Ed Ruth (Photo/Bellator)Former Penn State wrestling champ Ed Ruth tallied his fifth consecutive win in his professional mixed martial arts career -- but he had to go the distance for the first time -- at Bellator 196 in Budapest, Hungary Friday night.
Ruth, 27, earned a unanimous decision over 35-year-old Ion Pascu of Romania, 29-28, 30-27, 30-27, in a three-round catchweight bout at 175 pounds shown on tape-delay on the Paramount Network. Prior to Friday night's fight, Ruth's previous matches never went beyond the second round, ending with a knockout or TKO.
"Ruth showcased an improved striking acumen in the fight, getting the better part of the stand-up over the course of the first two rounds before sealing the deal with his grappling in the third," according to MMAFighting.com.
"Ruth came out pressing forward, appearing a lot leaner than we have seen in the past," noted BloodyElbow.com, as the former Nittany Lion had been fighting as a middleweight at 185 pounds until this match on way down to the crowded welterweight (170) class. "Pascu cracked early with a mean liver kick that slowed up the forward momentum of his opponent, but Ruth regained his composure and continued to march behind his strikes. It took about three whole minutes before the NCAA All American secured his first takedown, but Pascu was able to return to his feet rather quickly. In an unexpected turn of events, Pascu found a takedown of his own, but was unable to establish any sort of top control before the round ended."
Here's how Cageside Press described the final round: "It was Ion Pascu opening the third with a takedown; from there, they worked their way up and as Ruth looked to shoot, Pascu was able to catch him in a guillotine attempt. Ruth defended well, however, and was eventually able to free himself. From there, he was able to control his opponent from the top, and it felt like the affair was going to the scorecards. Which it did, with Ruth earning a clear decision."
After the fight, Ruth tweeted: "Still undefeated, but I still have far to go and much to learn, I have to give it up to Ion Pascu @pascuion1 , I have much more respect for vets of this sport, thanks for the awesome fight!! #EZway #bellator196 #Budapest"
Ruth, who launched his pro MMA career with Bellator in November 2016, is now 5-0. Pascu drops to 17-8 in a pro career he started in October 2006.
Ruth is one of the most decorated wrestlers to come out of Penn State wrestling program. The Harrisburg, Pa. native was a four-time NCAA All-American, becoming the first three-time NCAA champ for the Nittany Lions in the program's more than a century of existence, winning the 174-pound title in 2012, and back-to-back championships at 184 in 2013 and 2014.
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