Returning to the light heavyweight division at UFC Vegas 52 for the first time since his Bellator run ended in 2017 was Philipe Lins. The former PFL heavyweight tournament winner was in must-win territory after dropping his first two UFC bouts, and was paired up with Marcin Prachnio.
Prachnio, after a rough start to his own UFC career, had won two straight.
Relying on low kicks early, Prachnio had to contend with Lins cutting off the cage, then firing over the top. Lins mixed in his own leg kicks, but ate a side kick to the midsection from Poland’s Prachnio. Moments later, Lins would close the distance and take the fight down, controlling from the back with one hook in by the fence. Prachnio would survive, and they’ve move back to center, trading kicks and coming together in a couple of heavy exchanges. Lins would go back to his wrestling late in the round, but couldn’t convert the takedown.
Round two opened with heavy fire once again, with Lins launching several big punches, and Prachnio answering back. It was Lins who came away bloodied, but Prachnio was soon retreating and covering up! Lins began walking him down, working his jab and spitting the guard. A push kick sent Lins down, and Prachnio surged forward. As the round progressed, Prachnio would attempt to utilize his own wrestling, but more often than not, it was Lins leading the dance, and Prachnio retreating. Lins added a knee, and landed a body shot/jab combo in the final minute.
Round three saw Lins put the pressure on with his wrestling early. Prachnio found himself with his back to the fence, on his knees. He would wall-walk up, but it was no easy feat. And a short time later, Lins would complete a takedown. Prachnio “scrambled” — almost in slow motion, with both fighters tiring — and got back to his feet. The push kick then landed for Prachnio again. Lins would finish the round looking to land another takedown, and while Prachnio stayed upright, he was losing in terms of control time.
The scorecards reflected as much, with Lins finally getting his long-awaited first UFC win, via split decision.
Official Result: Philipe Lins def. Marcin Prachnio by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
