Augusto Sakai remains undefeated in the UFC.
The Brazilian heavyweight picked up his fourth UFC win Saturday night, outpointing Blagoy Ivanov in a split decision. The official decision read 27-30, 29-28 and 29-28.
The heavyweight bout was the UFC on ESPN 9 co-main event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. It aired on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.
Sakai (15-1-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) used his kickboxing and takedown defense to outpoint Ivanov (18-4 MMA, 2-3 UFC).
The first round between the two heavyweights was an even contest. Ivanov did appear to do most of the pressing and landed the better shots in the round, but Sakai also had his moments.
In Round 2, it was clear Sakai’s leg kicks and boxing were taking a big toll on Ivanov. The Bulgarian seemed to slow down and lose Round 2 despite getting a late takedown and finishing the round on top.
The third was mostly Sakai’s, but he did have a controversial moment. Sakai was doing most of the damage on the feet, but Ivanov turned it up late, making up some ground. In a clinch position, Ivanov looked to secure a throw on Sakai, but the Brazilian grabbed fence to defend the takedown. The referee didn’t penalize Sakai for the illegal move.
Sakai is unbeaten in his past five bouts. The last time he lost was against Cheick Kongo in 2017 in Bellator.
Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 9 results include:
- Augusto Sakai def. Blagoy Ivanov via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
- Billy Quarantillo def. Spike Carlyle via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Roosevelt Roberts def. Brok Weaver via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:26
- Mackenzie Dern def. Hannah Cifers via submission (kneebar) – Round 1, 2:36
- Katlyn Chookagian def. Antonina Shevchenko via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-25)
- Daniel Rodriguez def. Gabriel Green via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Jamahal Hill def. Klidson Abreu via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 1:51
- Brandon Royval def. Tim Elliott via submission (arm triangle choke) – Round 2, 3:18
- Casey Kenney def. Louis Smolka via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 3:03
- Chris Gutierrez def. Vince Morales via TKO (leg kicks) – Round 2, 4:27
