‘The’ James Krause put Sergio Moraes away in the third round at UFC Sao Paulo on Saturday night.
James Krause rode a five-fight win streak into UFC Sao Paulo, split between lightweight and wleterweight. Taking on Sergio Moraes at home, Krause was in enemy territory on Saturday. It was the first bout in Brazil for Krause, and surprisingly, just his second time fighting outside the U.S. — with the first bout, his UFC debut in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada barely counting.
In mere seconds at UFC Sao Paulo, however, Krause was put on his back by Moraes. Moraes was instantly in side control, but wasn’t able to make much happen there initially. Moraes then showed some slick transitions, working to take the back, but Krause, no slouch on the ground, reversed, and wound up in guard. Krause postured up, looking to land some hammer fists. Moraes closed his guard and tightened his grip, stalling the action. They’d eventually move back to the feet, where Krause worked his opponent’s leg, and Moraes showed some dangerous combinations.
The second round played out on the feet early, both men having success at times. Krause walked his opponent down. He was methodical in picking his shots, and circled out of danger when Moraes returned fire. At the midway point, Krause peppered his opponent with a combination, and a follow-up shot resulted in a knockdown, Moraes falling to his back. With two minutes left in the frame, an uppercut sent Moraes back down, though it appeared he wanted to lure Krause into his guard. Krause declined, and continued to pick the Brazilian apart on the feet. Another knockdown would come at the end of the round, and Krause would finish on top.
Round three didn’t get any better for Sergio Moraes. The pair would continue to trade on the feet, and while Moraes stood with Krause, it was the American getting the better of the exchanges. Moraes was getting backed up to the fence, covering up, or simply eating strikes. A takedown attempt didn’t go Moraes’ way, and in the final minute, Krause was finally able to put his opponent away. A right hand by Krause landed clean, and Moraes dropped! The Brazilian was simply done, as Krause hushed the crowd in Sao Paulo.
Official Result: James Krause def. Sergio Moares by knockout, Round 3, 4:19
