Ben Askren didn't quite have the choke locked in. Ryan Thomas closed his eyes, waiting for the right moment to pull his head free. Then, the Askren let go of the choke and Referee Dave Smith was left standing over Thomas, waving the fight off.
Without tapping to the Choke the referee stopped the contest. This is quite possibly the worst outcome a fighter can imagine...getting close to escaping a choke, only to be handed a loss.
Well there is some good news for Thomas. Because of the volcanic ash cloud hanging out Great Britain, Englishman Jim Wallhead will not be able to travel to Connecticut for his U.S. debut. Thomas (12-4) will take on Jacob McClintock (6-0) of Arizona Combat Sports.
All of McClintock's wins have come by way of first round stoppage. The fight will be a first round tournament bout, with the winner advancing in the welterweight bracket.
