(Image source: Cage Warriors/Dolly Clew)
Queensland based fighter Damien Brown (pictured left) was unsuccessful in his Cage Warriors Fighting Championships debut, going down to former Judoka Julien Boussuge (pictured right) in Cage Warriors Fighting Championships 61.
The event was held at the King Hussein Youth City Boxing Arena in Amman, Jordan on Friday night (Saturday morning Australian time), with a wild snow-storm happening outside the arena.
When the fight began, it was the French fighter Boussuge who took the centre of the cage where he landed a nice three punch combination to get the fight underway. Brown looked to return fire however Boussuge was able to get the underhooks and the takedown. A scramble on the ground immediately started as Boussuge looked for the rear-naked choke and head-arm choke, with Brown managing to escape to his feet. Boussuge landed a head-kick which Brown took on the chin, and utilised it to get a takedown of his own. Brown was able to land short strikes from the top position, with Boussuge getting back to his feet as the round came to an end.
Early in the second-round Brown showed good balance to not be dumped on his back as Boussuge lifted the 28 year-old Australian. As the two exchanged strikes, Brown was tripped on his back and Boussuge immediately was able to capitalise jumping into half-guard. Boussuge transitioned to side-control however Brown immediately regained half-guard and attacked the single-leg off his back. Brown was able to use that to work to his knees and get a takedown however was put on the defensive as Boussuge attacked with an omoplata submission and triangle choke before Brown escaped. Brown finished the fight with strong elbows against the the cage.
The pace slowed down in the last round with both fighters showing a sign of respect to each-other as the round started. As Boussuge came forward, Brown landed his most significant shot of the round as he countered with a beautifully timed spinning elbow. The two clinched against the cage, and a takedown attempt from Brown worked against him as Boussuge used it to get the top position. The 32 year-old French fighter immediately attacked with a D’arce choke however Brown defended and just before the round came to an end was able to escape back to his feet.
The judges score-cards were announced, the judged unanimously gave the bout to Boussuge 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.
With the win Boussuge takes his professional record to 10-3 in what was also his Cage Warriors debut. It was also Boussuge’s third straight win, having previously won both of his 2013 fights via TKO.
It will be back to the drawing board for Brown who drops his professional record to 10-5. After a busy 2013, the Brisbane based fighter finishes the year with a mixed 2-2 record having also lost to Yusuke Kasuya at Legend FC 11. Brown started the year with an impressive decision win over Rob Hill.
Brown signed on with Cage Warriors in November along with fellow Australian Ben Alloway. The exclusive contract was for 18-months which encompasses five fights.
