All eyes were be on the middleweight division when Cam Rowston and Cody Brundage stepped into the octagon at UFC 325, a matchup that set up a rising contender against a proven veteran with everything to gain.
Rowston (13-3) hit the ground running after his DWCS victory last August, carrying that momentum into a TKO win over Andre Petroski in September. Riding a five-fight winning streak, he put it on the line against Brundage in Sydney.
Brundage (11-7-1) has experienced an up-and-down run in the UFC, compiling a 5-6 record with one draw and one no contest. Coming off a split-decision loss to Eric McConico, he entered enemy territory in Sydney looking to get back in the win column against Rowston.
Round 1 – Rowston claimed the center of the Octagon early, using his height and reach to keep Brundage at range. He mixed in jabs and body kicks before closing the distance and landing a sharp combination upstairs.
Brundage responded by firing back with a combination of his own and clinching Rowston against the fence. In close quarters, Rowston landed a clean knee to the face and reversed position. The two exchanged heavy shots in the clinch, with Brundage managing to hurt Rowston during the exchange.
Rowston disengaged and retreated to the center as Brundage pressed forward, landing several big shots in pursuit. Rowston reset and returned to his range-based attack, though a low blow briefly halted the action and forced a timeout.
When the fight resumed, Rowston went back to his game plan, picking his shots from distance. Brundage looked to turn the bout into a gritty, physical affair, but in doing so left himself open, allowing Rowston to connect with heavy right hands.
Round 2 – Rowston settled back into his rhythm, landing clean shots from range as Brundage grew increasingly frustrated. Brundage eventually surged forward, throwing punches in desperation, but failed to land anything significant.
With Brundage retreating toward the fence, Rowston pressed the attack, charging in with a knee that forced Brundage to the canvas. Rowston quickly took the back and began landing clean shots to the head as Brundage turtled up, covering as best he could.
Rowston continued to pour on the offense, and with Brundage offering little return, the referee stepped in to stop the fight.
Cameron Rowston picked up another emphatic victory.
Official Result: Cameron Rowston def. Cody Brundage via R2 TKO, 4:08
