The difference in height between Eyevan Danenberg and Maximo Suarez was stark when they squared off at the start, Danenberg more than a head taller than the Spaniard and with much longer limbs. Shorter fighters do have a history of success against taller opponents – Mike Tyson, for example – but only if they can consistently get on the inside to negate the range disadvantage and land bombs.
Suarez looked to swarm Danenberg in the first round and poured out constant fire, working high and low with punch combinations. But much of it fell short or was blocked, with Danenberg picking his shots in return and countering heavily where possible. Danenberg had particular success with using his rear outside low kick as a counter to Suarez's inside low kick attempts.
His straight punches were also effective when he could keep Suarez at the distance he wanted him. Suarez had a bloody nose by the end of first round and in the first ten seconds of the next round he was knocked down by a Danenberg straight right. Suarez's forward pressure continued in round two but had noticeably less pace and pop than it did in the first, while Danenberg had loosened up and was asserting his control of ring and distance more effectively.
Suarez knew he needed a knockout in the final frame, which meant he had to continue pressing forwards relentlessly. The occasional shot of his landed with effect – he scored a good overhand right at one point – but mostly his forward momentum led to him tying up with Danenberg in a clinch. The referee would break and reset them, then have to do the same again moments later. When the action did move freely it went at sometimes frantic pace, with several big exchanges.
The judges' decision seemed a formality when it came in, and indeed it was so. Two scores of 30-26 for Danenberg and the other judge having it 29-27, also in his favor. Suarez now drops to 0-2 in GLORY and must surely consider dropping a little muscle and moving down to lightweight, which seems much more suited to his frame.
Eyevan Danenberg def. Maximo Suarez, Unanimous Decision, R3 (30-26, 30-26, 29-27)
