‘OSP’ Survives Early Injury Scare To Defeat Rafael Cavalcante
Two former Strikeforce light heavyweight bruisers did battle on the main card of UFC Fight Night 82. Former Strikeforce 205-pound title holder Rafael Cavalcante (12-7) took on Ovince St. Preux (19-7) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
St. Preux threw out a high kick that got blocked. “Feijao” missed a leg kick. A lunging straight right hand from “OSP” was blocked as well. St. Preux landed a leg kick, but seemed to land wrong and started moving gingerly. Cavalcante took advantage with heavy leg kicks. “OSP” ate a right hand, but he landed a left hand and dropped “Feijao.” The round ended with St. Preux in top control.
Round two saw “OSP” move around a bit better. Cavalcante continued to be hesitant and was in defensive mode. “Feijao” opened up with a right hand. “OSP” landed two solid jabs. St. Preux dropped an off-balanced Cavalcante once again. “OSP” stood in full guard and rained down hammerfists. “Feijao” survived the round.
An uppercut found the chin for St. Preux. Cavalcante swung wild and “OSP” avoided danger. St. Preux went for a takedown and pressed his opponent against the cage momentarily. The second takedown attempt was successful. Cavalcante regained closed guard, but didn’t do much off his back. St. Preux seemed content to grind out a decision win. “OSP” landed some stiff punches late and the final horn sounded.
Unsurprisingly, all three judges awarded the win to St. Preux.
Final Result: Ovince St. Preux def. Rafael Cavalcante via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
