third, Trinidad picked up a unanimous decision victory, his first in the Famous Yellow Gloves and the last of his career, as he retired in the cage.
The full CW 159 results are as follows…
Main Card
Trevin Jones def. Wilson Reis via spilt decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Roberto Hernandez def. Toby Misech via TKO (body shot) via 0:52 of round two
John De Jesus def. Elijah Leggett via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Sean Rose def. Ian Daube via TKO (punches) after 3:44 of round one
Alex Trinidad def. Lucas Martino via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Prelims
Brian Mitchell def. James Settle via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Terrance Saeteurn def. David Lopez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Bobby Winther def. Marcus Walston via TKO (punches) after 0:19 of round two
Manuel Medina def. Anthony Warken via submission (rear-naked choke) after 0:40 of round one