Edmen Shahbazyan managed to use his wrestling to grind out a split decision victory over Darren Stewart tonight at the TUF 28 Finale in Las Vegas.
Round One:
Early kick from Stewart. Nicely timed takedown from Shahbazyan, but Stewart is immediately up. Shahbazyan still clinched up though and trying to bring Stewart back down again as they are up against the cage. Relentless takedown attempts her as Stewart works hard to keep right.
Big knee upstairs from Shahbazyan. He gets Stewart’s legs out from under him for a moment, but he keeps finding his way back up again.
Shahbazyan keeps the body lock, but then opts to throw a kick and back away to striking range. Stewart with a looping punch that misses and Shahbazyan goes straight back into the clinch.
Elbow in the clinch from Stewart and then they separate. Almost immediately Shahbazyan goes straight back into the clinch again.
final minute of the round, Strike for Shahbazyan and then seperation. Body kick for Shahbazyan. Stewart catches it, but can’t do anything with it.
Back to striking range and now Stewart is plowing forward throwing heavy hands. He lands a big right, but Shahbazyan eats it and keeps fighting without pause, landing another takedown to end the round.
Round Two:
Jab connects for Shahbazyan. Right hand for Stewart. Kick for him and a right hand for Shahbazyan. Shahbazyan inton a takedown, working hard to complete it as Stewart stays upright for now. Shahbazyan scoops his legs out, but Stewart is immediately on one knee looking to stand.
Shahbazyan thinking about a guillotine, but then goes for a knee instead as Stewart stands and then keeps him pinned firmly against the cage.
Underhooks for Shahbazyan. Bit of a lack of action here, but Shahbazyan is in control for now. Stewart tries for a switch, but Shahbazyan stays in control and then lands a takedown.
Stewart on his knees and Shahbazyan goes on top with the body lock and reaches for a rear-naked choke. Stewart defending for now and stands up with Shahbazyan still latched to his back.
Shahbazyan thinks about staying on him though and puts his feet down and presses Stewart against the cage, landing a couple of hard knees upstairs before the round ends.
Round Three:
Jab for Shahbazyan. Now a body kick. Right gets through for Stewart. Another right hand for him, but Shahbazyan immediately ducks down and lands a takedown.
Stewart soon stands straight back up with Shahbazyan still working in the clinch. Stewart with a big elbow though and that hurt Shahbazyan who goes looking for a takedown. Nothing doing though and Stewart gains confidence in the feet as he looks to land again.
Shahbazyan eats another shot and works to the clinch again and then is able to take Stewart down. As usual Stewart soon stands back up. Shahbazyan still on him, but Stewart reverses position for a moment. Shahbazyan walks him back down again though and pushes him to the cage.
He’s looking for another takedown, but the ref separates them. Stewart taking the center of the cage, but Shahbazyan working into the clinch again.
Shahbazyan looking tired though and Stewart bundles him to the mat. Stewart working ground and pound. Shahbazyan tired and trying to scramble out of trouble.
Stewart trying to apply more pressure, but Shahbazyan Manages to get a takedown. Important moments for him as he looks to keep this fight on the mat. Stewart up, but Shahbazyan is able to bring him down one last time before the round ends.
