A 13-year veteran of the fight game, Tom Breese is a standout English fighter who has won championships in three different weight classes. At 17-4, Breese has seen all but one of his wins come via a finish. A boxing specialist who also has experience in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Breese has won four of his last five fights. He most recently fought in July, scoring a first-round submission of Jaroslaw Lech.
Cleiton Silva has competed in professional MMA since 2011, competing for a number of notable promotions on the regional scene. What’s noteworthy about tonight’s bout is that Silva has not competed at light heavyweight in MMA prior to tonight; he’s fought exclusively at 155 and 165 previously. Coming in at 16-3, Silva has finishes in 12 of his bouts. He most recently fought in July as well, scoring a second-round knockout of Leonard Mafra Texeira.
Which veteran will come out on top in what should be a thrilling light heavyweight contest?
Round 1
Both men meet in the middle, staying patient as they feel each other out. Right hand from Breese as Silva goes in for a kick. Low kick from Silva. Both men throw and Silva ends up stumbling off a short right. Silva returns a short shot. Silva comes in with a combination, which Breese avoids. Silva lands a low kick. The two end up in a body lock, with Breese pressing Silva against the fence. Jab by Breese catches Silva’s attention. Breese continues to go forward and he gets Silva against the SmartCage again. Knees to the inside by Breese.
Silva gets out of it and gets right to work with a combination. Breese, however, counters with a takedown and goes for a guillotine right away. Silva counters, but Breese is ready to reverse, getting to Silva’s back and locking in a body triangle.Breese has his lock on the midsection of Silva. Breese looking to lock in a rear-naked choke, and he gets it! Silva submits!
Fun exchange here in the 1st round!#PFLDublin LIVE NOW
— PFL Europe (@PFLEurope) December 8, 2023
🇪🇺 DAZN
🌎 https://t.co/9MHmogryaf pic.twitter.com/PDaXdMBrKQ
Tom Breese with a fantastic performance!
OFFICIAL RESULT
Tom Breese def. Cleiton Silva via first-round submission (rear-naked choke, 3:30)