WEST HAVEN -- A mixed-martial art professional fight that had intrigued the Top of Utah fight community for several weeks lived up to expectations Saturday night at The Gym in West Haven when Francisco Alcantara scored a hard-fought three-round decision over Valente Tinajero.
It was the fourth consecutive win for Alcantara, 185 pounds, known as "The Fighting Barber." Tinajero, 193, who has enjoyed success as a professional boxer, was making his MMA pro debut.
Tinajero seemed to win the first round with floor defense and striker shots but Alcantara was strong in the second, particularly with a hard takedown as the round concluded. The third round was hard fought as both fighters sought to gain the advantage. Alcantara was awarded the decision by all three judges. Both fighters were cheered by their supporters at the packed arena.
In the only professional boxing card, held in a regulation boxing ring -- the MMA fights were held in a cage -- Clearfield super welterweight prospect Eddie Cordova (2-0-1) wore down game Ogdenite Pancho Valdez (0-3) via a fourth round TKO.
The Tinajero-Alcantara bout was the only MMA fight of 8 that lasted beyond the first round. In the co-main even, Ogden's Mike Arrant (6-6), 184, blew away Salt Lake City's Mike Criswell (18-33-1), 186, in a minute and 10 seconds. Also, Sunset's Sookson Sooksan Simpleman (8-4), 143.5, scored a TKO in 2 minutes 43 seconds over Layton's Wade Martinson (5-7), 142. Layton's Josh Buck, improved to 5-12 with a TKO in 2 minutes 21 seconds over Murray's Kevin Allred (4-13), 144.5.
Eric Tillotson, who trains at Foley's Gym, scored a 29-second tap out victory over Kearn's Tim Lund (4-12). Afterwards, an emotional Tillotson, who is 43 years old, said he is "living his dream."
Tillotson plans to continue his dream with a fight in Salt Lake City in two weeks.
Also, Steven Leo (1-1) 171 pounds, stopped Bron Lindquist of Clinton (0-2), 159, in the first round. Fernando Corona defeated Koji Lehman in the first round and Kensei Sato defeated Randy Cabera by first round tap out.
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