Leonard Garcia knew that he needed a win to stay in the UFC on Saturday night, but Cody McKenzie used his grappling to get a decision victory.
McKenzie dominated the first and second rounds with his grappling as he went for numerous submission attempts on the ground. Garcia was unable to get off his back and entered the third round knowing he would need a stoppage to get a victory.
In the final round, Garcia was able to keep the fight on the feet for a majority of the round and was looking to get into a brawl with his opponent. However, McKenzie was able to move away from the punches of Garcia and fight went the distance.
Two of the three judges scoring the fight gave all three round to McKenzie and the third judge scored one round for Garcia.
McKenzie (14-3) improves his UFC record to 3-3 and this is the first time in his career that has gone the distance. Garcia (15-11-1) has now lost five in a row and he will likely get released by the UFC following this defeat.
UFC 159 Results:
Cody McKenzie def. Leonard Garcia via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Steven Siler def. Kurt Holobaugh via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)