Matt Horwich (4 – 1 – 1) vs. Antony Rea (5 – 2)
Another fight arranged on short notice was that between Team Quest fighter Matt Horwich and highly regarded Team Lebanner member Antony Rea. Horwich, having only fought his last bout the previous week, took this fight on only a few days notice. Rea looked to have a definitive size advantage over the game Horwich, coming in swinging early. But despite his apparent size advantage, Rea was taken down easily by Horwich, who then managed to temporarily gain control of Rea’s back. Horwich could not end the battle from this position and both fighters took the action back to the standing position.
Rea swarmed Horwich with strikes, dropping him to one knee, and then taking position in his guard. Horwich quickly recovered and slapped on a solid oma plata attempt that looked like it could end the night for Rea. Horwich could not get the tap though, as a fatigued Rea was able to escape, although he dined on a few forearms dished out by Horwich as the first round came to a close.
The second round began with a solid uppercut from Rea that had Horwich looking for the takedown to bring the fight back to the mat. On the ground, Horwich had no problems controlling the action, moving to the mounted position, from where he began pummeling Rea. Forced to turn to avoid further punishment, Rea left his back exposed to Horwich, sealing his fate in the fight. Horwich followed through, locking on a tight rear naked choke and forcing Rea to tap at 1:13 of Round 2. An elated Horwich walks away with his second victory in one week, against a very difficult opponent with only a few days notice.
