Two-time Dana White’s Contender Series alum Dennis Buzukja finally arrived in the UFC on Saturday at UFC Nashville, stepping up on short notice against Sean Woodson.
Buzukja was replacing Jesse Butler to save the fight, and would probably be given some slack with his half-pound weight miss as a result.
Woodson right away used his range to keep Buzukja at bay. He was throwing a lot of leg kicks that were giving Buzukja a lot of problems. Buzukja did find his range and landed a big right hand and pressed Woodson against the cage. Not long though as Woodson escaped and went back to work using a lot of feints. The lower calf kick from Woodson was heavy as you can see red on the calf of Buzukja. Buzukja was doing a good job of landing the right hand when Woodson put his back toward the cage. Buzukja worked hard for a takedown but Woodson defended easily. Woodson landed a nice combination to the body and head of Buzukja. Buzukja did end the round with a nice hook to the body of his own.
Into round two Buzukja was marching in trying to find openings in wide hooks. Woodson was the more accurate striking popping Buzukja on the outside. Buzukja tried again for a takedown but paid for it with a series of nasty knees to the body. What seemed to hurt Buzukja a little bit Woodson capitalized and he got the takedown. Woodson was threatening the front choke for a bit but gave up to get a better position. In north-south position Woodson worked for a kimura but couldn’t get that as well. Buzukja got to his knees and as Woodson tried to take the he slipped off. Buzukja capitalized and landed a barrage of punches as Woodson worked to his feet and the bell sounded.
In the final round, Buzukja was in need of a finish. He tried to close the distance but ate a few shots and Woodson shot in on a takedown. Buzukja reversed against the cage but Woodson got the fight down for a moment. Needing a finish Buzukja instead kept trying to take Woodson down but Woodson was the one getting the takedowns. With a minute left Buzukja was going forward but ate a nasty knee on the way in and another one to close the fight.
Sean Woodson def. Dennis Buzukja by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
