Undefeated Alexey Kunchenko looked to add to his UFC resume with a win over Yushin Okami at UFC Adelaide.
Alexey Kunchenko was looking to add to a successful 2018 campaign at UFC Adelaide. First defeating Thiago Alves at UFC Russia, he could add another well-known name to his list with a win over Yushin Okami on Saturday. And yes, despite looking like his resume was straight out of 2009, Okami actually retains his standing in the sport. He’s had a lot of recent success, winning five of his last six bouts going into the fight against Alexey. Ergo, maintaining his good name.
That might change after UFC Adelaide, mind you. Round one was a mostly uneventful round, with both men having success. No doubt it would be a hard one to judge. Predictably, Okami tried to use his wrestling, but Kunchenko proved to have good takedown defense, and some good strength in the clinch. Round two however was when Kunchenko really turned it on.
It looked like Okami was beginning to get desperate in the second. Alexey Kunchenko came forward with big combinations and continued to put pressure on the older fighter. Okami began recklessly shooting for takedowns, all of which Kunchenko stopped. Kunchenko landed some really good shots moving in, which combined with the near-perfect takedown defense, was quickly allowing him to run away with the fight. A near-knockdown ended the round.
Round three saw the striking clinic by Alexey continue, with the Russian landing some great combinations. He repeatedly found a good home for the right hand. Even landing a couple of headkicks, the pressure was on Okami. The Japanese veteran even paid whenever he did find a way to get Alexey to the fence, eating tons of elbows when looking for the clinch. Kunchenko ended the bout by landing repeated blows, looking for the finish.
Kunchenko landing here in round 3 has Okami staggered. #UFCAdelaide pic.twitter.com/FJJPjBwOmt
— UFC (@ufc) December 2, 2018
He didn’t get it, but put on a great performance nonetheless. Add Kunchenko as one to watch in 2019.
Alexey Kunchenko def. Yushin Okami by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
