TUF 32 champion Mairon Santos looked to continue his impressive start to his promotional career when he faced Francis Marshall at UFC 313 on Saturday night.
Santos (14-1) came off an impressive UFC debut victory over Kaan Ofli last August finishing the fight in the second round via TKO. The 24-year-old Brazilian calls Las Vegas home training at the world-famous Xtreme Couture gym.
Standing in his way was Marshall (8-2) who arrived in Las Vegas coming off a a tough split-decision victory over Dennis Buzukja on the same card as Santos fought last time out. The DWCS alumni looked to start a win streak at UFC 313.
Round 1 Santos came out patient, but Marshall wasn’t going to let him get comfortable off the bat. He dropped Santos with a hard calf kick, but ended up on the canvas himself off the same attack just seconds later.
Marshall began to lift the lead leg to limit the damage from calf kicks sent from Santos.
Marshall finished the round dropping Santos with a massive left hand, but couldn’t find the finish.
Round 2 both men came out sharp landing clean and crisp strikes on each other. Marshall was clearly looking to land another big left hand having testes Santos’ chin in the first round.
Marshall finally scored a takedown which began a dance of Santos getting back to his feet, but then getting one of his legs kicked out from under him. Marshall got him to the fence, and fought like hell to keep him there, but couldn’t.
Round 3 Marshall clearly knew his game plan was working and he kept it going with Santos likely needing a finish. Santos didn’t change his pace, but he did pick his shots much better in the last round of the fight.
Santos needed to get the volume going and combinations flying and halfway through the round he still hadn’t. Marshall continued to stick-and-move not staying in front of Santos to get hit.
Marshall scored one more takedown and kept Santos on his back as time ran out.
Somehow the judges saw fit to give the win to Santos.
Official Result: Mairon Santos def. Francis Marshall via Split Decision (29-28×2, 27-30)
