Tonight Fox Sports aired the sixth episode of the Ultimate Fighter 22 featuring Team Conor McGregor’s Mehdi Baghdad versus Team Urijah Faber’s Julian Erosa:
Team McGregor’s Mehdi Baghdad (11-3) vs. Team Faber’s Julian Erosa (14-2)
Round 1 – Erosa strikes first with an outside leg kick. He moves to his right and lands body kick. He circles again and throws a third kick followed by an overhand right. Baghdad presses forward, but Erosa keeps him at bay with jabs and straight kicks. Erosa’s movement and activity keeps Baghdad at a low offensive-output rate. Baghdad counters a leg kick with a left hook that causes Erosa to back off. Baghdad charges forward with another combination, and they clinch for the first time. Erosa breaks free and snaps a front kick to the face. Both fighters step into the pocket and swing wild punches. Erosa’s movement slows, but he’s still plenty active. Baghdad steps forward with another offensive outburst and lands a series of strikes. Erosa peppers Baghdad with punches and kicks, but Baghdad lands a head kick and slick inside elbow before the end of the round.
Round 2 – Erosa picks off where he left off and mixes up his striking. Baghdad lands hard leg kicks that cause Erosa to wince. Baghdad’s biggest success comes when he moves forward and stalks his opponent. He does just that and lands a big head kick. Erosa takes it and responds with a front kick and uppercut. Baghdad lands a hard left hook that stuns Erosa. He moves forward, but Erosa circles the octagon and avoids trouble. Erosa clinches and lands a knee. He scores on the way out as well as Baghdad covers up. Baghdad lands two hard standing elbows and a left hook, but Erosa continues to take all the punches without being rocked. Erosa’s movement and striking output is limited, but he’s still successful in scoring points. Both men empty their gas tanks in the final minute as they stand toe-to-toe and throw punches, kicks, elbows and flying knees.
Julian Erosa def. Mehdi Baghdad via majority decision (20-18, 19-19, 20-18)
