Nordine Taleb earned his first victory since December of 2017 at UFC Ottawa. The 37-year-old veteran defeated Kyle Prepolec via unanimous decision on the preliminary portion of the card.
Nordine Taleb is a Canadian welterweight who has been inconsistent in the UFC with a 6-4 Octagon record and losses in his last two appearances. He was formerly a Ring of Combat champion and a three-time Bellator veteran before settling in on MMA’s biggest stage. Taleb also appeared on two separate seasons of The Ultimate Fighter but was 0-2 in those opportunities. The Tristar product’s last win was a head kick knockout in December of 2017 against Danny Roberts.
Kyle Prepolec is replacing Siyar Bahadurzada on short-notice to make his promotional debut at UFC Ottawa. Prepolec is a 17-fight veteran on the Canadian circuit with his latest win coming against UFC veteran Cody Pfister. The Windsor, Ontario, native has finished 10 of his 12 career victories.
Taleb starts off the first with an aggressive kickboxing attack. Nothing landing flush but Taleb is throwing a lot as Prepolec is having trouble finding his range. Preploec is attacking the body of Taleb well with his left hook and a kick to the liver. More so a feeling out process in round one it was Taleb controlling the distance.
Cageside Press scores round one 10-9 for Taleb.
Round 2 much like round 1 Taleb is finding his rhythm with his kicks on the outside. The reach and speed advantage is working well for Taleb as he is countering Prepolec when he comes in with the right hook. Taleb is landing the lead leg kick over and over and does a great job outpointing Prepolec to the end of the round.
Cageside Press scores round two 10-9 for Taleb.
Prepolec pressing forward in round 3 but is just throwing one punch and resetting which is causing him to be countered. Taleb is fighting patiently hammering the leg kicks and utilizing the teep kick to the midsection. The fight closes out with continued work from the outside from Taleb as he did buckle Prepolec with the lead leg kick.
Cageside Press scores round three 10-9 for Taleb.
Leg kicks serious!@TNT83MMA #UFCOttawa pic.twitter.com/OLZ2gIg8JD
— UFC (@ufc) May 4, 2019
Nordine Taleb def. Kyle Prepolec via unanimous decision (30-27×3)
