Paulo Thiago snapped a two fight losing streak at UFC on FX 8 with a decision victory over UFC newcomer Michel Prazeres.
Prazeres opened the fight by throwing a leg kick and looked to take the fight to the ground. Thiago was able to prevent the takedown attempt against the cage and Prazeres continued to look for a takedown. Thiago would end up getting a takedown but Prazeres was able to get back to his feet.
After a lack of action against the fence, referee Mario Yamasaki separated the fighters and the fight returned to the middle of the cage. The fighters engaged in a kick boxing fight as Thiago began to land his punches and kicks.
In the opening minute of the second round, Thiago landed a punch that dropped his opponent and went to work on the ground in top position. As Thiago went for the back, Prazeres was able to escape and get to his feet. The fight would end up back on the mat as each fighter looked for a dominant position. As the fighters got back to their feet, Prazeres landed a left hand and took the fight to the ground. Thiago would be able to survive and then got top position and he would open up a cut on the forehead of Prazeres as the round ended.
Thiago was the aggressor at the beginning of the third round as he walked down his opponent. The fighters exchanged punches before Prazeres looked for a takedown against the cage. Thiago was able to defend the takedown and the referee separated the fighters after a lack of action. After the restart, they exchange strikes and Prazeres looked for a takedown in the final moments but Thiago was the one that got the takedown and landed strikes in side control as the round ended.
All three judges scored the fight for Thiago (15-5) and he gets his first win since UFC 134 in 2011.
UFC on FX 8 Results:
Paulo Thiago def. Michel Prazeres via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Yuri Alcantara def. Iliarde Santos via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 2:31
Fabio Maldonado def. Roger Hollett via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-27)
John Lineker def. Azamat Gashimov via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 1:07
Jussier Formiga def. Chris Cariaso via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Lucas Martins def. Jeremy Larsen via KO (punch) – Round 3, :13