At UFC Calgary, the hometown hero Hakeem Dawodu had a great performance against Austin Arnett.
The potential outcome for Dawodu vs. Arnett fight was big going in. That much was certain going into UFC Calgary. Both Austin Arnett and Hakeem Dawodu had lost their fights in the UFC. Dawodu lost to Danny Henry in March, a fight that was supposed to be his coming out party. And Arnett had lost to Cory Sandhagen in January via TKO. This being a fight where the loser could get a cut, it was expected both fighters would bring it, and so they did.
Dawodu came forward and attacked Arnett with leg kicks that hindered his movement from the first couple of kicks. Arnett, with his strained movement, continued to soldier forward and look for right hands. However the bout was always in Dawodu’s control as he showed great movement and timing in addition to his excellent leg kicks. It was a three round showcase, although perhaps there was a moral victory in Arnett going the distance.
Dawodu, after a lackluster debut in the UFC, showed the full extent of his skills in this fight, which took him to the victory in his hometown. Back on track, it’s going to be interesting to see where the young Canadian fighter goes from here.
Hakeem Dawodu def. Austin Arnett by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
