Rousimar Palhares’ reign as WSOF welterweight champion continued with a win over Jake Shields at WSOF 22 but once again he couldn’t escape a fight without a cloud of controversy hanging over his victory.
Palhares submitted Shields in the 3rd round with a nicely administered kimura lock, not his trademark leg lock. What did remain consistent is his less than admirable signature late release of said hold.
If another fighter would have held on the kimura for the same amount of time as Palhares had it barely would’ve garnered a response but since Palhares has the reputation as a “dirty” fighter his final crank set off Jake Shields. Shields struck Palhares after the bell had rung and led the crowd to believe that he had once again tried to injure an opponent.
When slowed down it seems as though Palhares let go as the ref touched him signifying victory, still opinions on his intent will be the center of discussion. It’s unfortunate because Palhares is coming into his own as a fighter and the first adjective attached to his name should be, champion.
We will have to wait and see if the next opponent can solve the submission specialist that is Palhares, because that’s the only guaranteed way to avoid a controversial submission ending.
