Kyle Daukaus got back into the win column at UFC 255, beating Octagon newcomer Dustin Stoltzfus via decision.
Early on the UFC 255 card came a middleweight showdown between Kyle Daukaus and Dustin Stoltzfus. For Daukaus, who suffered the first loss of his career in his short-notice debut against Brendan Allen earlier this year, it was a chance to prove that the setback was just a bump in the road. More to do with the circumstances of the fight, than the fight. For Stoltzfus, UFC 255 marked his octagon debut, after winning earlier this year on Dana White’s Contender Series.
Stoltzfus was the smaller fighter but wasn’t hesitant to throw early, landing some hard leg kicks in the opening moments of the first round. Daukaus quickly shot in on a takedown and got the underhooks and tried to lift Stoltzfus up for a takedown but couldn’t get it. However, after a struggle, Daukaus eventually got the takedown and was able to land in half guard. Daukaus landed some hard strikes from the top that saw Stolzfus throw up his legs for an armbar, before scrambling to look for a leg as well. Stoltzfus was able to end the round on top after a great scramble, but Daukaus did end the round threating with a guillotine attempt.
Daukaus opened up the second round fast, and a part of that fast open was to kick Stoltzfus in the groin. Stoltzfus took the moment to recover and then the two were back at it. Daukaus then shot in on a takedown and couldn’t get it, however, he was content to stick Stoltzfus against the cage and get some control time. He pivoted off for a moment and was hit with a hard right hand by Stoltzfus, forcing Daukaus to get back into the clinch once again. Daukaus ended the round with a good combination to send them to the third and final round.
Daukaus opened the third round the same way he did the second, minus the ground strike of course. He put Stoltzfus’s back to the fence and big-brothered the smaller fighter in the clinch. Stoltzfus shot in for a takedown but was quickly reversed and had his back put to the fence once again. Stoltzfus then did a roll for a leg lock, but couldn’t get it. Daukaus landed a hard shot before letting Stoltzfus get back to his feet. Daukaus then landed a big combination that forced Stoltzfus to shoot in for a takedown, Daukaus looked for a d’arce choke but couldn’t finish the fight. An impressive performance by the young Daukaus.
Kyle Daukaus def. Dustin Stoltzfus Unanimous Decision (30-27 x2, 30-26)
