Ronda Rousey, Liz Carmouche

Ronda Rousey, left, and Liz Carmouche strike a pose after their weigh-in Friday. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press / February 22, 2013)

By Todd Martin

12:15 a.m. EST, February 24, 2013

 

Caros Fodor vs. Sam Stout

Fodor is a well-rounded Strikeforce veteran who trains with Matt Hume. This is his UFC debut. Stout, an exciting standup fighter, is fighting in the UFC for the 15th time.

Round 1. Stout initiates a clinch early and the fighters grapple against the cage. They separate and Fodor momentarily stuns Stout with a punch. Stout responds with a nice 2 punch combination of his own but Fodor responds by taking Stout down. Stout quickly gets up. They clinch again and Stout takes Fodor down with a minute and a half left in the round. Stout passes into half guard and drops down some punches and elbows. Stout works into mount and aggressively throws elbows. Fodor turns his back and Stout goes for an armbar. It looks like he briefly transitions into a kimura attempt as the round comes to a close. 10-9 Stout.

Round 2. They work from the standing position from the start of the round, with Stout landing better combinations and a nice head kick. Fodor tries to push forward but he isn’t able to land with the same consistency as Stout. Fodor goes for a takedown late but Stout defends without much difficulty and lands a hard knee to the body in the clinch. 10-9 Stout.

Round 3. Fodor immediately closes the distance and looks for a takedown. Stout blocks Fodor and presses Fodor against the cage. Fodor briefly gets a trip takedown but Stout stands back up immediately. Fodor continues pushing for takedowns but Stout is consistently able to prevent the takedowns. In the process, however, Fodor is able to land some solid blows. 10-9 Fodor, 29-28 Stout. 

Winner: Sam Stout, split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).


In preliminary action, Nah-Shon Burrell scored his first UFC win by utilizing superior boxing to gain an entertaining judges’ decision over Yuri Villefort. Neil Magny defeated Jon Manley via unanimous decision in a relatively dull bout. And Kenny Robertson submitted Brock Jardine with a unique kneebar in the first round. 

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