Two UFC flyweights needing a win met in the octagon at UFC 314 as Sumudaerji and Mitch Raposo battled in Miami on Saturday night.
Sumudaerji (16-7) is on the dreaded three-fight losing skid dropping fights against Matt Schnell, Tim Elliot and Charles Johnson. With a 3-4 record in the UFC so far he was likely in a win-or-go home situation.
Raposo (9-2) has been featured on both The Ultimate Fighter and on DWCS, but lost his debut against Andre Lima at UFC 302. The 26-year-old was still looking for his first UFC win when he faced Sumudaerji.
Round 1 Raposo came out focused putting on a combo ending with a slick right hand Sumudareji did not see coming. Raposo attempted a double leg takedown, but Sumudaerji defended it. Raposo thought about trying to take the back, but bailed on it.
Sumudaerji threw a combo up top that Raposo timed very well and scored a takedown, but was unable to solidify the position. Sumudaerji forced a scramble, but Raposo stayed right on him.
Round 2 Sumudaerji came out looking for leg kicks and body kicks. Raposo had a lot of lateral movement as he looked for an angle to shoot from. Sumudaerji did well to show him enough activity to discourage a takedown attempt.
Until Raposo finally shot in and put Sumudaerji on the fence, but then bailed on the position.
Sumudaerji tried a spinning heel kick that Raposo timed well and shot in for a takedown, but again nothing came of it. Sumudaerji definitely put in time in the wrestling room. Raposo tried another takedown at the end of the round, but couldn’t score one.
Round 3 Sumudaerji stayed on game plan working jabs and leg kicks since Raposo hasn’t done much to hurt him yet. He continued attacking from range knowing Raposo couldn’t until he shot in for a big takedown. He got right back to his feet with no damage taken.
Raposo continued to not do enough to win this round much less this fight. He shot in again, scored the double, but once again Sumuderji made his way to the fence and his feet. Once again no damage from Raposo.
The fight ended with Raposo still looking for a takedown. Off to the judges with this one.
Official Result: Sumudaerji def. Mitch Raposo via Split Decision (29-28×2, 28-29)
