The UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Romero preliminary card is all wrapped up, and all of them were short-notice fights made due to the slew of fight cancellations. Several fighters made their debuts, and there were mixed results for them in Hollywood, Florida.
Sirwan Kakai def. Danny Martinez via unanimous decision (30-27 x3) – Bantamweights
Kakai was able to get past a very tough and durable Danny Martinez to win his UFC debut on short notice. He dropped Martinez in the opening round with a series of punches and a brutal knee in the clinch, but Martinez survived and saw out the rest of the round. Martinez found consistent success striking from range, but Kakai was too much for him in the clinch. Kakai ultimately nudged the win through his clinch striking, use of knees, and multiple takedowns and control to get the win on the scorecards. Martinez falls to 0-3 in the UFC.
Tony Sims def. Steve Montgomery via TKO (punches) at 2:43 of round 1 – Welterweights
Two newcomers to the Octagon fought to a very decisive and violent outcome. Sims was hurt by a knee in the clinch by Montgomery, but the southpaw returned fire and knocked Montgomery down with a vicious left hand. Another left hand while Montgomery was on the floor and on his stomach spelled the end of the fight.
Leandro Silva def. Lewis Gonzalez by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) – 174 lbs catchweight
A very sloppy fight with little excitement went the way of “Buscape”. Neither man had a considerable edge in the striking but Silva was able to take it through his superior grappling and strength. There really wasn’t much to this bout and action was sorely lacking. Gonzalez missed weight by 3 pounds, which is why this is being held at a catchweight.
Alex Oliveira def. Joe Merritt by unanimous decision (30-27 x3) – Welterweight
Merritt’s unbeaten record was snapped in his UFC debut, as “Cowboy” won a harder-than-expected decision over the former college football player. Oliveira looked to be close to a 1st round finish with a rear-naked choke but Merritt was able to escape and get into top position after being back-mounted. He reversed Oliveira again in the 2nd round and also survived a standing RNC later on. Merritt had glimpses of success on the feet but Oliveira was much too strong and was better on the ground, worthy of the decision win. Cowboy improves to 2-1 inside the Octagon.
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