UFC on FOX 15 results: Chris Dempsey edges split decision over Eddie Gordon

Chris Dempsey

NEWARK, N.J. – In his first UFC fight at 185 pounds, Chris Dempsey’s dogged pursuit of Eddie Gordon paid off when the bout went the distance.

Dempsey (11-2 MMA 1-1 UFC) kept Gordon (7-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC) on his heels as he waded through punches to land his own and end the fight in top position, convincing two of three judges he had the edge.

The middleweight bout opened up the preliminary card of today’s UFC on FOX 15 event at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. It streamed on UFC Fight Pass ahead of additional prelims and a main card on FOX.

The final scores were 29-28 twice for Dempsey, who’s UFC debut at light heavyweight ended in a KO loss to Ilir Latifi, while the third judge dissented for Gordon, the winner of “The Ultimate Fighter 19? who remains winless in the promotion’s octagon following the show.

A knockout loss to Josh Samman sent Gordon unconscious to the mat this past December at UFC 181. In his first appearance since the big setback, he appeared slower and flat-footed in striking exchanges. Despite that, his straight punches repeatedly found Dempsey as he pushed forward. Dempsey, however, refused to relent, prompting Gordon to move for takedowns.

On several occasions, the two simply slugged it out on the feet. Although both landed heavy blows, neither was in danger of a finish. However, Dempsey’s output in later rounds and his late takedown ended the bout on an emphatic note.

Up-to-the-minute UFC on FOX 15 results include:

• Chris Dempsey def. Eddie Gordon via 29-28, 28-29, 29-28

For complete coverage of UFC on FOX 15, check out the UFC Events section of the site.

(MMAjunkie’s Matt Erickson contributed to this report on site in Newark.)