C.B. Dollaway didn’t get off to the best start in his UFC on FX 7 co-main event bout with TUF Brazil’s Daniel Sarafian, but he rebounded very well in the second half of the fight. The bout ended up being extremely close, but it was Dollaway that won a split decision. The judges had it 29-28, 28-29, and 29-28. The third round was probably the best round of the night thus far.
After a long feeling-out process, Dollaway landed a few kicks in the first and Sarafian connected with a nice combination that made Dollaway smile. A big right from Sarafian dropped Dollaway, but the Brazilian wasn’t able to jump on him and finish. Dollaway grabbed on to him and looked for a takedown, but settled for returning to his feet. Sarafian landed another nice combination that had Dollaway guessing. Dollaway was able to settle in and land a couple of counters, but it was definitely Sarafian’s round.
Sarafian found more success with his striking in the second, landing a couple of big rights that stunned Dollaway. C.B. was connecting with some kicks, but it wasn’t nearly enough to overcome the big shots that he was taking. Dollaway managed to land a big uppercut with 10 seconds to go in the round though, and had Sarafian hurt pretty badly. He ran out of time though.
Both men landed big winging punches early in the third round. Sarafian was definitely slowing down. Sarafian dropped his hands and got hit with a couple of punches, then got taken down against the cage. Dollaway got to mount pretty much immediately. Sarafian managed to escape back to his feet, but got taken down once again. Sarafian looked very tired, but still managed to hit a beautiful sweep from half guard. Then Sarafian advanced to mount, and took the back. But it was Dollaway who hit a reversal this time. Sarafian landed a late knee on the feet that stunned Dollaway at the horn.
Great fight overall, and a big win for Dollaway.