Joseph Luciano has impressed since making his pro debut in 2019, coming into tonight with a 9-2 record. With a grappling-heavy approach, Luciano has displayed versatility in the cage, going on to win regional welterweight gold in his native Australia. Luciano last fought in May, submitting Jonathan Veluz.

 

A Novo BJJ product, Steven Hill's grappling skills as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt have been key to his success. Six of Hill's seven victories have come via a finish, with three KO/TKOs and three submissions. Hill's unbeaten run came to an end in Paris this past May, losing to Mike Shipman.

 

Who comes out on top in this catchweight encounter?

 

 

Round 1

 

Low kick from Luciano and he stops Hill from coming in. Hill shoots in and he scores a takedown. Luciano quickly is back to his feet, but Hill brings him back down. Luciano is back to his feet, and Hill gets him pinned against the fence. Hill lands a couple of knees to the legs. Hill lifts Luciano and gets another takedown. Luciano gets back up thanks to the fence and tries for a reversal. Hill with stomps. Hill keeps Luciano pinned to the fence. Luciano with a couple of knees. Hill looking to lift, keeping a clinch position around Luciano.

 

Luciano landing with the right hand inside. Luciano eventually works his way off - only for Hill to be all over him and bring him down again. Luciano gets back up, and Hill has him pinned against the fence again. Luciano with underhooks gets off the fence and he lands an elbow off the break. Low kick from Luciano. Left hand from Hill. Low kick from Luciano. Low kick from Hill. Low kick from Luciano. One-two from Hill. Luciano misses a low kick and misses a right hand. Left hand from Luciano. Hill lands a hook. Both men miss overhands. Hill lands a left hand. Low kick from Luciano misses. Luciano shoots in but can’t get a takedown before the bell.

 

 

Round 2

 

Each throws a punch. Luciano shoots in and he gets the takedown. Hill gets back to his feet, but Luciano gets a hold of Hill’s back. Luciano with a takedown. Hill gets to his knees, then to his feet, and he breaks off from Luciano. Hook from Hill on the inside. Luciano with a short elbow. Low kick from Luciano. Hill shoots in, but Luciano just manages to keep himself up. Luciano may be thinking Anaconda choke. Hill stays on his feet, but Luciano brings him to the fence. Luciano gets a standing Anaconda choke locked in and scores the tap!

 

 

After Hill controlled the grappling in the first, it’s Luciano who dominates and scores the submission in the second!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Joseph Luciano def. Steven Hill via second-round submission (Anaconda choke, 1:22)