Mick Parkin entered UFC Vegas 82 looking for his second win in the promotion, having earned a three-round decision victory in his debut this past July. Opposite the British heavyweight on Saturday was Caio Machado, a fellow Contender Series vet.
The pair tied up early in the opening round, with Parkin getting the fight down about a minute in. Machado had his back to the fence, and didn’t seem to feel a sense of urgency when it came to getting back up. Instead, he waited for an opening, scrambled, made it up— and was then taken right back down.
This time, Parkin stayed heavy on top in half-guard. Machado clasped his hands, but a moment later, he forced his way up, pretty much all power.
From there, the pair squared off along the fence, and most of the time remaining played out on the feet before they moved on to the second frame.
Machado found success with his left hand early in round two. Momentum, however, shifted back to Parkin as the round wore on, as the Brit was able to get on top in half guard again. Parkin spent some time working, getting in some damage until Machado pushed him off, then fired a jump knee back on the feet. Parkin tied up, utilizing some dirty boxing to bully Machado and push him to the fence. Parkkin went after a takedown, but instead Machado took the back in a scramble. Not for long, as Parkin reversed, and grabbed a crucifix, dropping elbows and working for a kimura until Machado escaped just ahead of the buzzer.
Round three was still very much anyone’s fight. Parkin was showing some damage by one eye. About a minute and a half in, the pair clashed heads, leading to a brief pause. Able to continue, they went back to work on the feet, Machado marching forward, firing hands and leading the attack. A lot of his shots were missing, to be fair, and both men were tired. Parkin closed the distance for a takedown, which Parkin pulled free of. Machado mixed in a low kick, and Parkin found a bit of gas in the final minute, backing the Brazilian up. Machado fired another jump knee, missing, and Parkin took a labored swing before the horn.
Come the scorecards, all three judges scored the bout for Mick Parkin, keeping his undefeated record intact.
Official Result: Mick Parkin def. Caio Machado by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
