Kennedy Nzechukwu fought through three kicks to the groin to win by decision at UFC Newark against Darko Stosic.
Light heavyweight prospects Kennedy Nzechukwu and Darko Stosic opened up the UFC Newark main card looking to get back in the win column.
Darko Stosic landed a heavy leg kick early on and stayed busy with them. Kennedy Nzechukwu wasn’t defending until he checked one, causing Stosic to shoot for a takedown. Nzechukwu defended then landed a two punch combination on the exit. Stosic stuck with the leg kicks, but Nzechukwu was starting to defend more. Kennedy walked him down, flashing stepping knees but not quite landing. Stosic slowed down his pursuit of the leg kicks, then had a burst of energy at the end of the round, throwing several hard bombs on a covering up Nzechukwu to close the round.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Darko Stosic
Nzechukwu was immediately caught by a kick below the belt to start the second round. Nzechukwu walked down Stosic when action resumed but was unable to land anything of significance. Stosic was trying for his leg kicks, but they weren’t as effective this time around. Nzechukwu landed a combination as he continued to walk down Stosic, who landed a left hook then a takedown. Nzechukwu was able to get right back up and was landing consistent jabs, then was caught below the belt again. The referee took a point as a result. A body kick landed for Stosic, but the jab of Nzechukwu was the story of this round.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-8 Kennedy Nzechukwu
A double-jab landed right away for Nzechukwu who kept Stosic on the back foot in the final round. A hard right hook landed for for Stosic then a brief takedown. After returning to the feet, Nzechukwu got back to advancing but was caught in the groin yet again. Another point was taken, meaning Stosic needed a finish. Stosic landed a pair of hard left hooks, but the straight punches of Nzechukwu kept coming. Another brief takedown landed for Stosic, leading to a clinch battle against the cage. Kennedy broke free, landed a few jabs and was taken down again for a moment. Nzechukwu popped up and Stosic landed a leg kick as time expired.
Cageside Press scored the round 9-9 (28-27 Nzechukwu)
Kennedy Nzechukwu def. Darko Stosic by Unanimous Decision (28-27 x2, 29-26)
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