City Kickboxing head coach Eugene Bareman speaks about the growth of combat sports in NZ and what's next with regard to the discipline. Video / Michael Craig
Kevin Jousset’s road toward the elite of the UFC’s welterweight division has hit a speed bump.
In his first bout on home soil in France, the City Kickboxing-trained fighter fell to a TKO loss against American Bryan Battle, succumbing to Battle’s volume-striking attack late in the second round.
It was a bout that offered a spotlight for both men - it was just a matter of who would step into it.
Through their UFC careers so far, both have been impressive; though Battle, who was been in the UFC longer and has more wins, may not have appreciated having to be the one to walk to the octagon first.
Both well-rounded fighters, the first round saw a combination of heavy striking and grappling exchanges.
Jousset had the better of the action through the opening five minutes as he had plenty of success on the feet; his check hook and right hand often finding a home when the pair exchanged.
Battle looked to mix the wrestling in early in the round. Jousset, who has a decorated judo background, proved hard to take down, but Battle was able to wear on his counterpart for much of the round, and he landed some good strikes in close with uppercuts and knees.
Bryan Battle punches Kevin Jousset. Photo / Getty Images
Jousset made a strong start to things when the second round began, landing some good, heavy strikes that Battle was able to wear well.
However, as the round went on, Jousset slowed down and Battle began to find a home with his right hand consistently, usually finishing his combinations with it and landing more often than not.
The build-up of damage eventually got the better of Jousset. Once he showed signs of shaky legs, Battle didn’t let him off the hook, maintaining the volume and chasing a finish.
Jousset was not knocked down in the bout but was not responding to the referee instructing him to fight back, so the official stepped in.
“No excuses. I took a very hard knee to the body on the very first round on the cage in the clinch,” Jousset said in a statement on Instagram.
“Couldn’t recover from it for the rest of the fight and establish the rest of my game plan. Back to the grinding board and we’ll be back. Congrats to Battle. Thanks for the support.”
It’s a setback for the 31-year-old against the most formidable opponent he has faced thus far.
After two good wins to begin his UFC career, he and his team will go back to the drawing board as they plot their next course.
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.
