UFC on Versus 5 Play-by-Play: Joseph Benavidez vs. Eddie Wineland

Joseph Benavidez vs. Eddie Wineland (bantamweight)

Round 1: Wineland takes control of the center of the Octagon. Benavidez immediately showing a lot of movement and is shifting back and forth in his stance. Wineland is countering as Benavidez moves in and out, quickly puts a mouse under Benavidez’s left eye, but also has a cut on his forehead. Benavidez swings big and lands some arching punches, staggering Wineland and bloodying his nose. Blood is pouring from Wineland’s nose as the fight continues. Benavidez remains patient, kicking at Wineland’s legs.  MMAWeekly.com scores round one 10-9 for Benavidez

Round 2: Benavidez swinging away at the bell, but eats a couple counter punches from Wineland. Benavidez looks like he may have got poked in the eye and turns away, but referee Josh Rosenthal doesn’t stop the action, and Wineland swarms him. They quickly separate and get back to trading punches. Benavidez has slowed a bit since the incident, however. Wineland isn’t really pressing the action though, still remaining in the center of the Octagon. Benavidez picks up on Wineland’s lack of aggression and starts pressing again, landing a couple good shots as he rushes in. He shoots, but Wineland defends. They clinch up, trading knees, and Benavidez scores an uppercut on the break. Wineland sprawls a second Benavidez takedown attempt and again they clinch and trade knees before separating. Benavidez lands a couple shots and then shoots and finally gets the takedown, if only briefly, just before the bell. MMAWeekly.com scores round two 10-9 for Benavidez

Round 3: Benavidez clips Wineland with a hook, but slips and can’t follow up. Benavidez rushes Wineland and rocks him with a punch, and just misses with a flying knee. Wineland staggers back into the fence. Wineland begins to recover, but Benavidez lands a head kick, keeping Wineland in counter mode. Benavidez moves in and out at will, eating a few shots here and there, but overall, he is pushing the pace and landing many more blows. Wineland is starting to show a little more movement, but he’ll need a KO at this point in order to win. Benavidez is being a little more select in his attacks now, sensing that the decision is within his grasp. Good body shot from Benavidez, diving in and out, overcoming Wineland’s reach the entire fight. MMAWeekly.com scores round three 10-9 and the fight 30-27 for Benavidez

Joseph Benavidez def. Eddie Wineland by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), R3