Bruno Dias came into his bout with Pedro Gonzalez at CES 43 looking to turn things around and make a statement in the Massachusetts regional scene. Gonzalez was determined to spoil that particular party.

The veteran grappler came into CES 43 in the midst of a rough patch as Dias had dropped back-to-back showings against tough competition in other promotions. Not only was Dias’ fight with Gonzalez his official CES debut, but also the first time the Barbosa jiu-jitsu team representative’s first fight on American soil.

On the flip side, Gonzalez entered the bout riding a four-fight winning streak and motivated to defend his home turf against the newcomer.

With both men having grappling backgrounds, it came as no surprise the action hit the canvas from the jump. Dias had the position advantage in the early going, but Gonzalez kept things moving and created one scramble after the next.

The tide appeared to be shifting in Dias’ favor when Gonzalez reversed position against the cage. He locked on a guillotine choke against the fence that forced Dias to tap. That said, no sooner did Gonzalez release the choke than Dias began to argue with the referee and protested the tap.

Nevertheless, Dias’ arguments were ignored and Gonzalez’s hand was raised in victory. The Massachusetts native then proceeded to give a passionate speech thanking the supporters who kept him from walking away, and with a strong performance on Saturday night, Gonzalez could very well be heading to bigger stages in the near future.

CES 43 Official Results

Pedro Gonzalez def. Bruno Dias via submission (guillotine) Rd 1

Rico Disciullo def. Matt Lozano via unanimous decision

Mike Rodriguez def. James Dysard via TKO (strikes) Rd 1

Andrew Osborne def. Connor Barry via unanimous decision

Justin Sumter def. Abe Pitrowski via TKO (punches) Rd 1

Billy Keenan def. Cody Dickershaid via submission (triangle choke), Round 1

Mike Kimbel def. Joey Sanchez, Round 1

Jurrell Laronal def. Jordan Riley via TKO, Round 2

Larry Perna def. Ron Marshall via submission (guillotine), Round 3

Rob Rios def. Dylan Youngblood via unanimous decision