Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta is becoming a more popular Filipino fighter headlining ESPN’s Friday night fights. He was the heavy favorite coming into the event. The fight started off living up to Mercito’s nickname, No Mercy. Mercito was closing the distance all night and punishing Barnett on the inside, so Ty Barnett could not use his length. Mercito would land fierce uppercuts and right hooks throughout the fight eventually wearing down Barnett. Mercito would score 2 knockdowns in the ninth. After the 1st knockdown Ty Barnett would beat the count. After Ty’s rise Mercito rushed in to down him once again. The final blow seemed a split second late, but did the job. Barnett was down for the final time as referee Jay Nady knew that Ty Barnett had enough. The final stoppage was ruled official at 2:59 of the ninth round. Mercito’s next fight can possibly be for a title shot and he seems to be on the rise like fellow Filipino stars Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire.