Alan Jouban (14-4) started out strong and survived a late surge by Belal Muhammad (9-1) to win a unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 90 earlier tonight (Thurs., July 7, 2016) inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
One judge scored the bout 28-27, another 29-28, and the third 29-27.
Jouban, 34, dropped Muhammad three times during the bout, but could not put him away as he proved to be a tough and durable opponent. In fact, Jouban told Jon Anik after the bout he believed he had broken his left hand during the fight.
Muhammad pressed forward while Jouban circled on the outside of the Octagon to start off the fight. A little over a minute in, Jouban dropped the Chicago Native with a left hook and pounced on him, but couldn't seal the deal. Muhammad made his way back to his feet, briefly had a favorable position behind Jouban, but gave it up and both Welterweight fighters returned to their feet.
"Brahma" dropped Muhammad to the canvas for a second time with a huge left high kick, and jumped on him once again on the ground. He then set up shop inside of Muhammad's guard and began raining down huge elbows, but Muhammad did not waver.
Muhammad came in on a takedown in the beginning of round two, but was unsuccessful. Jouban connected with another perfectly-timed left hook, and send Muhammad to the mat for a third time, but he showed his resolve once again, recovered and got back to his feet. Jouban picked apart Muhammad with leg kicks and punches for the remainder of the round. Muhammad landed a late takedown in the closing seconds, but wasn't able to follow it up with any significant offensive attacks.
Jouban deftly avoided a takedown attempt to start off the final round, but found himself pressed up against the fence by Muhammad. Jouban circled out and the fight returned to a standup battle. Muhammad connected on some solid punches and applied heavy pressure, but Jouban -- who looked to be tiring -- avoided any major trouble. He'd find himself in harm's way moments later as Muhammad landed again and poured it on for the remainder of the round.
It was another solid win for Jouban, who again showed his striking prowess and toughness by surviving the late rally of Muhammad. Jouban improves to 5-2 in UFC competition.
The first loss of Muhammad's career in his Octagon debut, but he most likely impressed the bosses with his late surge, toughness and willingness to go for the win in the final round.
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