Heavyweight action at UFC Vegas 48 saw France’s Alan Baudot looking for his first victory inside the octagon, against Parker Porter.
Despite a loss to Rodrigo Nascimento being overturned to a No Contest, Baudot had said during the UFC Vegas 48 media day that in his mind, he was still 0-2 in the promotion heading into his fight with Porter.
As for Porter, he was riding a two-fight win streak, and flying somewhat under the radar despite his recent success.
It was two big men throwing right out of the gate in Porter versus Baudot on Saturday. Baudot appeared to draw first blood, landing on Porter as he moved in. Porter than changed levels for a takedown, but Baudot was able to fend it off. That lend to an extended clinch, with Porter putting his weight on the French fighter. Moving back to center, some more heavy leather was fired in both directions, and again, Porter drove his opponent back to the fence. Baudot worked for underhooks to free himself, and they’d finish the round at center, Porter landing a takedown at the last second.
Round two was a little sloppier, as the pair engaged in some grappling that was somewhat wild. Porter appeared to have the edge on the ground, though Baudot was able to escape up and out. The exchange seemed to have sapped some of the French heavyweight’s energy, however. Porter, meanwhile, pressed forward, walking Baudot down once they were back on the feet. By the end of the second, Porter’s wrestling had given him the edge, but Baudot connected to the nose right at the buzzer — possibly stealing the round.
Early in the third, Baudot landed a solid left, but Porter kept right on coming. He mixed in a low kick with his combo, then had to cover up as Baudot returned fire. Porter was nearly sat down off his own leg kick, and Baudot’s jab found the target. Porter was showing some damage, and while he continued to press forward, attacking with his right hand, Baudot appeared the fresher of the two. Porter caught Baudot off-balance, snagging a body lock, but Baudot was too big, and his balance too solid, for the American to drag him down. He would, however, get the fight to the ground a bit later, sitting in half guard. Porter would ride out the fight on top, finishing in mount. That takedown was critical, and very likely secured Porter both the round — and the fight, as he took the unanimous decision on the scorecards, improving his win streak to three straight.
Official Result: Parker Porter def. Alan Baudot by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
