UFC Boise results: Junior dos Santos out-strikes Blagoy Ivanov, wins decision
UFC

UFC Boise results: Junior dos Santos out-strikes Blagoy Ivanov, wins decision

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The UFC Boise main event just witnessed the promotion’s #8 ranked heavyweight Junior dos Santos strike his way to a decision win over UFC newcomer Blagoy Ivanov in the main event. JDS backed up Ivanov right away, landing to the body early and looking to come over the top with his patented right hand.

Ivanov started pressing forward in the third, but struggled to get inside the reach of JDS, and also struggled with the footwork of the former UFC champ. JDS would pick off Ivanov with his jab, and then scoot on out of the way before pumping his jab back out there. Ivanov went for it there in the final round, but JDS had plenty in the tank to continue to keep his feet moving and stay out of harm’s way. It’s dos Santos’ first win since beating Ben Rothwell in 2016.

Main Event:

Junior dos Santos def. Blagoy Ivanov by unanimous decision (50-45 x3): Heavyweight
JDS came out aggressive, backing his opponent up to the fence, but Ivanov was ready to throw counter punches. The referee briefly stopped the action to warn JDS about his fingers. JDS continued to press forward, attacking with a body cross and getting out of range of Ivanov’s counters.

JDS moved forward some more in the second round, attacking the body and coming over the top with his punches. Ivanov absorbed a clean overhand right from JDS, but ate it like it was nothing. The forward pressure of Ivanov started to pick up a bit as JDS started to give up ground, but JDS was still landing more of the strikes.

Ivanov landed a few punches to start the third round, but JDS wore them well. JDS hurt the left eye of Ivanov with a punch, but was cracked with a counter two-piece when he looked to move in on Ivanov. A massive left hand landed flush for Ivanov, causing JDS to backpedal. The referee paused the action to warn JDS about his fingers again.

The referee stopped the action again to remove some tape from the glove of JDS. Ivanov struggled to close the distance on JDS, getting stuck with jabs on his way inside. Ivanov appeared to be tired when he placed his hand atop the Octagon for a second to take a breath. JDS kept picking away at Ivanov and using his footwork to stay just outside of the punching range of Ivanov.

Ivanov came out aggressive in the final round, leaving JDS with a busted nose. The referee called yet another break in the action, this time for an eye poke to Ivanov. JDS went to work once the fight resumed, cracking Ivanov with a big ol’ right hand. Ivanov contimued to move forward, but just couldn’t quite string anything together to hurt JDS.