CES 60 results: William Knight KOs Rocky Edwards in third round
On Friday night, CES MMA kicks of their 2020 calendar year with three title fights at CES 60. The event takes place at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, RI and will be headlined by a vacant featherweight title bout between Matt Bessette and Charles Cheeks III.
In a light heavyweight bout, UFC developmental contract winner William Knight takes on Rocky Edwards. Knight earned a developmental deal following an impressive third round TKO win over Herdem Alacabek on Dana White’s Contender Series in August. “Knightmare” suffered his first pro loss in his most recent fight at CFFC 80 in November, a controversial stoppage loss to Tafon Nchukwi. The 31-year-old Knight heads into the third fight on his developmental deal.
In a recent interview with MyMMANews.com, Knight predicted a “standing knockout” in the 205-pound bout.
Edwards, a former welterweight, makes his 22nd professional appearance on Friday night. “The Number” has faced UFC welterweights Sean Brady and Randy Brown throughout his career as the Ohio native looks to spoil the homecoming for his opponent.
Here is how the light heavyweight bout between William Knight and Rocky Edwards went down at CES 60, including round-by-round scoring. For full results of the event, check them out right here.
ROUND 1
They touch gloves in the center and the light heavyweight showdown is underway. Leg kick from Edwards checked and returned by Knight. Big body kick from Knight into a clinch battle in the center of the cage. Knight pushes Edwards back against the fence and works a successful single leg takedown. Knight trying to improve his position as Edwards is doing a nice job avoiding any real damage. A variety of punches and elbows to the body from Knight with two minutes gone in the round. Knight lands a short left hand in full guard before letting Edwards back up. Hard leg kick from Knight lands as he is staying patient on the feet. They tie up against the fence before Knight works a single, muscling Edwards up in the air and down to the mat. Final 40 seconds of the round and Edwards is on top. Knight explodes and reverses the position, ending the round on top.
MyMMANews.com scores it 10-9 for Knight
ROUND 2
Knight lands a hard leg kick and just misses with a right hand. Edwards with a pair of kicks to the upper thigh. Knight with a left jab as he continues to work. They tie up against the fence and a scramble leads to Edwards on top, taking Knight’s back. Knight is able to trap he left arm of Edwards despite being back mounted. Edwards trying to free up the arm but Knight isn’t budging. Short elbow from Edwards lands as that’s the only strike landed in this position over the last minute-plus. Knight continues to latch on to the arm of Edwards, who still isn’t able to make anything happen. Final minute and Edwards finally gets the arm free. Knight looking to stand as he, again, has an arm completely trapped due to wrist control. Edwards is finally able to drag it back to the ground as the round ends.
MyMMANews.com scores it 10-9 for Edwards
ROUND 3
Knight lands a big leg kick to start the round as he is clearly a little more aggressive on the feet. Two more hard leg kicks from Knight as Edwards appears to be hobbling a bit from that last round. Knight continues to hammer the leg with kicks. Edwards lands a nice left hand before eating another leg kick. Edwards throws a leg kick of his own, Knight answers. Body kick from Knight, followed by a hard leg kick. Knight walking Edwards down and lands big combination. Edwards is hurt very badly. Knight gets on top and finishes the fight. Knight was tested, but he delivers on his promise.
Official result: William Knight def. Rocky Edwards via KO – Round 3, 2:56
