From start to finish, Maverick MMA 3 entertained in full, but the headlining matchup was a special kind of awesome.  

In the main event, fans enjoyed a rematch of one of the best regional fights of the year, as Pennsylvania’s Scott Heckman (23-8) once again went to war with Maryland’s Robert Sullivan (7-7).  The featherweight title was on the line, and both fighters fought like it.  Both men picked up right where they left off, with Rounds 1, 2, and 3 seeming more like Rounds 4, 5, and 6 of their back-and-forth initial tilt. 

In the first round, Sullivan seemingly got the best licks in, applying the pressure and landing some big shots on Heckman.  The second round was much closer, with Heckman finally finding his timing toward the end of the round.  Going into the third, it was anybody’s fight, and the final round was another close one, with Sullivan once again stalking Heckman.  

Both fighters landed some great shots, mimicking the famous Max Holloway/Ricardo Lamas final 10-second throw-down in the final seconds.  It was no surprise that the judges would see this fight differently from one another.  Sullivan put up one hell of a fight, but unfortunately for him, it was déjà vu.  Scott Heckman retained his title by split-decision for the second time.

The Maverick MMA Middleweight Championship was up for grabs in the night’s co-main event, as Renzo Gracie Las Vegas product Joey Angelo (5-1) looked to make it six straight wins when he faced off against local Pennsylvanian Kristopher “The Badger” Gratalo (2-1).  

Each brought his A-game to Maverick MMA 3, putting on a kick-heavy striking display throughout the fight.  Getting off a little bit quicker and a little bit more often than his opponent, Joey Angelo implemented a leg-kick-centric offense that wore down Gratalo as the bout progressed.  Trying to switch things up from the striking game, Gratalo continually was able to bring the fight to the ground.

Despite having some success in the grappling department, it was ultimately Angelo’s striking that became the story of the fight.  Angelo’s dominance in the final round proved to be the difference, as the Brooklyn native took the home the win, as well as the belt, via unanimous decision.

Full results for Maverick MMA 3

Amateur