As expected, Mike Perry and Alex Oliveira went back-and-forth in their contest at UFC Fort Lauderdale, but it was Perry who had more juice in the tank.
Alex Oliveira has finally settled into the welterweight division after unsuccessfully attempting to fight at lightweight at the beginning of his UFC career. “Brazilian Cowboy” is 9-3 in the Octagon with seven stoppages. Since officially committing to welterweight in 2017, Oliveira is 4-2. Gunnar Nelson defeated Oliveira in his last appearance, which stopped a two-fight win streak.
Mike Perry is a very entertaining fighter who knocked out the first nine opponents in his career, two of which were in the UFC. After starting his Octagon career 4-1 with four knockouts, Perry has lost three of his last four fights, only defeating Paul Felder (who was moving up from lightweight for the contest) by split decision. Perry was most recently submitted by Donald Cowboy Cerrone in November.
As expected, the fight got off to a blistering start. Oliveira hit Perry with a hard right hand and Perry shot for a takedown along the fence. After breaking free, Oliveira shot for a takedown of his own. Cowboy pulled him down, but Perry popped up as Oliveira tried to take his back. They went back and forth with heavy shots in the first round before Perry responded to a missed spinning back fist by landing several hard hooks.
Oliveira landed a body kick early in the second round that sent Perry to the cage. Oliveira was all over him with strikes, but Perry responded by dropping Oliveira with a left. Perry then landed a slam takedown. Oliveira popped up and responded with dirty boxing in the clinch. Perry was able to land another takedown and this time he kept him there. Perry was battering Oliveira with ground-and-pound from half guard, but the Brazilian survived.
Mike Perry took over in the final round, rocking Oliveira several times. Oliveira had to run at times, but avoided finishing barrages by Perry. He was simply overwhelmed by “Platinum” in the final round. Somehow, he was able to tough it out and made it to the final bell. Perry took over an even fight in the final round in a very fun performance.
Mike Perry def. Alex Oliveira by Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3)
