THE CLINCH REPORT

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Every mixed martial artist dreams of fighting a ‘big name’ on a grand stage, however more often than not the nerves play a major role in determining the fights outcome. For Lewis Gonzalez (9-0), that dream came true, and the nerves, well they were present, but shortly after the first round started they disappeared.

“The nerves were up!” Gonzalez said. “Fighting a guy like Antonio McKee is a huge opportunity!” Lewis made the most of that opportunity by winning a controversial decision that went to the judges score card after McKee was struck in the back of the head by an inadvertent elbow early in the 3rd round.

Gonzalez was clearly in charge of the fight, and after the fight was waved off, he was awarded the win 29-28 on all of the judges scorecards.

For Gonzalez, the future is extremely bright. Even the win is marred by the foul, it is still a huge victory over a very well known fighter. McKee has fought all over the world and in every major organization. For Gonzalez, this win will thrust his career forward, for McKee it puts an uncomfortable lid on an amazing career.

McKee had stated to several media outlets that a loss would lead him in to retirement. Even though the fight ended in controversy, McKee stated in an interview with Aaron Tru from Tru MMA that he was in fact retiring from competition.

With the World Series of Fighting set to create a 155 lbs tournament to crown it first promotional champion, Lewis Gonzalez may be on a short list of names to compete for that title. However with fighters like Nick Newell, JZ Calvacante, and Justin Gaethje also vying for the shot, nothing is guaranteed!