In what may end up being the fight of the night at UFC on FOX 8, Ed Herman was able to outstrike Trevor Smith and score a split decision victory.
The bout opened with each fighter landing punches and they clinched with each other. Smith would lead Herman to the fence and Smith landed a couple of knees to the body.
As they separated from each other in the clinch, both guys landed significant strikes. After Smith landed several big punches, Herman followed up with big shots of his own before they clinched against the cage. They would continue to clinch with each other until the end of the round with Herman landing several significant strikes.
In the second round, Smith opened by landing a leg kick but Herman was able to take the fight to the ground and looked for a choke. Smith would be able to escape and get back to his feet. Once again, they would clinch with each other and Herman would break out of the clinch.
Smith went for a takedown with just over two minutes to go in the round and it was successful. Herman worked his way back to his feet and they continued to strike with each other. Herman would initiate the clinch and Smith was able to land a knee and went for a guillotine choke as they went to the ground. Herman would escape the submission and the fight heads to the third and final round.
Smith was able to land a big right hand at the beginning of the third round but Herman was able to take the fight to the ground. While on his back, Smith was able to lock in a guillotine choke but Herman escaped and he worked for an arm triangle choke. Smith would defend the choke and get back to his feet.
The final three minutes of the fight would be on the feet with the fighters beginning to slow down. They would swing until the final bell and two of the three judges scored the fight for Herman (21-9, 1NC) and this is his first win since the beginning of 2012. Smith (10-4) has now lost back to back fights and this was his debut in the UFC.
UFC on FOX 8 Results:
Ed Herman def. Trevor Smith via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
Germaine de Randamie def. Julie Kedzie via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Justin Salas def. Aaron Riley via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Yaotzin Meza def. John Albert via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:49