UFC Fight Night 32 Results: Cezar Ferreira Gets Split Decision Over Daniel Sarafian
Cezar “Mutante” Ferreira bested Daniel Sarafian with a split-decision win in the co-main event at UFC Fight Night 32 in Goiania, Goiás, Brazil on Saturday night.
Ferreira was announced the winner, which caused the Brazilian crowd to express their displeasure with boos, with judges' scores of 28-29, 30-27 and 30-28.
“I know it's not what the crowd expected tonight,” Ferreira said in his post-fight interview with Jon Anik. “I tried to do some moves and I couldn't do what I wanted to do.”
Sarafian controlled the center of the Octagon for the first minute of the fight before clinching with his opponent against the cage. The fighters grappled for nearly a minute before being separated. After a takedown attempt by Ferreira, Sarafian worked to finish with a guillotine, but to no avail. The round ended with both fighters trading punches, but few strikes landed cleanly.
Ferreira scored a double-leg takedown in the first minute of the second round. The TUF Brazil winner worked from top position, landing short strikes, while Sarafian attempted to defend. The two got back to the feet where Sarafian landed punches that rattled his opponent, but Ferreira secured another takedown and worked to advance position from half guard. After a forced stand-up by the referee, the two grappled against the fence through the end of the round.
Sarafian opened up the third round with a strong right hand that landed square on Ferreira's chin. After recovering from the strike, Ferreira executed another takedown and worked from half guard. The crowd began to get restless, showing their displeasure for the lack of action with boos that led to another stand-up. Ferreira, however, secured yet another takedown, getting Sarafian's back and working for a rear-naked choke until time expired.
Ferreira improves his record to 3-0 since winning the Brazilian reality show, 7-2 overall. Sarafian drops his career tally to 8-4.
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