Sergio Moraes Takes Split Decision Over Zak Ottow

USATSI 9294650 168382968 lowres

A welterweight clash served as the opening bout for UFC Fight Night 100 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The two competitors doing battle were Sergio Moraes (11-2-1) and Zak Ottow (14-4).

“The Panther” fought hard in a split decision win that is sure to cause a stir in the mixed martial arts community.

Immediately, Moraes moved forward with a straight right hand. Ottow looked for a right hand of his own. The Brazilian went for a takedown to no avail. “”The Panther” went for a single leg takedown and dumped his opponent to the mat. Moraes moved to half guard, but didn’t do any significant damage. Moraes controlled the rest of the round.

READ MORE:  Islam Makhachev rips UFC ace Dustin Poirier: 'If you could beat anybody, you'd be holding this belt right now'

Under a minute into the second stanza, Moraes landed a right hand. Ottow had his punches blocked. He moved forward and landed a right hand. “The Panther” didn’t attempt a takedown more than halfway through the round. “The Barbarian” looked to get into a rhythm as his opponent chose to stay standing. Finally, Moraes shot in but he was stuffed. Moraes landed a combination, his most effective offense in the round. A high kick from Ottow was block as the round ended.

The final frame began and Moraes landed a hard right hand, while his opponent kept attacking the leg with kicks. An overhand right from “The Panther” had Ottow wobbly and he proceeded to land a takedown. Unlike the first round, Ottow got back to his feet. “The Barbarian” put the pressure on his opponent, who couldn’t score another takedown. He connected with a one-two combination and a body kick. Moraes had no answer for his opponent’s kicks and strikes. Another body kick found the mark for Ottow. Moraes swung wild near the final horn.

READ MORE:  Tom Aspinall calls for Curtis Blaydes title fight with UFC England PPV set: 'I want to get that one back'

One judge saw Ottow as the winner, but the other two judges gave Moraes all three rounds awarding the Brazilian the victory.

Final Result: Sergio Moraes def. Zak Ottow via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 30-27)