In a performance reminiscent of his glory days, 40-year-old Pat Miletich (29-7-2) dominated opponent Thomas Denny (26-18) in the main event of Thursday night's Adrenaline MMA II in Moline, Ill.
But while "The Croatian Sensation" earned 18 of his first 28 career victories by submission, it was a stunningly quick set of hands that earned Miletich the knockout victory.
"They say the last thing to go when you're old is your power," Miletich told ring announcer Ron Kruck following the bout. "That's all I was looking for was to land heavy shots and hurt him."
Miletich dropped Denny twice in the opening frame, but was unable to capitalize on the position. Denny held Miletich close from the guard, and the hometown favorite was unable to advance his offense.
It wouldn't matter. A series of right hands early in the second frame left Denny dazed, and a final flurry from Miletich in his first fight in over two years left the outcome unquestionable just 50 seconds into the round.
Following the bout Miletich said he was satisfied before the bout ever began.
"It just feels good," Miletich said. "To be honest with you, win, lose or draw I was saying to myself backstage, 'I accomplished something just getting back in to the shape I am.' I'm an old guy, but these young guys motivate me. I love every one of them at my gym."
The bout was Miletich's first since emerging from the second retirement of his career. His first trip back to active fighting was a one-night gig, but Miletich said this time might be different.
"Actually I'd like to fight somebody like Antonio Tarver or 'Winky' Wright from the boxing world," Miletich said.
Top-ranked heavyweight Ben Rothwell (30-6) rebounded from a July loss to Andrei Arlovski by earning a first-round win over Chris Guillen (13-11).
While undoubtedly effective in victory, "Big Ben" was far from aesthetically pleasing. Rothwell worked the fight to the floor quickly, but then passed on any ground and pound opportunities in lieu of a possible submission. Unable to capitalize after taking Guillen's back, Rothwell would eventually lock in a slow-developing arm bar.
Unhappy with the position, Rothwell transitioned out of the hold and began to rain down elbows and forearms to the head of Guillen forcing the smaller fighter to tap out from the punishment. The loss was Guillen's fifth straight.
The crowd seemed apathetic to the effort, and Rothwell pleaded his case after the bout.
"I hope everybody can appreciate the whole aspect of our sport," Rothwell said. "I've got to keep upping my game and bring all aspects -- show that I'm more than just a stand-up fighter.
"I love to get knockouts, but at the same time I've got to make sure I can fight another day. I tried to do this in the most exciting fashion I could. I hope you appreciate some elbows to the head."
Heavyweight prospect and Adrenaline MMA veteran Mike Russow (11-1) wasted little time in dispatching an overmatched Braden Bice.
Russow shot in quickly for a single-leg takedown and Bice tried to leap out of his grip. The result was a gravity defying slam to the mat with the two heavyweights crashing to the floor. Russow moved quickly from side control into North-South control and applied the choke that would force Bice to tap.
Following the bout, Russow told Kruck the bout went according to plan.
"That's my style, and that's what I work hard on everyday," Russow said. "Keep your hands up, get in close, get the takedown and then search for the submission."
Now on a seven-fight win streak, Russow said he hopes next year will be his chance to break into the sport's biggest shows.
"We're hoping next year is the big year," Russow said. "I've just got to keep training hard and just living my dream."
Earlier in the evening Mike Ciesnolevicz (16-3) weathered an early storm from the less-experienced Derrick Mehmen (2-1) en route to a second-round win.
Mehmen opened up with an offensive outburst -- starting with a brief taunt from the opening touch of gloves. The assault continued, and Mehmen held a 20-1 advantage in strikes landed at one point in the opening round. However, the opening flurry took its toll on Mehmen and the tide quickly turned.
Ciesnolevicz went on the offensive in the latter stages of the first round and nearly earned a knockout in the opening five minutes. The win would have to wait for the second stanza, and Ciesnolevicz took advantage of a lazy takedown attempt by Mehmen to lock in a fight-ending guillotine at 1:46.
Following the bout, the IFL, King of the Cage and Extreme Challenge veteran said he was ready for bigger fights.
"I just want to keep fighting and stay busy," Ciesnolevicz said. "I'm ready to fight anybody. There's not a fight out there at 205 pounds that I would turn down."
OFFICIAL RESULTS
Pat Miletich def. Thomas Denny via knockout (punches) -- Round 2, 0:50
Ben Rothwell def. Chris Guillen via submission (strikes) -- Round 1, 3:40
Mike Russow def. Braden Bice via submission (North-South choke) -- Round 1, 1:13
Mike Ciesnolevicz def. Derrick Mehmen via submission (guillotine choke) -- Round 2, 1:46
Dan Loman def. Gabe Lemley via TKO (punches) -- Round 2, 1:54
Ryan McGivern def. Geno Roderick via submission (rear-naked choke) -- Round 1, 1:27
Pat Curran def. Ramiro Hernandez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Jesse Lennox def. Ryan Williams via submission (triangle choke) -- Round 1, 3:41
L.C. Davis def. Billy Kidd via submission (side choke) -- Round 1, 2:52
Danny Rodriguez def. David Fuentes via submission (rear-naked choke)
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