Andrei Arlovski absorbed many big shots from newcomer Philipe Lins at UFC Jacksonville but was able to pull off the unanimous decision victory.
During the PFL’s inaugural season in 2018, an unlikely suspect won the million-dollar prize at heavyweight. Philipe Lins wasn’t on a lot of observers’ radar screens to start the season. By the end of it, however, with wins over Alex Nicholson, Jared Rosholt, and Josh Copeland, Lins had very much made a name for himself. And, you know, a million bucks.
The plan was to defend his championship the following year, but ahead of the 2019 season, an injury forced him out of the tournament. And so Lins jumped aboard the UFC, where he was welcomed to the octagon at UFC Jacksonville by Andrei Arlovski.
To start off the fight, it’s a feeling-out process as both guys kick the lead leg of each other. As they get closer and closer to each other, they let their hands go. Early on, Lins is getting the best of Arlovski, countering him when he throws. Lins seems to be the much faster, hitting Arlovski on the chin before Arlovski can get anything off. Arlovski lands a shot here and there, but the speed, the combinations, and the constant switch of stances edged Lins ahead at the end of round one.
Arlovski looks better at the start of round two, picking his shots and not leaning in as much. With that said, when Lins lets his hands go, he continues to land. The fight seems to settle into a feeling out process for a large portion of the round. A shot to the groin from Lins causes a pause in the action until Arlovski is ready to go. For the remainder of the round, Arlovski is picking his shots and landing more accurately. Lins just wasn’t nearly as active as he was in the first round.
Arlovski continues to pick his shots and fall back avoiding the counter from Lins for the most part. Arlovski is doing a good job using his kicks to keep Lins at bay. Lins, though, keeps pressing forward and is the one winning the exchanges when they throw in the pocket. Lins still has the speed in his hands but Arlovski is stepping in and out landing the cleaner strikes.
Still got the 𝑩𝑰𝑻𝑬! 🐶
🇧🇾 @AndreiArlovski #UFCJAX pic.twitter.com/4EYYHRXTBe
— UFC (@ufc) May 14, 2020
Andrei Arlovski def. Philipe Lins by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
