Knock Out Night One

Knock Out Night One presented by Gladiator Productions debut show featured the return of a legend as Hermes Franca (22-10) showed why he was on everybody's pound-for-pound list earlier in his career as he made quick work of the tough, compact Josh Thorpe (11-4). The bell had barely rung to start the fight when Franca caught Thorpe with a looping left hand that stunned Thorpe and sent him to the canvas where Franca pounced on him sinking in a rear naked choke for the quick tapout in Round 1. It was Franca's third win in a row that has seen his career go up and down since his departure from the UFC. Tonight he showed glimpses of what made him such an incredible athlete and fan favorite.

In the co-main event Eric Wisely (15-5) defeated Matt Veach (12-4) via armbar in Round 2. Veach was controlling the fight on the ground landing a series of elbows and punches while Wisely waited out the onslaught. Then Wisely found his opening and took a chance, making the most of it and securing the submission hold from the bottom position and forcing Veach to tapout in front of the stunned crowd.

In other action, Ido Pariente (11-3) defeated Chad Hinton (7-4) via split decision in a razor thin verdict that could have gone either way. Pariente landed some brutal leg kicks in the fight that would have chopped down most other competitors, but Hinton was a game opponent and worked some tough GNP of his own. Both men should hold their heads up high after this hard fought battle.

Here's your chance to watch this thrilling 7-bout card featuring veteran and up and coming fighters from around the globe. Order Knock Out Night One presented by Gladiator Productions on video on demand only at GFL.tv!