Jack Shore had to showcase his grappling during his first Octagon appearance at UFC Vegas 23, winning a split decision over Hunter Azure.
Undefeated Welsh talented and former Cage Warriors champ Jack Shore was back in action at UFC Vegas 23 on Saturday. With the bantamweight having gone 2-0 to start his run in the promotion, a third straight win could send his stock skyrocketing, but he’d have to get past Hunter Azure, who had posted a 2-1 record in the UFC after entering off the Contender Series in 2019.
Azure began the fight with a slew of leg kicks, then Shore initiated a clinch. Shore was able to drag Azure down several times, taking the back briefly on the third takedown. Azure reversed position by standing up and spinning around into guard. Shore then popped up and returned to the feet with a minute left in the round. Same-side hooks laned for both Shore and Azure simultaneously, then a head kick from Shore. Azure initiated a clinch late in the round to ride the clock out.
Azure generated another clinch early in the first round, but Shore did not allow any progress, breaking away from the clinch. Shore landed a jab then drove Azure to the cage, taking him down. Azure countered the takedown by trying a guillotine, allowing him to secure top position. Shore returned to his feet and the clinch then got away from the cage after Azure reversed position. Shore opened up on the feet, landing a few combinations to end the round.
Azure initiated a clinch exchange right away in the third round, but it was short-lived. Shore landed a jab, then Azure ducked under an uppercut to attempt a takedown along the fence. Shore got back to the center of the cage and landed a right hook as Azure was coming in. Shore then got a takedown of his own against the cage, eventually taking the back of Azure. That turned into a seated position against the cage and another takedown. A scramble took place that featured a forward roll and Shore was able to maintain top position. He opened up some ground and pound towards the end of the fight to secure the victory.
Jack Shore def. Hunter Azure by Split Decision (30-27 x2, 28-29)
