Stipe Miocic was able to execute his gameplan to score the biggest victory of his career as he defeated Roy Nelson by unanimous decision in the co-main event of UFC 161.
The bout opened with each fighter swinging away and both guys attempted to take the fight to the ground. Miocic continued to circle away from the right hand of Nelson and clinched up with him against the cage.
Nelson would break away from the clinch. As the fighters exchanged strikes, Miocic began to land combinations and caused Nelson to attempt a takedown. He stopped the attempt and they continued their boxing fight.
Miocic landed a right hand that rocked Nelson and he landed several short strikes against the fence. Nelson would be able to survive the flurry of punches and make it out of the opening round.
As the second round started, Miocic continued to control the fight as he was able to land strikes and get out of danger before Nelson could land a punch. Miocic continued to land his strikes and Nelson appeared to be gassing out. Miocic landed a combination with 30 seconds left in the round and heads into the third round up two rounds.
In the final round, Miocic continued to control the bout and Nelson was unable to land his big right hand. Every time Nelson appeared to be getting his offense going, Miocic was able to break away and reset. Miocic would continue to land his jab and he would go on to win the fight by unanimous decision on the judges scorecards.
The lost for Nelson snaps a three fight winning streak and all of his defeats in the UFC have come by unanimous decision.
UFC 161 Results:
Stipe Miocic def. Roy Nelson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Ryan Jimmo def. Igor Pokrajac via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Alexis Davis def. Rosi Sexton via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-28)
Shawn Jordan def. Pat Barry via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, :59
Jake Shields def. Tyron Woodley via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
James Krause def. Sam Stout via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 3, 4:47
Sean Pierson def. Kenny Robertson def. majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
Roland Delorme def. Edwin Figueroa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Mitch Clarke def. John Maguire via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Yves Jabouin def. Dustin Pague via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)