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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Mike Bohn

Uriah Hall issues statement on UFC on ESPN 28 loss: ‘This one hurts’

Uriah Hall is understandably disappointed in the wake of his loss to Sean Strickland at UFC on ESPN 28.

Hall (17-10 MMA, 10-8 UFC) had the opportunity to break into the next echelon of middleweight title contention on Saturday when he met Strickland (24-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) in the headliner at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. It didn’t go his way, though, as he lost a lopsided unanimous decision.

The pressure and output of Strickland caused problems for Hall throughout the bout. He was unable to get the space he needed to unleash high voracity offensive attacks, and when 25 minutes were up, it was clear “Primetime” wasn’t going to get his hand raised.

Hall did not speak in the immediate aftermath of the fight, but on Sunday issued his first statement. To his credit, Hall gave Strickland his full due (via Instagram):

Tough one last night. Congratulations to @strickland_mma. I was prepared he was just the better man last night. This one hurts, but I’ll be back. Thank you for all the messages and love. It means more then you know. Oss

Hall brought a four-fight winning streak into the bout with Strickland, which took place on his 37th birthday. The momentum coincided with his move to Fortis MMA, but now he’s experienced a setback.

“The Ultimate Fighter 17” finalist did not shed any light on his future.

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