Steven Asplund (left) defeated Brazilian Guilherme Pat (right) at UFC Las Vegas 120. Photo: Reproduction / UFC
Steven Asplund returned to winning ways this Saturday (8), at UFC Vegas 120. In a fight valid for the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg), the American defeated Guilherme Pat and recovered from the defeat suffered against Vitor Petrino in his last appearance. The fight was marked by moments of balance and alternating dominance, with the Brazilian reacting after a difficult first round and putting his opponent in trouble in the second round.
American struggles in the second round, but wins by decision.
Asplund started by pressing and relying on low kicks, while Guilherme Pat sought to close the distance and work in the clinch. The two alternated moments of advantage throughout the round. With two minutes remaining, the fighters returned to a more open exchange, with the American relying on combinations of punches. With one minute left, Asplund connected with a jab-straight sequence, knocking the Brazilian down and then pressuring him until the end of the round.
See too
In the second round, Guilherme Pat came back stronger and began to gain the upper hand in the striking exchanges, combining punches and finishing the sequences with crosses. Asplund quickly sought the clinch to slow the Brazilian down. Pat, however, connected with a beautiful left cross and knocked the American down. Midway through the round, Asplund managed to get back to his feet, but the Brazilian continued to control the action on his feet.
In the third round, Pat started again with the advantage in the striking exchanges, but Asplund reacted and landed a series of hard blows. The American even managed to lock in a guillotine choke, but the Brazilian resisted and escaped the position. With a minute and a half remaining, Asplund again sought the clinch and kept the fight tied up for as long as possible, trying to control the action and manage his advantage to win by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
The American gained notoriety on the regional circuit for his physical stature, constant pressure, and ability to finish fights quickly, with six knockouts.
UFC Vegas 120 results
MAIN CARD (21pm Brasília time)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Quillan Salkilld defeated Mateusz Gamrot by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:24 of round 1.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Carlos Diego Ferreira defeated Billy Quarantillo by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Yadier del Valle defeated Darren Elkins by knockout (punches) at 0:34 of round 1.
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Lexia Thainara defeated Amanda Lemos by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Ty Miller defeated Billy Ray Goff by technical knockout (punches) at 0:15 of round 3.
PRELIMINARY CARD (18pm Brasília time)
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Steven Asplund defeated Guilherme Pat by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Diyar Nurgozhay defeated Bruno Lopes by knockout (punches) at 4:59 of round 1.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): José Montanha defeated Louie Sutherland by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:50 of round 1.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Manoel Manumito defeated Richie Miranda by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Miles Johns defeated Gianni Vazquez by knockout (punches) at 3:9 of round 1.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Juliana Miller defeated Ravena Oliveira by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:38 of round 2.
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Carol Foro defeated Gigi Canuto by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
Comments