Kennedy (photo) now has three wins in three fights in the UFC. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
| This coverage is sponsored by: |  |
This Wednesday (16), Michael Bisping and Tim Kennedy were finally able to resolve their differences inside the Octagon, during the TUF Nations Finale, held in Quebec City, Canada. And the result was not what the Englishman expected.
Returning to the UFC after almost a year away due to an eye injury, Bisping had difficulty containing Kennedy's takedown game, which proved to be a determining factor in the fight. Right from the beginning, the North American managed to take the fight to the ground, starting to work on the ground and pound in a timid manner until he reached mount.
In the second round, Kennedy looked tired and showed a less aggressive stance. He tried to take Bisping to the ground again, but to no avail. While the Englishman walked forward and attacked, albeit inefficiently, Kennedy walked backwards and did little.
This did not happen again in the third round, as Kennedy managed to take down his opponent in the opening seconds. On the ground, what was seen was a repeat of the first round, with the North American getting the mount. However, at no point did the fight seem close to a conclusion.
READ TOO: Laprise and Theodorou win the title at TUF Nations; Côté beats Noke in the duel between coaches
In the fourth round, Kennedy again became frustrated with his takedown attempts being avoided by Bisping. However, the North American started to accept the striking, even connecting good blows on the Englishman.
With that, the fight reached its final round in a decisive mood. In the first minute, Kennedy managed an important takedown, although Bisping struggled to get back to his feet. The North American managed to maintain his position, but without being able to work blows or submissions in a forceful way. Thus, the referee decided to return the fight to striking.
Kennedy immediately tried to get back at Bisping's legs, but the Englishman managed to push him away. The fight ended with the two striking, going to the judges' decision after five rounds.
All three judges gave the victory to Kennedy, who thus achieved his third consecutive UFC triumph. Bisping suffered his third defeat in the last five fights, as he had lost to Chael Sonnen e Vitor belfort.
After the decision was announced, the two fighters congratulated each other and stated that the rivalry, which had been fueled for months by both, was now a thing of the past.
The UFC will hold its next event this Saturday (19), with UFC on FOX 11, which will feature a heavyweight fight as its main event. Fabricio Werdum and Travis Browne.
Check out the results of the TUF Nations Finale:
MAIN CARD:
Tim Kennedy defeated Michael Bisping by unanimous decision of the judges (49 x 46, 49 x 46, 50 x 45);
Patrick Côté defeated Kyle Noke by unanimous decision (29 x 28, 29 x 28, 30 x 27);
Elias Theodorou defeated Sheldon Westcott via TKO in R2;
Chad Laprise defeated Olivier Aubin-Mercier via split decision (28 x 29, 29 x 28, 30 x 27)
Dustin poirier defeated Akira Corassani via TKO in R2;
PRELIMINARY CARD:
KJ Noons defeated Sam stout by knockout in R1;
Sarah Kaufman defeated Leslie Smith via unanimous decision (30 x 27, 30 x 27, 30 x 27);
Ryan Jimmo defeated Sean O’Connell by knockout in R1;
George Roop defeated Dustin Kimura via unanimous decision (29 x 28, 30 x 27, 29 x 26);
Mark Bocek defeated Mike de la Torre via split decision (28 x 29, 30 x 27, 29 x 28);
Nordine Taleb defeated Vik Grujic via unanimous decision (30 x 27, 30 x 27, 30 x 27);
Richard Walsh defeated Chris Indich by unanimous decision (30 x 27, 30 x 27, 30 x 27);
Mitch Gagnon defeated Tim Gorman via unanimous decision (30 x 27, 30 x 27, 30 x 27)
Comments