RFA 12 results: Ortega edges Koch for 145 title, Munhoz defends at 135

Brian Ortega (8-0) and Keoni Koch (5-1) gave the fans everything they wanted and more in the RFA 12 main event, fighting hard for 25 minutes to determine which man would go home with the vacant Resurrection Fighting Alliance featherweight title.

The headlining bout, which took place at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium and aired on AXS TV, saw Ortega outpoint Koch by split decision over five rounds in a close and highly competitive affair.

It was a grappling and submission-heavy contest, with both men having their high points and coming close to the finish. In the end it was Ortega who was a step ahead for most of the fight and got the better of the exchanges.

On multiple occasions Ortega nearly finished the fight, but Koch refused to give up and competed valiantly until the final bell. The pre-Ortega crowd stood strong behind the local fighter, and in the end left satisfied, as “T-City” emerged victorious.

At just 22 years old, Ortega appears to have a bright future in the sport and said in his post-fight interview with Pat Miletich that he’ll be prepared to receive a call from the UFC whenever the time comes.

“I’m ready for the UFC when they call,” Ortega said. “Call me when you’re ready.”

Munhoz defends RFA belt in style

RFA bantamweight champion Pedro Munhoz (10-0) made quick work of Billy Daniels (7-1) for his first 135-pound title defense, as he scored a slick submission victory 41 seconds into the first round.

Munhoz was all offense from the outset, as he hurt Daniels with a kick to the body and then jumped for a guillotine choke. It seemed Daniels was on the verge of escaping the choke, but Munhoz displayed solid technique as he made the proper adjustments and left his opponent no choice but to tap out.

The Brazilian requested an opportunity to move up to the big stage and display his skills in the UFC, something that could become a reality in the near future after 10 consecutive victories (including seven finishes) to start his career.

Casey keeps rolling in post-UFC career

In a battle of two UFC/Strikeforce veterans, “The Ultimate Fighter 17? contestant Kevin Casey (7-3) put Eddie Mendez (7-3-1) away in the first round after a hellacious assault of strikes on the ground.

Casey wasted no time in taking the fight to the ground, and from there, the result was inevitable. “King” methodically advanced position and once he achieved mount position, began to tee off with elbow strikes that were very effective.

The attack was so overwhelming that Mendez himself called off the fight, verbally submitting to referee Jason Herzog, giving Casey his second straight win since being released from the UFC.

Kish outclasses Markos in women’s action

Justine Kish (4-0) gained 15 minutes of value fight experience with a decision victory over Randa Markos (3-1) in the night’s lone women’s bout.

Markos displayed tremendous resiliency and fighting spirit despite being the recipient of a hefty beating. But aside from a near-submission in the dwindling moments of the final round, the Canadian served as nothing more than a moving punching bag for Kish.

Kish, the more talented striker, used a multitude of techniques to batter her foe and was never discouraged by her inability to finish the fight. Both women impressed with their efforts, but Kish came out on top and showed she’s a name to keep an eye on going forward.

Moontasri chokes Rerger out cold

James Moontasri (6-1) showed the previously unbeaten Rick Reger (6-1) that MMA doesn’t consist of only highs with a brutal victory that ended with Reger on the mat unconscious.

Early in the second round of their lightweight bout, Moontasri caught Reger with a big uppercut that had “Boomer” hurt in the worst of ways. Reger fought his way through the strikes, but left himself open to the submission, which Moontasri took full advantage of with a fight-ending rear-naked choke.

Salmon impresses in pro debut

After an undefeated run as an amateur, Boston Salmon (1-0) made his professional debut in emphatic fashion by handing Perceu Friza (2-1) his first career defeat with a first-round knockout.

Salmon was on his heels for a majority of the short contest, but all it took to turn the tables was a perfectly placed kick to the body that Friza couldn’t recover from. As soon as Salmon had his opponent hurt, he finished the fight. Displaying the type of killer instinct that will only be beneficial as his career flourishes.

Complete RFA 12 results included:

MAIN CARD

Brian Ortega def. Keoni Koch via split decision (49-46, 46-49, 49-46)
Pedro Munhoz def. Billy Daniels via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 0:41
Kevin Casey def. Eddie Mendez via verbal submission (strikes) – Round 1, 3:38
Justine Kish def. Randa Markos via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
James Moontasri def. Rick Reger via technical submission (rear-naked choke) – R2, 0:28
Boston Salmon def. Perceu Friza via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:13

PRELIMINARY CARD

Terrion Ware def. Zac Chavez via technical submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:58
Dmitry Gerasimovdef. Jordan Isorida via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 4:04
John Hackleman Jr. def. Howard LaCroix via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 0:11
Cameron Diffleydef. Jeff Roman via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:13

For the latest on RFA 12, stay tuned to the MMA Events section of the site.

(Pictured: Pedro Munhoz)