UFC 231: Hakeem Dawodu Outscores Kyle Bochniak

Hakeem Dawodu was given a big stage tonight to showcase his skills in front of his fellow Canadian citizens, and the featherweight did just that at UFC 231.

Both fighters came out with a steady stream of punches and kicks to begin the fight, and Bochniak had some redness around his left eye not long in. Before the opening frame ended, however, Bochniak took the fight down with a nicely timed takedown.

Round two saw more of the same, although Dawodu appeared to be the busier of the two. At one point in the round, commentator Joe Rogan questioned whether Bochniak might have hurt his right hand. The latter did throw the hand, however, a few more times before the second rounded ended.

In between rounds two and three, Bochniak’s corner told him he’s down two rounds. Dawodu bested Bochniak in several exchanges to begin round three, but near the midway point, Bochniak scored with another takedown. Dawodu, however, got back to his feet not long after. After the final horn, there was little doubt Dawodu should be awarded the win and he was, although, surprisingly by split decision.

Here are the results so far for UFC 231, which is taking place in Toronto, Ontario.

Hakeem Dawodu def. Kyle Bochniak via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 30-27)

Thiago Santos def. Jimi Manuwa via KO (punches) R2, 0:41

Nina Ansaroff def. Claudia Gadelha via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28

Gilbert Burns def. Olivier Aubin-Mercier via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Jessica Eye def. Katlyn Chookagian via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Elias Theodorou def. Eryk Anders via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Brad Katona def. Matthew Lopez via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Dhiego Lima def. Chad Laprise via KO (punch) R1, 1:37

Diego Ferreira def. Kyle Nelson via TKO (strikes) R2, 1:23

Aleksandar Rakic def. Devin Clark via TKO (strikes) R1, 4:05