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By: Dan Moore, MMATorch UK Columnist
I was live in attendance today for UFC Fight Night 30. Here are some quick thoughts on the preliminary card:
Michael Kuiper vs. Brad Scott
Very unexpected poor performance from Michael Kuiper. Brad Scott, wary of the Dutchman's usually effective striking, closed the distance early. For a few minutes Scott pressed Kuiper up against the walls and Kuiper had no response other than a half hearted takedown from which Scott got straight back up. Kuiper went for a second takedown and while stuffing it, Scott seized the moment and executed a polished standing guillotine choke.
Brad Scott defeats Michael Kuiper via submission in Round One.
Robert Whiteford vs. Jimy Hettes
Round one saw Whiteford start quicker, but the round belonged to Hettes. Constant pressure up against the cage and again later in the round when he took the Scotsman's back looking for the rear-naked choke.
Round two started much like the first round ended. Hettes continued to pressure Whiteford, but Whiteford secured top control after a Hettes takedown. On his back, Hettes very quickly locked up and looked for the triangle. Whiteford didn't tap and the referee stopped the fight upon realising that Whiteford was out. That went on for a couple of seconds longer than it should.
Jimy Hettes defeats Robert Whiteford via Technical Submission (triangle) in Round Two
Andy Ogle vs. Cole Miller
This fight saw Cole Miller dominate for the first two rounds. He had Ogle's back in the latter part of round one, but seemed content to keep position rather than force the opportunity to secure a rear-naked choke.
Second round again saw Miller dominate, although his effective striking was non-existent despite having a 10 inch reach advantage over Ogle. It was the Englishman who looked more effective in the stand-up exchanges so it was a surprise that he went for a takedown in the third round. Miller clearly won the first two rounds with Ogle easily winning the third.
Cole Miller defeats Andy Ogle via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Rosi Sexton vs. Jessica Andrade
Jessica Andrade dominated Rosi Sexton from start to finish in this fight. Content to stand and trade from in the pocket, Andrade landed multiple combinations throughout. One of the most one-sided fights I've seen in a long while.
Due to their size, it's always unlikely that a TKO finish was forthcoming. Therefore, Sexton, showing great resilience, took a multitude of damage that wasn't necessary. Her corner could, and should have, thrown the towel in because she was never coming back to win that fight.
Another ridiculous decision was the judge who scored the fight 30-27. Not sure what a fighter has to do to get a 10-8, or even 10-7 round. Andrade dominated that fight and as a contest it wasn't even close.
A great performance by Luke Barnatt against a considerably higher ranked opponent in Andrew Craig. Barnatt knocked down Craig in the first round with a excellent two punch combination, but hesitated, allowing Craig to recover enough to see out the round.
On to the second and Barnatt continued to jab with his left well. Early in the second he knocked down Craig with a well executed punch, but hesitated once again thinking Craig was out. Seconds later and Barnatt took Craig's back and the American tapped out due to rear-naked choke.
Luke Barnatt defeats Andrew Craig via submission (Rear-naked choke) in Round Two
Al Iaquinta vs. Piotr Hallmann
While Hallmann always looked a threat, Iaquinta grew stronger as the fight progressed. His striking was more effective and his agility kept Hallmann at bay in the exchanges. Hallmann just didn't have enough in him to take the fight where he needed it to go.
Hallmann had a great win over Francisco Trinaldo in Brazil last month. The former Cage Warriors lightweight couldn't repeat that upset and Iaquinta moves on to 2-1 in the UFC, hopeful that win will earn him the fight he wants against Anthony Njokuani.
Al Iaquinta defeats Piotr Hallmann via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
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