Stephen Thompson made his first appearance in the octagon in over a year and was able to do enough against Nah-Shon Burrell to score a decision victory.
Thompson opened up the fight with leg kicks and Burrell attacked him with punches as Thompson backed away. They grappled with each other against the cage and Thompson looked for a takedown. After being unable to get the takedown, Thompson backed away and the fight moved to the center of the cage.
The fight would end up on the ground when Thompson initiated the takedown but Burrell would get back to his feet immediately. After separating from each other, Burrell landed two punches and they continued to grapple.
Once again they separated and Thompson began to open up and throw strikes. After eating two punches, Burrell grabbed Thompson and the fighters continued to grapple with each other against the fence and the round would come to an end.
In the second round, the fighters continued to strike with each other and grapple against the fence. Thompson began to work the body of Burrell in the middle of the round and looked for a takedown with two minutes left in the round. The attempt would be unsuccessful and they continued to grapple against the fence. The fighters broke away from each other and Thompson landed several strikes. They continued to strike as the round ended with Thompson having the edge.
Burrell opened the final round with a right hand and pressured Thompson. Just like the previous rounds, the fighters grappled with Thompson in the better position. When the action was in the center of the cage, Thompson landed strikes and Burrell continued to come forward looking to land his strikes. With two minutes left in the fight, Thompson did get a takedown but Burrell was able to get back to his feet.
In the final minute of the fight, Thompson appeared to be tired but Burrell could not take advantage and the fight went to the judges scorecards where all three judges scored the fight for Thompson.
UFC 160 Results:
Stephen Thompson def. Nah-Shon Burrell via unanimous decsion (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
George Roop def. Brian Bowles via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 1:43
Jeremy Stephens def. Estevan Payan via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)