Regiment Training Center's Kris Moutinho (9-4) took a successful business trip down to the City of Brotherly Love, as he submitted an incredibly tough Andrew Salas (6-6) at Cage Fury Fighting Championship 96 tonight. In a highly entertaining fight, Moutinho displayed a high-volumed, technical striking game, while Salas showed off a granite chin and a will to survive.
Moutinho dominated the first round with a high-paced attack that was dictated by his constant forward pressure. With Salas on his back foot, Moutinho never over-committed in exchanges, and showed a veteran patience to his striking game. When Moutinho was able to secure top position on the the mat, he delivered some hellish elbows that ended up slicing open Salas' forehead. The first round ended with Moutinho in complete control, and most likely earning a 10-8 edge on the scorecards.
Many watching thought the fight was nearing it's end, but Salas proved to have an increible ability to block punches with his face and not be phased by it. It was a bold strategy on Salas' part, but it proved to work in the 2nd round, as Salas started to land winging punches to Moutniho's head, and arguably won the round.
The high pace to the action continued in the 3rd, as both fighters exchanged slobber knockers before the fight eventually made its way to the mat. Moutinho's cardio and quickness seemed to prove to be the difference in the 3rd. He was able to advance position easily on the ground, and eventually locked up an arm triangle choke to force the tap from Salas at 3:26 of the round.
An impressive performance by the Milford, Mass native, and continues his winning ways on UFC FightPass. After dropping two tough losses in a row to current UFC fighter, Tony Gravely, and current Bellator fighter, Johnny Campbell (21-13), Moutinho has now been able to rattle off two wins in a row against tough competition. Moutinho took down a very talented Ashiek Ajim back in October at CES 61to get him back on the winning track, and now he's added another scalp to his collection after taking out a stupidly tough Andrew Salas on one of the biggest regional stages in the country. Keep an eye out for this kid the rest of 2021!
