Dalcha Lungiambula got his first middleweight win in the UFC at UFC Fight Island 8, defeating Markus Perez by unanimous decision.
Middleweight action at UFC Fight Island 8 on Wednesday saw Dalcha Lungiambula and Markus Perez both looking to get back in the win column.
Perez, who was stepping in as a replacement for Isi Fitikefu, had lost two straight. Lungiambula, for his part, had dropped his last bout, to Magomed Ankalaev at light heavyweight — prompting the Congolese fighter to drop a weight class.
Lungiambula attempted to start quickly, firing a flurry of punches at Perez, who was forced to back against the cage. The punches kept coming until Lungiambula took Perez down. Perez attempted to guillotine Lungiambula and held the choke for a while, but Lungiambula was able to break free. The fighters returned to the feet and Lungiambula had the advantage with his speed landing another flurry and getting another takedown as Perez attempted a second guillotine. Again, it did not get anywhere. Lungiambula stood up and Perez fired a wheel kick out of desperation, but it soared over the head of Lungiambula.
The second round had a similar start to the first, with Lungiambula striking his way into a takedown and Perez countering with a submission attempt. This time it was a kimura. Lungiambula was content to stay on the ground this time after breaking free. He had an advantageous position and landed heavy elbows on Perez, cutting open his opponent’s forehead. Lungiambula ended the round on top.
Lungiambula did most of his work on the feet in the third round as Perez was the one initiating close-range exchanges and clinches in an attempt to get a takedown. Lungiambula stayed on his feet in spite of the effort from his opponent. The desperation grew but time was too short for anything significant to happen. With just 15 seconds remaining, a low blow paused the action. When they got back to it, Perez landed a wheel kick and Lungiambula stumbled into a takedown.
Dalcha Lungiambula def. Markus Perez by Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3)
