Alex Caceres utilized his movement to perfection, earning a solid decision victory over Steven Peterson at UFC San Antonio.
Former Dana White Contender Series veteran Steven Peterson had struggled to find consistency ahead of UFC San Antonio. The 29-year-old Californian was 3-4 in his last seven bouts, which featured appearances in both Legacy Fighting Alliance and the UFC. Since joining the UFC in February of last year, Peterson was 1-2 before his bout with Alex Caceres. In his most recent bout, Peterson lost a unanimous decision to Luis Peña in March.
Caceres has had similar struggles to Peterson. The 20-fight UFC veteran was 2-2 in his last four bouts, and 4-4 in his last eight coming into UFC San Antonio. In his one previous bout in 2019, Caceres was submitted in the first round by promotional newcomer Kron Gracie.
The duo exchanged big shots in the first minute of the first round. Peterson pressed forward from the center of the Octagon, trying to get inside of Caceres’ range. A leg kick from Peterson was answered with a hard left from Caceres, who continued to circle on the outside of the Octagon.
A right hook from Peterson then sent Caceres backward against the cage. From there, he’d grab the veteran and drag him to the ground. Peterson took Caceres’ back and with both hooks in worked for a rear-naked choke. Caceres was able to get to his feet, but Peterson stayed on his back and eventually got him back down to the ground as the round ended.
Between rounds Caceres told his corner he’d broken his left hand. Despite the injury, Caceres continued to throw the left hand to the body and the head of Peterson. A cut above the left eye of Peterson from round one continued to bleed profusefly throughotu round two, as both men battled difficulties in round two. Caceres’ was the more comfortable in striking range throughout the first half of the second round. He landed the cleaner shots more consistently. Peterson’s pressure didn’t wane as the round ended. But, Caceres gained control of the bout in the second stanza.
Caceres’ movement was a great defense for Peterson’s pressure. Neither man seemed to tire early in round three. The veteran landed well from range while circling, as Peterson shot for a lazy takedown that he wouldn’t land with 3:40 remaining in the fight. Caceres jab found a home throughout round three, bloodying the face due to the cut above Peterson’s left eye. Utilizing the “stick and move” strategy well, Cacerels was in control. Peterson was able to land a takedown with less than a minute left in the bout. But he was unable to land any significant offense as the fight ended.
Result: Alex Caceres def. Steven Peterson by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28×2)
Check out the rest of the results from UFC San Antonio here!
