Frankie Saenz and Merab Dvalishvili put on a thrilling back-and-forth battle over three rounds to open the televised UFC Fresno card on Saturday.
Opening the UFC Fresno televised preliminary card on Fox Sports 1, bantamweights Frankie Saenz and Merab Dvalishvili threw down. For Merab Dvalishvili, it was his UFC debut after a big run in Ring of Combat that took him all the way to title gold. Coming into UFC Fight Night 123 on a six fight win streak, the former ROC bantamweight champ was looking to make a statement.
Saenz, meanwhile, had lost three straight in the UFC. He clearly had his back against the wall. Albeit Saenz had lost to some of the toughest names in the division, including Urijah Faber and Eddie Wineland, there was little question he was fighting for his roster spot on Saturday.
What unfolded in Saenz vs. Dvalishvili was a classic grappler vs. striker battle where both men were actually proficient in all areas. Dvalishvili went straight to the takedowns, shooting often, and landing them more often than not. However, Saenz was more than happy to answer level changes with hard knees, working them relentlessly in the clinch. Though an accidental headbutt that opened up Dvalishvili did the most damage in round one, there was no question that Saenz’s knees where having an impact. The problem was, so were the takedowns of Dvalishvili.
While round two saw more of the same, the pace was a little less frantic. Dvalishvili continued to be successful in taking Saenz down. However, the veteran Saenz was able to land more knees, and get back to his feet in short order. The big question was, how would the judges score the bout if it went the distance? Would repeated takedowns get the nod over repeated knees on the feet?
In the third, it was more of the same, but Saenz started to pull ahead a little. Getting his elbows into the mix, it felt like a finish was possible. Dvalishvili, however, got the fight back down again. Saenz would score a late uppercut, but it was clear this one would be decided on the scorecards. In the end, the judges found Saenz had done enough for the win in a split decision.
Frankie Saenz def. Merab Dvalishvili by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
