A welterweight fight that on paper was brimming with Fight of the Night potential saw Khaos Williams take on Matthew Semelsberger on the UFC Vegas 29 preliminary card. Both men were still carrying the prospect label, but while Semelsberger had yet to taste defeat inside the octagon, Williams was coming off his first UFC loss.
Both fighters took the center and exchanged kicks early. Williams swung wild at Semelsberger but missed; 15 seconds later, he swung wild again and hurt Semelsberger. Williams put Semelsberger against the cage and cut him as well. Williams partially landed a heavy hook. Semelsberger landed a counter right hand that stung Williams. A 1-2, and hook missed for Williams. Semelsberger landed a body kick. Willaims rushed forward and ate another counter hook. Another flurry by Williams came but nothing connected. They both exchanged hooks but nothing significant. Semelsberger landed a nice uppercut and a counter right. The round ended with Williams charging Semelsberger again. After the opening frame, it was clear both men had come to fight.
Williams landed a hook, but Semelsberger landed a nice counter right hand to open up round two. Williams threw a few naked kicks, and Semelsberger landed a heavy right hand. Semelsberger partially landed a hard hook which made Williams charge him. Williams put Semelsberger against the fence, but Semelsberger escaped. Semelsberger threw a flying knee but missed. He then tried for a knee in the clinch but missed that as well. Williams threw a kick, and Semelsberger responded with a straight right. Williams threw a leg kick, and Semelsberger responded with a head kick. A right-handed from Semelsberger and Williams countered with a nice combo. Semelsberger started throwing leg kicks at the end of round two. The round ended with Williams charging Semelsberger and almost getting caught with a counter right.
Williams threw a low kick and head kick to start round three. A minute into the round and both fighters exchanged combos. Willaims threw a front kick, low kick, and push kick. Semelsberger threw a straight right but nothing came of it. Semelsberger almost connected with an uppercut. A spinning kick was fired by Williams. Semelsberger started chopping Williams’ front leg but a little too late. Bith fighters were talking to each other as the fight started to wrap up, with both of them throwing wild combos.
The end result: A great fight, one that should be an early pick for Fight of the Night. Willams gets back into the win column, while Semelsberger suffers his first UFC loss.
Official Result: Khaos Williams defeated Matthew Semelsberger via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
