Francisco Trinaldo continues to prove that father time is nothing but a joke, as he defeats Dwight Grant at UFC Vegas 41.
At 43 years young, Francisco Trinaldo was one of the UFC’s elder statesmen. Saturday at UFC Vegas 41, he was paired up with a man five years his junior in Dwight Grant — but it was the experience difference that was arguably a bigger factor than age.
For Trinaldo, who recently had a three-fight win streak snapped, Saturday marked pro fight #35. Grant, meanwhile, had fought in just 14 fights prior to UFC Vegas 41.
Grant came out early looking for the right hand, and he briefly wobbled Trinaldo coming with a straight right in the opening minute. However, over the course of the round, Trinaldo began walking down Grant and began landing counters. He was patient and soon found a home for the overhand left, one of which wobbled Grant on the counter. As the round went on it seemed Trinaldo had found his groove heading into round two.
Round two saw Grant find some success early, as he hurt Trinaldo as he went for a head kick, and Grant got a massive takedown off of the right hand. Grant was able to land some nice ground and pound but Trinaldo managed to survive. Trinaldo was able to have some success near the end of the round but heading into round three it seemed to be anyone’s fight.
A change in momentum in the 2nd!
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Round three saw Trinaldo open up with a fantastic combination, the only issue was that by “combination,” it was back-to-back eye pokes. Trinaldo poked Grant, and after a break poked him ruthlessly again, prompting a point to be taken from Trinaldo. Trinaldo came out of the second break firing away and got a quick takedown and moved to half guard. Trinaldo landed some ground and pound before making his way to mount. The Brazilian was able to land a big flurry from mount to close out the bout, but it was too little, too late to actually get the finish.
Regardless, Trinaldo did pick up the split decision win, improving to 4-1 in his last five fights.
Official Result: Francisco Trinaldo def. Dwight Grant by split decision (29-27, 27-29, 29-27)
