Alex Volkanovski did not give Shane Young any room to breathe to kick off the UFC Sydney main card.
Alex Volkanovski has been very impressive in his UFC career ahead of UFC Sydney. The Australian has amassed a 2-0 record in a pair of dominant performances. Volkanovski is 15-1 in his entire MMA career.
Shane Young will be stepping into the Octagon for the first time, carrying a five-fight win streak with him. “Sugar Shane” is 11-3 in his career with nine stoppages, five by knockout, four by submission. Young was notified of this fight just eight days ago.
The combatants were feeling each other out for the first minute until Volkanovski threw a big right then shot for a takedown after it missed. Young defended and separated, but Volkanovski got him to the cage again with a pair of punches. Volkanovski swept him off his feet twice, with Young popping up quickly both times.
After Young broke free, Volkanovski pushed forward again and landed a takedown this time. Young ate some ground and pound, then worked his way to his feet. Young could not escape, as Volkanovski continuously pushed him against the fence, after the final separation of the round, Volkanovski landed a spinning backfist.
Volkanovski landed a pair of hard punches to start the second round, leading to another clinch. Young broke free, avoided a backfist, then missed a head kick of his own. Like clockwork, overhand right into the clinch for Volkanovski. The former rugby player landed a takedown but could not stay in top position long.
After a period of separation, overhand right to clinch, but Young broke free again. It seemed as though Young was starting to fade though, as Volkanovski slammed him to the canvas twice to end the round.
Volkanovski clinched up early in round three, but Young was able to land a takedown for a change. Young had back side control until Volkanovski literally stood up and threw Young off of him. Volkanovski followed him and took guard, then passed to side control. Young worked his way up, but was stuck against the cage for the remainder of the round.
A pretty clean victory for Alex Volkanovski, who is now 3-0 in the Octagon.
Alex Volkanovski def. Shane Young by Unanimous Decision (30-26 x2, 30-27)
