Junie 'The Lunatik' Browning is one of the most recognised names in mixed martial arts today. His antics inside the 'Ultimate Fighter' house earned him fame, and he proved to be a decent fighter despite his relatively young age (24), amassing a 1-1 record inside the UFC octagon (not counting his loss on the reality show).
However, personal problems have pushed him out of the mainstream spotlight, and reports that he attacked some nurses after overdosing on drugs don't help his reputation. Last night though, Browning put all of this to one side and performed very well against Scott Cornwell.
How Browning vs. Cornwell Went
Browning (155lbs) started fast and decked his foe with a beautiful straight right after just fifteen seconds. Cornwell (155lbs) did well to defend after this, pulling guard and negating the attacks of 'The Lunatik'. He then managed to turn Browning and end up in top position, only to finish up the scramble in Browning's rubber guard. For here-on-in it was bad news for Cornwell, who found himself in a triangle choke soon after, and consequently had to tap after 3:10 of the very first round.
This was a more or less flawless performance from Junie, who proved that despite his problems outside of the cage, he is still a quality operator in it. He moves to 4-1, while Cornwell drops to 1-1, but Scott is young and talented enough to come again.
Billy Refinds His 'Mojo'
Billy 'Mojo' Horne (185lbs), a former MMA Big Show Middleweight Champion fought extremely well to dismiss the challenge of the tough, but overmatched Kevin Barkdull (185lbs).
The fight started with an awkward scramble that Barkdull initiated, that resulted in Horne ending up in side control, while his opponent was pressed up against the cage. Barkdull wasn't phased by this though, and he even attempted an ambitious arm bar from the bottom. However, Horne maintained control, took the back of Barkdull and unleashed some ground and pound on him. 'Mojo' then sank in a rear naked choke, and took the submission victory. This win takes 'Mojo' to 7-2 in his pro career, while Barkdull decreases to 3-2.
Ohio's Amateur Stars On Show At 'Onslaught'
Also on the show were many of Cincinatti's fastest rising amateur stars. Current Big Show MMA Amateur Lightweight Champion Chris Bennett (155lbs) was easily the most impressive of them. He beat Brian Karmolinksy easily, showing explosive stand up en route to a first round stoppage. He moves to 16-1 in his amateur career, and a move to the pro ranks in surely imminent, whereas Karmolinsky drops to 12-5.
The popular Danny Surface (205lbs) looked good at light heavyweight, although the judges rendered his fight with Deric Gibson (204lbs) a draw. The commentators couldn't even defend this decision, and this writer has it 29-28 to Surface, who dominated the second and third rounds with his good wrestling and ground control. Surface's amateur record now looks like 5-3-1, whereas Gibson now holds a scoresheet of 10-3-1.
Corey Farrell (152lbs) was defeated by Dustin Center via rear naked choke in the very first round. Center's explosive wrestling and ability to manipulate an opponent served him well, and he now moves to 8-3 in his amateur career. On the other hand, Farrell drops to 6-8.
Michael Dabe (172lbs) also scored a high profile win in beating the previously unbeaten (but admittedly untested) Brian Francisco (166lbs) with an arm triangle from the bottom. Francisco (now 2-1) looked confused after the first two minutes elapsed, and Dabe took control in all areas. He improves to 3-2.
How To Watch MMA Big Show: 'Onslaught'
To watch Junie Browning's first post UFC fight, visit GoFightLive.com, where it is availiable for $9.99.
