UFC Fight Night 78 results: Leandro Silva decisions Efrain Escudero with late push

Leandro Silva (19-2-1 1NC) picked up a hard-fought victory at UFC Fight Night 78 inside Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico, earlier this evening (Sat., Nov. 21, 2015) on FOX Sports 1.

Silva defeated Efrain Escudero (24-10) by unanimous decision in a closely contested battle. All three judges scored the bout 29-28. The fight was even throughout, but Silva took control in the final round with his grappling, which was likely the difference maker.

Escudero spent the first minute of the fight cutting off the Octagon in attempt to pressure Silva, but "Buscape" continued to circle, landing several low kicks and a punch to the body. The Mexican native shot in on a double-leg takedown with about 1.5 minutes left in the round, which Silva deftly defended.

Escudero kept the 30-year-old Brazilian pressed against the fence to finish out the round.

In the second, Silva began to get the better of Escudero in the early striking exchanges, but "Hecho en Mexico" shot in and landed a double leg takedown. He was unable to land much offense and Silva made it back to his feet. However, The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 8 winner landed his second takedown of the round. Silva used his butterfly guard in attempt to create space and escape to no avail. Escudero was only able to land a few strikes before Silva made it back up to his feet once again as the round came to a close.

Silva fought off Escudro's takedown attempts in the beginning of the final round and scored solid knee strikes to the body after securing double underhooks. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt used a snap down on Escudero and then transitioned to his back, where he began to hunt for a submission. Silva couldn't land the fight-ending submission, but finished the fight in  dominant position.

Silva has now won two straight in UFC. With the loss, Escudero had his two-fight win streak snapped.

For full UFC Fight Night 78 "Magny vs. Gastelum" results, including play-by-play updates, click here.