Welterweights Danny Barlow and Sam Patterson kicked off the UFC Vegas 103 main card on Saturday, with Barlow entering the bout with a perfect 9-0 professional record.
While Barlow had won his first two bouts under the UFC banner, Patterson was coming off back-to-back submissions wins, his latest one over Kiefer Crosbie.
Due to the open stance matchup, both fighters were clearly mindful of each other’s power hand. The first minute was mostly spent with Barlow stalking and Patterson feinting. Barlow landed the first left hand he threw and followed it up with some big low kicks that forced resets from the Englishman. Patterson went to the body with some right hands, but ate a left from Barlow on the exit. With Barlow keeping his left hand low, he got caught by a big counter right hook from Patterson that sent American stumbling back. Patterson followed it up with a right straight that dropped the retreating Barlow. Some ground-and-pound shots for good measure left referee Mike Beltran no choice but to put a stop to the contest.
The betting underdog made a statement and took Barlow’s ‘0’ in the process. Though he didn’t have a name to call out, Patterson will look to keep moving up the ladder as he’s 3-0 since making the move up to welterweight. All three of those victories have come by first-round finish.
“He caught me with some good shots, I just caught him with better ones at the end,” stated Patterson following the bout, revealing he’d just fought out his contract and was hoping to sign a new deal. “I want to cement myself in the UFC. I want to have a career here.”
Official Result: Sam Patterson def. Danny Barlow by knockout (punches), Round 1, 3:10
