It only took 1:31 for “Lethal” Lewis Gonzalez to finish Dan Price on Saturday, recording his fourth professional victory via first round stoppage and fifth overall. In his second fight in three weeks, Gonzalez defeated Price by way of a Darce choke, delighting the fans at the Sutter County Fairgrounds in Yuba City.
“Whenever I fight wrestlers I get nervous, but once I get in the cage and the bell rings all that goes away,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez’ matchup with Price followed the expected script as the two wrestlers opted to grapple rather than stand and strike. After a left jab from Price, Gonzalez took the first shot, closing the distance between the two and forcing the clinch. Gonzalez temporarily found himself in a vulnerable position after a failed head lock exposed his back to Price, but the Turlocker was able to quickly shake him off and regain control.
“I was just keeping my chin down to make sure he didn’t slip in a choke,” Gonzalez said.
Instead, Gonzalez mounted Price and slipped in a choke of his own, providing an early end to his night and handing Price his sixth professional loss.
“It’s something I do in practice all the time,” Gonzalez said of the submission technique. “I was kind of excited that I got to do it in a fight.”
Gonzalez’ victory has sparked rumors of a potential lightweight title shot with West Coast Fighting Championship in September. For now it’s pure speculation, however, as Gonzalez’ immediate plans include much-needed rest and quality time with his family.
“I didn’t take much punishment in these last two fights but training every day for weeks takes a toll on your body,” Gonzalez said. “I’m going to take about a week off and then start training three days a week just to stay in shape. I’m sure a fight will pop up sooner than later.”