In a state-of-origin clash, Sydney fighter Corey Nelson travelled up to Queensland and put on an impressive performance to capture the Nitro welterweight title from Ian Bone in the main event of Nitro MMA 9, held at the Logan Entertainment Centre in Logan City.
Townsville based Bone landed a nice right as he countered an early leg kick from Nelson. The KMA product though, came forward and from the clinch was able to pick-up his opponent and slam him to the ground. Nelson went straight to side control but Bone quickly regained guard. Both guys remained cautious on the ground with Nelson not wanting to give up the top position while both fighters exchanged short strikes. Bone opened up a cut on Nelson and managed to escape back to his feet where he locked up a tight guillotine choke. Bone put a lot into the choke but Nelson managed to squeeze his head out of the submission attempt before landing punches from the top. Bone attempted a late armbar before the round ended.
Both started the second round with an early feeling out period before Nelson changed levels and got the fight to the canvas. From the top in half guard, Nelson landed short elbows as Bone attacked off his back. Didn’t take long for Bone to turn and escape back to his feet where both fighters exchanged hard shots. Nelson landed a solid leg kick followed by a kick to the body which was blocked by Bone. Both fighters clinched against the cage before Nelson secured a takedown, this time straight into side-control
Nelson started the third round landing early punches and a spinning back kick. When Bone returned fire Nelson dropped levels to secure the takedown. Bone attacked from the bottom with an armbar attempt, before transitioning to a triangle choke however Nelson defended well and transitioned to side-control. Nelson lands some short punches and a knee to the body before Bone got back to his feet. Nelson though ended the fight back in guard where he was able to control the fight.
The judges unanimously awarded the decision to Corey “Major” Nelson who added the Nitro MMA title to his Brace Title. Nelson will now be looking at adding the Australian Fighting Championships title to his resume but The Ultimate Fighter Nations trials may get in the way with Nelson tipped to be a leading contender to make it into the house.
For “Hitman” Bone it’s back to the drawing board and despite the loss the former Australian Army soldier should also be a candidate for TUF Nations house having defeated the likes of Manuel Rodriguez, Tony Rossini and Ben Mortimer in the past.
