Sylvia Takes Out Buentello at “War on the Mainland”

By FCF Staff   In a bout that could have possibly headlined a UFC card five, six years ago, Tim Sylvia stopped former Octagon contender Paul Buentello last night in Irvine, California, to win the Powerhouse World Promotions heavyweight title. From the onset of the bout, Sylvia closed the distance on Buentello, negating the smaller heavyweight’s hand speed by working him over along the ropes. While employing the same strategy in round two, Sylvia dropped Buentello with a hard right uppercut, prompting referee “Big” John McCarthy to intervene before any further damage ensued.

The win was Sylvia's third in a row, and following the accomplished fighter's 27th career victory, it was announced that his first title defence would take place against another former UFC contender Pedro Rizzo.

Thales Leites appeared to be on his way to securing the PWP middleweight title, as through the first three rounds of their championship bout the Brazilian had outscored Matt Horwich on the feet and on the mat. In round four, however, a fresher looking Horwich immediately took Leites to the ground and took the former UFC contender’s back. The Eddie Bravo student followed up by securing a rear-naked-choke, and after a brief struggle, Leites was forced to tap.

In the card’s other title fight, Tony Lopez took home the PWP 205lb. belt in dramatic fashion, as the decorated King of the Cage veteran knocked out Jason Lambert in the second round with a vicious knee and follow up strikes.

Jens Pulver could not put an end to his losing streak, as after getting dropped with a hard straight left from opponent Diego Garijo, the former UFC champion soon found himself ensnared in a fight ending guillotine choke.

Here are the results for PWP’s “War on the Mainland” event:

PWP Heavyweight Championship

Tim Sylvia def. Paul Buentello via TKO (Punches) R2, 4:57

PWP Light-Heavyweight Championship

Tony Lopez def. Jason Lambert via KO (strikes) R2, 1:49

PWP Middleweight Championship

Matt Horwich def. Thales Leites via Submission (rear-naked choke) R4, 0:24

Terry Martin def. Jorge Ortiz via Split Decision (28-29, 30-28, 29-28)

Erin Beach def. Joao Silva via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 29-28, 29-28)

Diego Garijo def. Jens Pulver via Submission (guillotine choke) R1, 1:08

Gustavo Machado def. Rick Reeves via Split Decision (29-28, 27-30, 30-27)

Cleber Luciano def. Todd Willingham via Submission (rear-naked choke) R2, 3:18

A.J. Matthews def. Sean Choice via Submission (strikes) R2, 3:54