UFC middleweight Brad Tavares comes into UFC Paris on Saturday looking to start a win streak, but he’ll have to do it against Robert Bryczek who’s looking to bounce back from a rough debut.
Tavares (21-10) comes into the fight off a decision victory over Gerald Meerschaert in April. The 26-fight UFC veteran hopes to find some consistency after a very up-and-down last couple of years.
Bryczek (17-6) lost a tough decision last time out against Ihor Potieria. The Oktagon MMA veteran will take a second shot at his UFC debut against Tavares in Paris.
Round 1 – Bryczek put the pressure on Tavares opting to invest damage to the body as Tavares fired jabs off up top. Bryczek continued his attack to the body but then landed a big shot up top dropping Tavares and then went for the finish.
Tavares was able to grab him and slow the attacks buying himself time to recover. Bryczek didn’t give him much time though landing another big shot to hurt the middleweight. Tavares, pulling from his veteran experience, fired shots back and then double-legged Bryczek to the ground taking top position.
Round ended with Tavares on top landing short shots to the head, but it was more about recovering and making it to the next round.
Round 2 – Bryczek came out with the pressure attack once again, but picking his shots. Bryczek continued to follow Tavares around who was clearly setting him up for a takedown attempt. It came, but it was stuffed.
Bryczek looked like he was trying to put Tavares on the fence to let off some offense, but Tavares was quite mobile around the cage. It seemed as though Bryczek was in energy conservation mode, and Tavares took advantage taking that time to score on his opponent.
Tavares stuck with 1-2 combos up top and leg kicks, but Bryczek was not backing up at all. This dance continued the rest of the round with Tavares seemingly taking the round going into the third.
Round 3 – Bryczek went back to more pressure to start off and landing on Tavares, but the latter was clearly now in rhythm and landed some damage to the legs and the body that Bryczek clearly felt.
Bryczek went off as he got Tavares close to the fence hurting the middleweight. Tavares went down to his knees and Bryczek swarmed until the ref called the fight.
Tavares protested the finish, but Bryczek walked away victorious.
Official Result: Robert Bryczek def. Brad Tavares via R3 TKO, 1:43
