Kyung Ho Kang overcame adversity, earned a knockdown and scored several takedowns to earn a split decision victory over Brandon Davis at UFC 241.
In the second bout on the UFC 241 Fight Pass prelims, Kyung Ho Kang took on Brandon Davis in a bantamweight battle.
Kang (15-8) has won four of his last five bouts. The 31-year-old most recently submitted Teruto Ishihara at UFC 234 earlier this year. His only set back since 2013 was a split decision defeat to Brazil’s Ricardo Ramos. Kang has finished 13 out of his 15 wins, 11 via submission.
Davis (10-6) made the drop to bantamweight for the first time in April, defeating UFC debutant Randy Costa via rear-naked choke at UFC 236. Davis made his way into the UFC via Dana White’s Contender Series and has already faced solid tests in the Octagon. This includes a submission defeat to Zabit Magomedsharipov, and a unanimous decision defeat to Enrique Barzola. Davis has finished 60% of his wins, three via submission and three via (T)KO.
Round 1:
Both men exchanged leg kicks to start the bout. Davis landed a right hand, which made Kang attempt a takedown, but Davis framed well and landed a knee on the way out. Kang has landed his jab several times, but absorbed a big leg kick from Davis. Kang has landed his own leg kicks but Davis’ kicks were more effective in the first round. Kang was focusing more on the headshots followed by the kicks. Kang managed to drop Davis with a straight right hand, and then got back control. Davis turned into half guard but Kang advanced to mount briefly. The round ended with Kang on top, and the knockdown stole Kang the round.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Kang.
Round 2:
Kang threw a flurry of head strikes to begin the second round, whilst Davis searched for the leg kicks. Kang attempted a takedown, Davis defended – but attempted an armbar from the scramble – which allow Kang to get top position. Kang took the back for a second but Davis reversed and now they both stood up against the cage in the clinch before getting back to the center. Davis attempted a knee to the head that partially landed. Davis fired a cross to the body, followed by a leg kick. Kang searching for a big right hand and both men are landing shots. Both men exchanged shots but Davis got the better of Kang throughout round two.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Davis.
Round 3:
Both men exchanged to open the round and Kang’s leg was really busted up from Davis’ kicks. But, Davis slipped and Kang got side control. After under a minute in side control, the referee George Allen stood Kang up. Kang managed to get a takedown shortly after and tried to get the back, but Davis got to his feet. For the third time in the round, Kang timed a perfect double leg and got Davis down again in the third round. Kang was happy in Davis’ guard firing short shots. Kang ended the round on top.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Kang (29-28 Kang)
Kyung Ho Kang def. Brandon Davis by Split Decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
Check out all the results from UFC 241 here!
