The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 19 Middleweight winner, Eddie Gordon, looked to steer out of a two-fight losing skid against Antonio Carlos Junior tonight (Sat., June 27, 2015) at UFC Fight Night 70 from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
However, Junior -- TUF: "Brazil 3" winner -- had other plans.
"Shoeface" got the action started with a nice kick that he used to press Gordon up against the cage. "Truck," though quickly turned him around, only for Junior to score a quick takedown along the cage where he could begin to work his Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Gordon was able to get back to his feet, but Junior drilled him with blood-drawing shots along the fence. And that is pretty much where the fight remained, both fighters struggling for position, until Junior was able to finally score his second takedown and open up with some effective ground-and-pound.
Junior got the second round action started with two high kicks as Gordon struggled to find his range with weak jabs. On another high kick attempt, Gordon dove in for a takedown and the pair went back to battling for position along the fence. Junior was able to break free, though, and traded jabs as they circled each other.
With 90 seconds remaining, Junior registered another takedown, land a few short shots and threaten with a bad leg-lock submission before the round came to a close.
Gordon came out swinging to start the third and final round, well aware that he is likely down two rounds on the judges scorecards. Junior closed the distance and attempted a standing guillotine along the fence to slow Gordon's attack.
Eventually, Junior got Gordon down to the mat once again, but this time, he wasted little time going for his back. Junior actually had him dead to rights with about two minutes on the clock, but Gordon was able to escape and buy more time.
Junior was relentless, though, and with about 30 seconds remaining, he finally was able to get his forearm deep under Gordon's chin. Gordon lasted about as long as he could, but gave a furious tap rather than do down for an early nap.
For complete results from UFC Fight Night 70: "Machida vs. Romero" click here.