Sean Strickland (dir.) reaches Paulo borrachinha (left) in UFC 302. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Inserted in the co-main fight of UFC 302, held this Saturday (1), in Newark (USA), Paulo borrachinha failed to fulfill its promise to overcome Sean Strickland. In a five-round fight, the Brazilian ended up falling victim to the pragmatic plan of the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), who imposed a volume of blows and controlled the actions for a large part of the fight. After five rounds, the North American was declared the winner in a split decision.
The defeat momentarily removes Borrachinha from competing for the belt again. If he surpassed the 'bad boy', the athlete would take first place in the ranking and be 'in front of goal' for a new opportunity.
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In his second commitment of the season, Strickland has plenty of reasons to celebrate. The challenge against the Brazilian marked his first confrontation after losing the title against Dricus Du Plessis.
Now, the North American is once again dreaming of a new title fight in the group.
Dream postponed
The fight started with Borrachinha taking the initiative with two low kicks. The Brazilian was aggressive and attacked his rival with long-range attacks. Strickland followed his familiar strategy, walking forward and imposing volumes of punches and kicks. With a minute gone, Paulo threw a cross that exploded in Sean's face. The American, however, continued walking towards the miner. The fight was tense, with Borrachinha reactive, walking backwards and launching attacks. In the final minute, Paulo lost his balance after a high kick and fell after a direct shot from the former champion. The Brazilian stayed on his feet, but the rest of the round was advantageous for the 'bad boy'.
In the second round, the first attack came from Strickland, with a low kick. Borrachinha continued walking backwards, but still striking. Sean tried to corner the Brazilian and kept walking towards the Tupiniquim. As the minutes passed, Strickland started to complain about the attacks he suffered on his legs. Paulo remained focused on strategy and did not get flustered in front of the former champion. In the final minute, Borrachinha launched the famous round shot, which exploded in the North American's guard. Close to the end of the stage, Paulo lost his balance again after receiving a jab, but there was no more time.
The third round began with the athletes exchanging jabs and kicks in the center of the octagon. Borrachinha continued to look for gaps in Strickland's closed guard. After a minute, Sean scared the Brazilian with a series of crosses and straight shots. Halfway through the stage, a new jab from Strickland rocked the Minas Gerais native. The Brazilian felt the moment and looked for a takedown, which was defended by the former champion. As time passed, the North American improved in the fight, while the Brazilian showed signs of fatigue.
In the fourth round, Strickland led the action and scored with kicks, jabs and straight shots. Borrachinha reported pain in his right leg. The Brazilian limped around the Octagon and stepped with difficulty. Strickland continued walking towards the miner and controlled the fight. The volume of Sean's blows increased the former champion's advantage. The fourth round continued with Strickland cautious, but with ample control over the game plan.
The last round began with the athletes exchanging attacks in the center of the octagon. Borrachinha tried to minimize the North American's previous actions. Halfway through the stage, Sean's jabs landed cleanly on the Brazilian's face again. In the final seconds, Borrachinha went to the canvas after receiving a high kick from Strickland, but there was no more time.
UFC 302 results
MAIN CARD
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Islam makhachev finished Dustin poirier with a guillotine at 2m42s of R5 – fight for the belt
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Sean Strickland derrotou Paulo borrachinha in the judges' split decision (49-46, 50-45, 49-46)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Kevin holland finished Michal Oleksiejczuk with an armbar at 1m34s of R1
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Niko Price derrotou alex morono in the decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Randy Brown derrotou Elizeu Capoeira in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Roman Kopylov derrotou Cesar Almeida in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29. 30-27)
Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Jailton Malhadinho finished Alexander Romanov with a rear naked choke at 2m27s of R1
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Grant dawson derrotou Joe Solecki in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Jake matthews derrotou Phil Rowe in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Bassil Hafez derrotou Mickey gall in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Ailin Perez derrotou Joselyne Edwards in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Andre Lima derrotou Mitch Raposo in the judges' split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
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