Michael Imperato won Rising Star 2‘s opening bout via ankle-lock submission – his 2nd Montreal win in three weeks. After the fight we discussed taking the match on a day’s notice, 25 lbs above his normal weight class, how his grappling career prepped him for fighting a bigger opponent, getting turned away at the Ultimate Fighter 14 audition, why he doesn’t mind fighting away from his native Toronto, and much more.
(7:30, press play below to listen, or download here)
Listen to my post-fight interview w/ Imperato from UGC 26 here.
Imperato's (white shorts) ankle-lock on Pierre Mellon marked the 3rd time in 3 fights he'd won by 1st round submission. Courtesy of CombatPix.com Photo by: Deejay Sherman
Courtesy of CombatPix.com Photo by: Deejay Sherman
Imperato improved to 3-0 with the win. Courtesy of CombatPix.com Photo by: Deejay Sherman
Imperato (right) with coach/trainer Sam Zakula of Tap Star/Xtreme Couture Toronto as the fight was set to begin. Courtesy of CombatPix.com Photo by: Deejay Sherman
Sam Zakula (left), Imperato (middle), and teammate Barry Simms (twin brother of main event winner Steve Simms), backstage after the fight.
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