Last Updated on March 8, 2014.
It didn’t take long for Sensei Louis Gaudinot to show what his healthy version looks like in the Octagon. It had been two years since ‘Goodnight Green’ last had his hand raised, a period that included an eighteen month layoff for a knee injury.
Gaudinot would get a chance to get back win column at UFC Fight Night at the O2 Arena in London, England. His opponent, Phil Harris, didn’t have to cross an Ocean to get to the fight. Harris had the fans behind him as he needed only a twenty minute trip up the A3 to get to the fight.
A home cooked meal wouldn’t make a difference for Harris against the supremely motivated Gaudinot. The two came out swinging with the Hoboken Sensei employing his typical high guard defense. Harris was unable to land much of anything as Gaudinot landed a straight jab within a few seconds of the start.
Harris is a Black Belt in Judo and didn’t take long to give up on the standup game and shoot for a takedown. His initial attempt was immediately defended by Gaudinot who looked to sink in the guillotine that earned him his nickname.
Harris readjusted quickly before diving back in on the single leg. Harris felt safe as he was outside one leg and in good position to defend if Gaudinot tried to jump guard. It only took a second for the Green Haired Flyweight to free his left leg and lock the guillotine up tight.
It’s the same technique that won Gaudinot his first UFC Flyweight matchup against John Lineker and just like in that fight he took the time to acknowledge his coach, Tiger Schulmann with a confident nod of the head.
Harris was able to remain standing when Gaudinot first began to apply pressure, but eventually he was forced to the ground where he tried to roll out of the choke. Unfortunately it only landed Gaudinot in mount where Harris looked like he would tap immediately.
The Portsmouth, England native held out for a few seconds but tapped before going to sleep. The fight finished in only 1:12. Gaudinot was clearly ecstatic after his previous turn in the octagon ended in defeat to Tim Elliot. This time around he got back in the win column and with a quick handshake and smile from UFC matchmaker Joe Silva, it looked as if Gaudinot impressed his boss.
Gaudinot also impressed the British crowd who had no problem cheering on the Yank a few minutes after booing him as he walked into the Octagon to face Harris.
Now fully healed from the torn meniscus that caused his hiatus after beating Lineker, look for Gaudinot to jump back into the Octagon quickly and start making his way up into the top ten of the UFC’s Flyweight division!
Congratulations Sensei, as always you represented TSMMA with amazing skill and even more impressive class!
By: Sensei Thad Campbell