Souza TKOs Brunson in the first round

The main event of UFC on FOX 27 featured a middleweight rematch between top contenders Jacare Souza and Derek Brunson.

When Ronaldo Souza and Derek Brunson first met, in Strikeforce back in 2012, Souza didn’t need a minute to finish his opponent.

They rematched Saturday night in the main event of UFC on FOX 27. And while Brunson got out of the opening minute unscathed this time, he didn’t get out of the opening round.

The 38-year-old Jacare announced to the world Saturday night he’s still a force to be reckoned with. The former Strikeforce middleweight champ and eight-time World Jiu-Jitsu Championships gold medalist used a pinpoint head kick to set up the finish, knocking out his opponent at the 3:50 mark of the opening round in Charlotte.

source: mmafighting.com

Play-By-Play

Round 1 – Both fighters eye each other warily. Brunson pawing with lead hand. Souza circles off and looses a body kick. Brunson blocks a pulled body kick and lets go his own front kick. Souza with a body kick. Brunson very patient. Let kick lands. Souza misses with body kick. First combo from Brunson short. Souza waves him in. Brunson with front kick. Brunson again with combo that’s blocked. Souza’s guard tugh to get through. Souza right hand clips Brunson, who resets. Now Souza inching forward. Brunson pushes him back with a combo. Jab lands for Brunson. High kick blocked. Souza’s straight right blocked. Brunson puushes in with punches and Souza ducks for takedown. Whizzer keeps Brunson upright, but he spills across the mat before recovering. Souza good with a right hand in next excahgne. Out of nowhere, Souza plasters Brunson with a head kick. Brunson knocked to the canvas. Souza slaps Brunson with an overhand right. Then he stays patient and pops him with more follow up rights, and Brunson has no idea where he is. Referee Dan Miragliotta calls it off before Souza can really hurt Brunson. The rematch ends with the same result. Brunson out in the first.

source: mmajunkie.com