After a dull rematch, Ovince Saint Preux defeated Mauricio Rua. Saint Preux crossed the finish line with a split decision over Rua, scoring 28-29, 29-28, and 30-27. UFC 274 taking place (Sat., May 7, 2022) from inside the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
Round 1
The round opens with Shogun and OSP trying to gauge distance by measuring strikes against each other. OSP attempted kicks to the leg of Shogun and he fired right back with a kick to the body. They keep a cool distance between them without much action. OSP rushed in with heavy shots but none landed clean. Shogun is in the middle of the octagon circling OSP against the cage. They continue to keep their distance as the two try to connect with each other. OSP rushes into Shogun again and this time Rua stepped forward as well. Both men trade front leg kicks. The final 60 seconds see the two loading up in the hopes of knocking the other out. OSP rashly pressured Shogun and exposed himself to a counter.
Round 2
Shogun’s corner asked him to throw more kicks and he listened. OSP keeps swatting down the front hand of Shogun in an aggressive manner. Shogun moves around outside the center. The standup game continues on. Shogun tagged OSP to the body and then connected with a right on the face. Rua dodges an overhand from OSP. Shogun maintains a consistent display of leg kicks. Shogun went in for a strike and barely avoided a counter left from OSP.
Round 3
Shogun opens the round with a leg kick to the body. OSP changed wheels as he went in for a clinch before the two separated. The fight continues to be a striking affair. OSP hit Shogun with a straight left. Shogun’s body has turned red from OSP’s front kicks. He seems to be struggling to keep up following the damage he incurred. OSP looks to hit the midsection again. Another nice straight left from Saint Preux. They maintain their distance looking to hit clean and avoid danger. The last ten seconds of the round sees Shogun limp backwards around the cage.
Official Result: Ovince Saint Preux defeats Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua via Split Decision (29-28, 30-27, 28-29)
Check out the highlights below:
First round in the books 📚
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— UFC (@ufc) May 8, 2022
After 3 RDs, the victory belongs to @003_OSP 👊
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— UFC (@ufc) May 8, 2022
