Desmond Green made the most of the UFC’s debut in his hometown of Rochester, soundly defeating Charles Jourdain via unanimous decision.
Des Green will be fighting in his hometown at UFC Rochester looking to start a winning streak. Green was a former Titan FC champion and Bellator competitor who was 19-5 when he signed with the UFC. Green is an even 3-3 since then with wins over Josh Emmett, Gleison Tibau, and most recently, Ross Pearson. Of his 22 career victories, only seven have been stopped before the final bell.
Charles Jourdain will be making his promotional debut at UFC Rochester after a 9-1 run in Canada. “Air” Jourdain has stoppages in all nine of his victories with six knockouts and three submissions. He is currently on a four-fight win streak that includes a defense of the TKO featherweight title. While he prefers the featherweight division, he’ll be moving up to lightweight for this opportunity.
Jourdain started the fight off walking forward, looking to land a flying knee. But, Green is moving easily out of the way. Jourdain threw a lot but couldn’t seem to find his timing. Green threw a lot less, but countered well. Jourdain has been blitzing in all round but Green would eventually get the body lock and get the takedown. Jourdain was able to get back to his feet and that’s where the round ends. Cageside Press scores round one a 10-9 for Green.
Jourdain starts off round two much like he did round one, putting on pressure and walking forward. Green was still countering well, but Jourdain is staying busy, mainly with the leg kicks. Green had success when he’s moving forward landing good body strikes in the clinch. Jourdain came charging forward looking to create some action as Green continued to circle out of danger. Cageside Press scores round 2 a 10-9 for Jourdain.
Jourdain continues to attack the lead left leg kick, it being the most significant strike in the fight thus far. Green staring to find his range at times, but backing up too much, allowing Jourdain to set the pace. With that said, with a little over a minute and a half left, Green times a good takedown. Jourdain gets back to his feet twice getting dumped right back down before. Jourdain gets to his feet with 30 seconds left, sprinting at Green, but Green runs until the final bell.
👂 "ROCHESTER, WHAT'S UP?!" – @predatortoon #UFCRochester pic.twitter.com/MBGdo4LbaL
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 18, 2019
Desmond Green def. Charles Jourdain by Unanimous Decision (30-27×2, 29-28)
