Two of the best grapplers in MMA squared off in this one.
Round 1
Oleinik was aggressive early with his striking. He landed a solid right hand early on Verdum as “Vai Cavalo” (which interestingly means “Go Horse” in Portuguese) appeared outmatched and overwhelmed in the opening frame. Verdum is coming off a two-year layoff. The fighters make their way over to the cage and clinch where Oleinik does more good work by landing some nice straight punches and finishing with several nasty uppercuts. Verdum starting to show a lot of facial damage with swelling and a cut under his left eye. A very high pace in the standup by Oleinik throughout the round.
Seattle Fights round score – 10-9 Oleinik
Round 2
Oleinik hits a nice spinning back fist off of a missed Verdum kick. Aleksei then looks for the takedown along the fence as Fabricio defends by applying an arm-in guillotine. Oleinik breaks the position and presses forward. Verdum lands a nice right head kick. Oleinik now starting to show fatigue and is winging punches. Vai Cavalo scores with a nice knee strike. Verdum then gets a takedown and controls Oleinik from top position. Verdum lands a nice elbow from half-guard and takes Oleinik’s back but gets too high and Aleksei sneaks out the back door. Verdum then scores with a nice uppercut from the clinch. Oleinik lands several hard shots to close the round as Verdum appears to be hurt from the strikes. I would have given this round solidly to Verdum, but the late flurry by Oleinik that appeared to hurt Vai Cavalo steals him the round.
Seattle Fights round score – 10-9 Oleinik
Round 3
Verdum lands a nice takedown early and takes Aleksei’s back whilst looking for the armbar. Oleinik defends and turns into Verdum’s full guard. Kimura attempt by Verdum. Verdum then rolls over with a straight armbar attempt. Verdum showing his excellent grappling as he goes from armbar attempt and transitions to mount. With the fight back to the feet, Verdum hits a nice knee from the clinch. Oleinik then appears to stun Verdum with a couple good punches as Verdum appeared to pause for a second. But Verdum recovers and gets a takedown late in the round. The round finishes with Verdum attempting a guillotine. Close round.
Seattle Fights round score – 10-9 Verdum
Official score – Split decision win for Oleinik (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)