Tim Means kept Mike Perry at bay at UFC 255, utilizing a steady and accurate jab to slow down his aggressive opponent.
Mike Perry and his short-notice opponent, Tim Means, threw down at UFC 255. Means has been guarantee entertainment since his first UFC bout way back in 2012. He’s 12-9 in the promotion with seven finishes. Most recently, he’s won two of his last three and is coming off a win over Laureano Staropoli.
Perry was supposed to fight Robbie Lawler on this card but will instead take on another veteran in Means. He did miss weight by a considerable amount for this card. Perry’s also lost five of his last eight, but is coming off a win over Mickey Gall.
The fight got off to a quick start with Means landing several ducking left straights that forced Perry to shoot for a takedown. He established a bodylock against the cage and tripped him down. Means locked up guard and Perry slammed him down to pass. Means started scrambling and Perry took his back and got both hooks in. Perry got his arm across the face and started squeezing but Means got out of it and spun into guard. Perry escaped and got to his feet. Means landed a big stepping knee after a left straight. The jab of Means found a home as he skillfully avoided the return fire of Perry. However, a heavy body shot connected for Perry and Means fired back with one of his own. A left hand landed for Means followed by a combination. The straight punches of Means continued to snap the head of Perry back as the round came to a close.
Platinum the Grappler!?
🗣 @PlatinumPerry is showing us a whole new skillset this evening. #UFC255 pic.twitter.com/ZWvHmHD3LD
— UFC (@ufc) November 22, 2020
Means started the second round with a flurry of jabs. He started mixing in left straights and hit a nice counter right hook as Perry came in. It was a showcase round for Means until a big hook landed for Perry. A clinch battle ensued and the fight stayed on the feet. Means swung around a head kick and continued to jab away. Perry was caught with an upward elbow as he was coming in then started swinging away, but the head movement of Means limited the damage. More jabs from Means found the target as the second round ended.
Perry came out aggressive in the third round and clinched up right away. Means stayed on his feet then landed a pair of big hooks along the fence. A combination stopped an advancing Perry in his tracks. A body shot drove through for Perry but for every shot Perry landed, Means connected with several jabs. Straight punches were traded and both men were happy to stand and bang. Defense was hard to find as Perry and Means sat back on their straight shots. Means initiated a clinch, broke free, then cut Perry open with a combination. Perry started swinging as time was winding down, but couldn’t find the mark through the barrage of jabs.
Tim Means def. Mike Perry by Unanimous Decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)
