UFC Belem’s prelims featured another Brazilian victory, as Alan Patrick used his wrestling to get by dangerous striker Damir Hadzovic.
Damir Hadzovic is a Bosnian lightweight that was 10-2 before signing with the UFC. He was unfortunately a victim of the rise of dynamic lightweight Mairbek Taisumov in his promotional debut, but bounced back with a well-timed knee that knocked out Marcin Held. Of Hadzovic’s 11 career wins, six have come via knockout.
Alan Patrick is a talented Brazilian fighter whose only career loss has come against the aforementioned Taisumov. Patrick is 4-1 in the UFC and is on a two-fight win streak. “Nuguette” is 14-1 in his MMA career.
Wild start to the contest as Hadzovic rushed forward right into a Patrick takedown. As Hadzovic stood up, Patrick attempted a standing guillotine, but the Bosnian popped out. Patrick transitioned to his back, then Hadzovic turned him around against the cage.
Patrick separated himself, pushed forward, and landed a pair of punches into a takedown. Hadzovic immediately went for an armbar, but Patrick broke free into ground and pound. Hadzovic stood up, but Patrick was relentless. Another takedown later and Patrick ended the round with a series of punches.
Patrick blitzed forward to start the round with a pair of body kicks that backed Hadzovic into the fence. Patrick was able to take his opponent down, and as Hadzovic was standing, Patrick took his back. Patrick scooted away from the fence on Hadzovic’s back and worked for the rear-naked. The body triangle was established and Hadzovic couldn’t move. After over two minutes of back control, the round came to a close.
Another wild start to the round as Patrick sprinted forward, but Hadzovic was able to stay off the fence. Patrick’s pursuit never stopped, striking his way to Hadzovic and taking him down through a hard knee to the body. Patrick stayed in Hadzovic’s guard for over a minute, until Hadzovic stood up only to be taken down again. Patrick had his back this time, and was again unable to get a finish. The back control lasted to the end and Patrick cruised to a decision victory.
Alan Patrick def. Damir Hadzovic by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
