UFC Atlantic City hit the mat in the featured prelim, with sweeps and takedowns galore between Ryan LaFlare and Alex Garcia.
Alex Garcia went in with a left but Ryan LaFlare kept him at bay. LaFlare was able to get a brief takedown, but Garcia popped up quickly. LaFlare closed in on Garcia with punches and clinched him against the cage. LaFlare dragged him to one knee and landed knees to the body. When Garcia got up, LaFlare had double underhooks, but Garcia broke free.
Garcia got into clinch range and LaFlare took full advantage by spinning him to the cage. LaFlare was able to cause Garcia to stumble with an inside leg kick, and the round ended shortly after Garcia returned to his feet.
Garcia came in with a big right hand that nearly landed flush and LaFlare answered with a body kick. LaFlare was able to get a takedown on a second effort in the middle of the cage. LaFlare had the Dominican’s back but Garcia spun out, then LaFlare used butterflies to stand up.
Garcia plowed through LaFlare with a double leg, and stayed in top position for a good amount of time before LaFlare used the butterfly guard again. Garcia got another takedown but LaFlare swept to top position and was content to stay in half guard for the remaining minute of the round.
Garcia countered a body kick to start round three and earned a takedown. Garcia held LaFlare down for a minute before Marc Goddard stood them up. LaFlare stuffed a takedown and landed a head kick as he let Garcia up. LaFlare stuffed another takedown, but Garcia was able to transition to get top position.
Ryan LaFlare was able to crucify Garcia from his back but neither fighter truly had top position. As a result of the stalemate, Marc Goddard stood them up. One more stuffed takedown for LaFlare and that was that, time expired and the judge’s scorecards were consulted.
Ryan LaFlare def. Alex Garcia by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
