James Krause and Alex White had an exciting battle to close out the UFC St. Louis prelims, with Krause using grappling to come out on top.
James Krause was 4-3 during his first UFC run with impressive victories over Sam Stout and Daron Cruickshank. Krause then joined the cast of The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption after he pulled out of a pair scheduled bouts. Krause was the number one pick and and went 2-1, losing to eventual tournament winner Jesse Taylor (who was later suspended by USADA). Krause successfully returned to the UFC with a win in the show’s finale over Tom Gallicchio.
Alex White is a middling lightweight with a 3-3 record in the Octagon. White has earned knockouts in two of those three victories and most recently knocked out Mitch Clarke at UFC 215. White also returned to the lightweight division two fights ago and has gone 1-1.
James Krause landed a counter-right as White charged in with a combination to start things off. Alex White’s second rush was more successful landing a hard left hand. Krause reset and shot for a takedown after showing a quick combination.
Krause positioned himself over the legs of White and landed heavy ground and pound to the exposed head of White. Krause worked his way to the back but White was able to spin out and Krause landed in half guard. Krause passed to side control and worked some more punches in. After a tough start, Krause bounced back and took control of the first round.
Alex White rushed in and landed a two-punch combination quickly to start round two. White started to find a home for his punches, landing a five-punch combination on Krause. Krause decided to throw back during White’s third attack, landing a nice counter then successfully shooting a takedown. Krause ground away at White from guard until White reversed position with about a minute remaining. Krause got up quickly and attempted a guillotine that was tight, but the end of the round came before any tap did.
After missing a few punches, Alex White connected with a hook and knocked down James Krause. Krause bounced back up and clinched with White. White broke away, but Krause closed the distance right away and ate an elbow for his troubles. Krause held him there as long as possible until White separated and began to pop Krause on the feet again.
A hard right hand landed for White and Krause desperately attempted a takedown that failed. Krause, out of desperation, went for a flying armbar that almost worked, but it was just what he needed, as Krause reversed position and finished the fight in White’s guard.
James Krause def. Alex White by Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3)
