STOCKHOLM – Cathal Pendred did just enough to edge out Gasan Umalatov after three close rounds that saw both men struggle to gain the upper hand. In a slow-moving battle of attrition, it was Pendred (15-2-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) who was slightly more eager to get his offense going, and for his efforts he was awarded a split-decision victory (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) over a game, though at times hesitant, Umalatov (15-4-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) The welterweight bout was part of today’s UFC Fight Night 53 preliminary card. It streamed on UFC Fight Pass from Ericsson Globe in Stockholm. Pendred’s game plan was evident from the earliest moments of the fight as he looked to strike his way into a clinch with Umalatov before trying to nab a takedown against the fence. But Umalatov wouldn’t go down easy, and when Pendred was forced to strike with him in the center of the cage, it was Umalatov who looked like the the more dangerous fighter. A stinging hook by Umalatov put Pendred on his back in the second round, but that offensive pace would prove difficult to maintain
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UFC Fight Night 53 results: Cathal Pendred edges Gasan Umalatov for split decision – MMA Junkie