Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani was paired up with Phil Rowe at UFC Houston on Saturday, after Bellator alum Austin Vanderford was forced out of the bout.
Rowe had a bit of a scare at Friday’s official weigh-ins, coming in heavy for the welterweight fight on his first attempt. That, after missing weight twice previously in his UFC career. Luckily, he was able to use some extra time and weigh in successful on his second attempt.
Early in Round one, Lebosnoyani struggled a bit to find his range. Rowe wasn’t opening up much, leaving Lebosnoyani as the more active fighter. Lebosnoyani timed a sharp double-leg takedown and secured solid control time, threatening a D’Arce choke while mixing in effective elbows. Rowe worked back to his feet with under a minute remaining and landed a good knee, but Lebosnoyani stayed aggressive. He answered with heavy, clubbing shots, and the two exchanged big punches right at the bell.
Round two saw both fighters more comfortable at kickboxing range. Lebosnoyani continued to outwork Rowe, mixing his attacks better and throwing at a higher volume. He exploded into a takedown attempt, but Rowe used his size advantage to defend. Rowe’s low output began to cost him, while Lebosnoyani compensated for the reach disadvantage with frequent kicks and explosive entries. Though Rowe defended another takedown initially, Lebosnoyani’s pressure against the cage eventually brought the fight back to the mat. Rowe returned to his feet again but slipped while throwing a knee, stalling his momentum.
In Round three, Rowe appeared to understand he needed a finish. Lebosnoyani continued landing his go-to combination of a leg kick into an overhand, a sequence he had success with throughout the fight. Rowe stuck behind the jab, while Lebosnoyani stayed patient at range, chopping at the lead leg. Lebosnoyani was wearing some visible damage from Rowe’s long strikes but timed a clean takedown in open space and secured it.
During a wild scramble, Lebosnoyani floated on top and consistently threatened the neck whenever Rowe tried to explode out of position. With under a minute left, Rowe managed to stand as his corner urged him forward. He pressed the action and landed solid shots in the pocket, but it was too little, too late.
Official Result: Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani def. Phil Rowe by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
