UFC on Fox 11 Play-by-Play: Mirsad Bektic vs. Chas Skelly

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Mirsad Bektic vs. Chas Skelly

Round 1: Each fighter threw a number of punches early, but all were short of their marks as they measured their distances. Skelly landed first with a strong right hand, then the two clinched against the cage. Bektic turned the corner, pushing Skelly against the fence. The two broke apart and later exchanged punches in flurries. Skelly rolled into guard, but Bektic landed a number of punches and elbows while there. Bektic worked to advance to half guard, finishing the round on top.

Round 2: Skelly threw a jab to open up the round, but his opponent countered with a one-two combination. Skelly again tried the jab, but met another Bektic counter, this time with an uppercut. Skelly shot in to get the takedown, but Bektic avoided the ground, bringing the two into a clinch against the cage. Bektic spun away and the two engaged in an exchange, and Skelly found an opening with punches. As Bektic backpedaled, Skelly pursued and started kneeing him against the cage. Bektic had his two feet and right hand on the mat, and Skelly kneed him to the head, bringing a halt the action by the referee for illegal strikes. After a point deduction and few minutes to recover, the fight continued into brief exchanges before the end of the round.

Round 3: After a minute into the final round, Bektic secured a big slam and takedown, bringing the fight to the canvas. Bektic held top position for a few moments, but Skelly rolled into a reversal and secured the back of his opponent. Bektic shook Skelly off his back, and regained top position. While in half guard, Bektic landed light punches, and Skelly later worked his way back to his feet against the cage. Bektic shot in for a takedown and the two scrambled on the floor before entering 50-50 position. As Skelly worked for an ankle lock, Bektic hammered away and avoided the submission before the end of the round and the fight.

Official Call: Mirsad Bektic def. Chas Skelly by majority decision (29-27, 29-27, 28-28).

Mirsad Bektic:

“I’m usually very aggressive when I fight, but my coaches wanted me to work on staying composed this time. I picked my spots carefully against him. I got careless a few times and that’s where he was able to get me. But my takedown defense was great and wrestling was his strength, so I feel pretty good about that.

“The illegal knee definitely hurt, but I was able to weather it and move on as soon as we got back to action. Overall, I’m happy with my performance over a pretty tough opponent.”

Chas Skelly:

“I was too concerned with getting one punch in and not really setting anything up. We had some great back and forth and it sounded like the fans liked it. The illegal knee situation was unfortunate with the way that it happened. I wish I would have gotten the win, but other than that, I’m pretty happy with how I performed.”  

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