Rashad Evans uses better physical condition to beat Dan Herderson via split decision. Photo; UFC
A night where most fights were left in the hands of the judges. Thus was UFC 161.
Check out the highlights and full results below.
In an even fight, Rashad Evans beats Dan Henderson
The light heavyweight bout between Rashad Evans and Dan Henderson was not as exciting as expected, but we can say it was a good one. The veteran was able to land some right-hand strikes that shook “Suga” in round one. More tired in the following minutes, Hendo saw his opponent grow and clinch against the fence a couple of times, landing good strikes and making him spend more energy to get free. However, Rashad was unable to take Henderson down as planned. Henderson’s takedown defense was impeccable and he managed to keep the fight on its feet. In round three, Evans came in hot and obeyed his corner – he took advantage of his superior physical condition and charged, earning valuable points in the process. Evans wound up winning by split decision.
Miocic does homework and beats Roy Nelson unanimously
Miocic beats Roy Nelson to break “Big Country’s” sequence of knockout wins. Photo: UFC
Two strikers. Stipe Miocic had been defeated only once and won almost all of his bouts by knockout. But maybe this was the toughest battle of his career. Roy Nelson is as tough as they come. “Big Country” has a hard chin and is very tough to take down, however Miocic had done his homework and scored points here and there, tiring Nelson and landing hard strikes that had a real impact. With no obvious way out, Nelson took a gamble as he tried to take the fight to the ground, but Miocic maintained his distance and won by points. This was Roy Nelson’s last fight under his current contract. Fans like him but chief Dana White doesn’t seem to fancy him too much. “Big Country” was coming off three straight wins, all by first-round knockout, and that may help him get a new deal.
Alexis Davis beats Rosi Sexton in the UFC’s first female bout outside the U.S.
Alexis Davis was more effective, had chances to finish off Rosi Sexton early, but wound up with a decision win. Photo: UFC
In the first women’s UFC bout abroad, Rosi Sexton started out by charging and trying to hit her foe’s face. Davis, whose Jiu-Jitsu is taught by Cesar Gracie, took Sexton down and had chances to finish her off with a triangle choke. As a stronger ground player, Davis decided to stay down there for the remaining rounds, and even had a shot at ending the fight via ground-and-pound. That didn’t happen, but her control sufficed to give her a unanimous decision.
Shawn Jordan knocks out pal Pat Barry
Underdog Shawn Jordan knocks out Pat Berry in 59 seconds. Photo: UFC
Biggest upset of the evening. Most people expected Pat Barry to annihilate his friend Shawn Jordan in a quick knockout, but the opposite happened. In less than a minute Jordan threw a series of crosses and uppercuts that got Barry on the ground in a helpless situation. Jordan then finished the fight and celebrated with his usual acrobatics.
Krause gets a guillotine in bloody affair
James Krause debuts with an R3 submission of Sam Stout. Photo: UFC
James Krause debuted in the UFC with a bang. In a lively bout versus Sam Stout, the lightweight had the better start and caused profuse bleeding from a cut inflicted on his adversary. The Canadian recovered, listened to his cornermen and came back with full force, attacking Krause, who really felt the blows. All was tied and they fought for it all in R3. The American seized his final chance on the ground and pulled off a guillotine just a few seconds before the bell.
No submission, try as you might
Dustin Pague attempts a triangle, but can’t finish Yves Jabouin in the opening bout of UFC 161. Photo: UFC
The first three fights of the evening had everything to end in quick submissions. BJJ expert Dustin Pague faced Yves Jabouin and had numerous shots at a tapout, but Jabouin not only defended effectively, but also struck back and earned the split-decision win. The result was controversial and put Pague in a bad spot as he now has three consecutive losses in the UFC.
The following fight saw John Maguire debut at lightweight wearing the notorious pink belt of Gypsy Jiu-Jitsu. Despite being able to bring Mitch Clarke to the ground and attempt some chokes, he wasn’t effective and left room for the Canadian to land more strikes. This gave Clarke the victory in the end.
Roland Delorme and Edwin Figueroa had an exciting bout. It was a clear BJJ vs boxing affair. Aware of his opponent’s heavy hand, Delorme soon got the fight on the ground and went for a submission. Figueroa was able to free himself from each attempt, though. Whenever the bout got back standing, “El Feroz” made sure to hit the Canadian’s face. In round two, Figueroa had a chance to win with a triangle, but Delorme’s ground experience allowed him to reverse the situation. Round three also went the distance, and the fight ended in a unanimous decision for Delorme. The audience at the MTS Centre was please and applauded loudly.
UFC 161
Winnipeg, Canada
June 15, 2013
Rashad Evans def.Dan Henderson via split decision
Stipe Miocic def. Roy Nelson via unanimous decision
Ryan Jimmo def. Igor Pokrajac via unanimous decision
Alexis Davis def. Rosi Sexton via unanimous decision
Shawn Jordan def. Pat Barry via TKo at 59s, R1
Undercard
Jake Shields def. Tyron Woodley via split decision
James Krause def. Sam Stout via guillotine choke at 4:47, R3
Sean Pierson def. Kenny Robertson via split decision
Roland Delorme def. Edwin Figueroa via unanimous decision
Mitch Clarke def. John Maguire via unanimous decision
Yves Jabouin def. Dustin Pague via split decision
