UFC Fight Night 83 results: Dennis Bermudez decisions Tatsuya Kawajiri, calls out BJ Penn

Dennis Bermudez defeated Tatsuya Kawajiri (35-9-2) via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 83 earlier tonight (Sun., Feb. 21, 2016) inside CONSOL Energy Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

All three judges scored the bout 29-28 in favor of Bermudez.

"Tell you what, I'd like a rematch with Ricardo Lamas, or if B.J. Penn comes out of retirement, he is one of my favorite fighters. I'd like to fight him too," Bermudez told Jon Anik after the fight.

Bermudez scored a takedown with little more than three minutes left in the opening round and immediately took the back of Kawajiri. The Japanese veteran -- who is ranked No.12-ranked in UFC's rankings -- was able to escape and avoid any trouble. Kawajiri tried for a takedown of his own, getting it alongside the fence. The No. 8-ranked UFC Featherweight wall-walked back up, but Kawajiri pulled him back down to the canvas. Bermudez made it back to his feet once more, but got taken down again as the round came to a close.

In the second round, Bermudez connected on a right hand and a leg kick and went in on a takedown. Kawajiri found himself on one knee with his back against the fence as the New York native picked his shots. The 15-year veteran was able to get back up and circle out. Kawajiri went in on a takedown, but Bermudez deftly sprawled to avoid it. Bermudez landed about four solid left hands while maintaining a whizzer with his right. Kawajiri continued to try for a takedown, but kept getting hit with punches and hammer fists from Bermudez. "The Menace" took the back of Kawajiri and continued to land solid punches for the remainder of the round.

Bermudez landed a takedown to begin the final round, but could not do much with it as "The Crusher" got back up to his feet. Bermudez pressed him up against the fence and looked to mount some offense. Bermudez landed a leg strike and a nice right hand before grabbling a high crotch and picking up Kawajiri and dumping him down on the canvas for another takedown. Kawajiri made it back up to his feet again, but Bermudez scored yet another takedown. He landed a few solid elbows in the final seconds of the fight.

A solid victory for Bermudez, and important one as he snapped a two-fight skid. He is now 8-3 in UFC. As for the 37-year-old Kawajiri, the loss puts a halt on his two-fight win streak. He falls to 3-2 in UFC competition.

For complete UFC Fight Night 83 "Cerrone vs. Oliveira" results, including play-by-play updates, click here.