Matthew Semelsberger competed in his tenth UFC fight when he took on the less experienced Preston Parsons in the featured preliminary bout of UFC Vegas 84.
After starting his UFC career with a 4-1 run, the striking specialist Semelsberger has now dropped three of his last four. He looked to rebound against Parsons, a skilled grappler with two losses against one win in the UFC who has won nine of his ten pro wins by submissions. Only one style could win out; in the end Parsons was able to use his dogged grappling to control the pace of the fight and win a decision over the veteran.
Both men began the fight in orthodox stances. Semelsberger took on the role of stalking forward while Parsons circled the outside. It was clear that Parsons looking for spots to tie up Matt, and he tried to do so quickly in the clinch, to no avail. When Preston tried to strike with Semelsberger he was not out of his depth, but he did not really look comfortable. A single leg shot two minutes into the round succeeded in getting Matthew down, but he pushed off with his feet to create space before popping back to his feet.
Despite a seeming technical advantage on the feet, it was difficult for Semelsberger to land strikes on his foe, as Parsons just backed out of range in response to most attacks, using superior tactics to dictate the pace of the fight and the terms of each engagement. Parsons’ leg kicks were also a consistently effective weapon, something Matthew did not have. On multiple occasions Semelsberger would control Parsons up against the fence but be unable to do any damage whatsoever, including in the final seconds of the first round.
Semeslsberger came out more aggressive than before but absorbed a good right hand and a calf kick, prompting him to clinch up and shoot a surprise takedown. He landed it and got into Parsons’ full guard, where he landed a few good shots. Parsons turned and got his base so he could build up, at which point he broke away, back to the striking realms. Preston then shot his own successful takedown, but Semelsberger again popped back up.
This time, Semelsberger could not escape the clinch. Parsons dragged him down into a scramble on the mat which resulted in a tight armbar attempt for Preston. Semelsberger barely escaped and got back up, but he had a wide gap to make up if he wanted to win the round. Instead, he got taken down one more time right at the bell.
Again Matthew came out aggressive and forced a brawl. This time he did clip Parsons, at which point Parsons shot. Semelsberger defended and went for a surprise guillotine from top. While holding onto the neck he sought to advance to mount, but was forced to let go of the choke as Parsons created an angle. Parsons wrestled up and was able to reverse the position, but Semelsberger got up. Preston tried to wrestle him against the fence, so Semelsberger jumped the guillotine. He had it under the chin but Parsons remained completely calm, fought the hands, and extricated his head.
Preston landed another takedown, showcasing impressive cardiovascular capability late in the third round. Semelsberger continually found ways to escape, but every time he did he got mat returned. With one minute left Parsons went for a Kimura which seemed sure to tear Matthew’s shoulder apart. However Semelsberger also remained calm and escaped the submission. Still, Parsons was able to advance to mount thereafter and close the fight with a strong arm triangle attempt and powerful ground strikes against his bloody foe.
When the decision was read there was no real doubt as to who would win. Parsons had dominated most of the last two rounds after a close first stanza. Indeed, the judges awarded him all three rounds, and the victory.
In his post-fight interview, Parsons noted the toughness of his opponent, claiming he heard Matthew’s arm pop during the armbar and Kimura attempts.
