Crane wins via sub in France

GLENDALE — When Alberto Crane arrived in France on Thursday, it was his birthday, it was Bastille Day and the beginning of quite a vacation.

In the midst of it all, the Glendale mixed martial artist took care of some business, submitting Aranick Montero via heel hook in the first round of their bout at the Fighting Marcou Arena II event on Sunday at the Arenes de Palavas in Palavas Les Flots, France.

“It was a great experience,” Crane said. “The whole thing was amazing.”

For the most part, Crane wasn’t even talking about the fight, as he was quick to point out that from the venue he fought in to the sites he’s still currently taking in, it was one of the most fulfilling trips his MMA career has ever taken him on.

Crane, 35, was also quick to take out Montero (4-2), notching the first-round submission roughly 2:30 into the round, according to his account.

It was the third straight victory for Crane (15-5), who looked for a takedown from the outset, but Montero sprawled and ended up outside of the ring in the process. After a restart in the center of the ring, Crane continued to look to take the fight to the canvas, clinching and going for takedowns that were often defended by Montero.

The turning point came when Crane secured a single leg and dropped down for the heel hook. It was Crane’s 14th victory by submission and 11th in the first round.

The event took place at an outdoor arena adjacent to the French Riviera.

“It was fun,” said Crane, who will return to the states this coming Sunday.

When he returns to Glendale, where he resides, he said he’ll get back to running his Gracie Barra studios in Burbank, Encino and Pasadena, but with his recent win streak still has eyes on returning to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he fought previously on two occasions.

“I want to fight in the UFC again,” he said, “but right now, I’m gonna go back to being a teacher, professor, coach.”