Vinc Pichel’s forward momentum made the difference Saturday as he earned a unanimous decision against Joaquim Silva at UFC Charlotte.
At UFC on FOX 27 in Charlotte Saturday, Vinc Pichel looked to continue the journey back from hell. The fighter, aptly nicknamed ‘From Hell’ went through a tumultuous period over the last few years, dogged by injury and other turmoil. However, he bounced back last Summer against Damien Brown, and looked to continue the trend at UFC Charlotte.
Opposite Pichel in the octagon on Saturday was Brazil’s Joaquim Silva, who entered the night a perfect 10-0. Three of those wins had come under the UFC banner. Pichel vs. Silva kicked off the televised preliminary card of UFC Charlotte.
Pichel held the center of the octagon early, with Silva keeping light on his feet and circling out of harm’s way. A brief trip by Silva against the fence allowed Pichel to land first, with a leg kick. A pair of body shots by Pichel came shorly after. Body kicks were key for ‘From Hell’ — but he was forced to run in to get past the lead kick of Silva. Silva failed to get much offense off until the final 90 seconds, clipping Pichel near the eye with a high kick. A follow up strike had Pichel retreating, but he regrouped. A slip by Silva opened the door for a takedown attempt, but Silva showed exellent balance staying up.
In round two, Pichel worked his way inside early, landing a partially blocked standing elbow. A left hand for Pichel came seconds later. Silva answered back with a jab-cross combo. Pichel was the aggressor again, however, pressing forward and attacking with kicks while switching stances. Silva then began pressing the action, only to get caught with a knee to the body and a combo after launching a kick. With both men looking to land counters, it was Pichel more often than not being aggressor in the second, just as in round one. To finish out the round, he hit home with an upper cut and hard leg kick, and round three was going to get interesting.
The third saw Silva coming out looking more aggressive. However, Pichel caught a kick early, scoring a takedown. It didn’t last, and back on the feet, Pichel was looking a little tired. His corner called for him to use his jab to set up a take down, but it was easier said than done. The pair continued to work on the feet, trading kicks. The final minute of the round saw the action pick up, with Pichel shooting from the outside, trying for a takedown. A final exchange, and it went to the judges, with all three scoring it for Pichel, 29-28.
Vinc Pichel def. Joaquim Silva by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
