Brunson Earns Unanimous Decision Win Over Leben

Chris Leben

Brunson beats Leben via decision

Chris Leben looked for a glorious return after a year-long submission, but Derek Brunson came on strong early.

After a brief amount of time spent on the feet, Brunson, the Strikeforce veteran, worked the fight to the floor, where he kept it for the majority of the round. Leben was able to stand in the final 30 seconds and land a nice shot, but Brunson had the better round.

The underdog tried to start the second round in similar fashion, but Leben had other plans. The longtime UFC veteran kept the fight on the feet early, though Brunson did not stop putting on the pressure, eventually earning the takedown.

Leben worked back to the feet, and Brunson attempted to lock on a guillotine choke, but he couldn't sink it in. Leben moved forward after escaping, and Brunson looked spent. The next three and one-half minutes were spent trading, but Leben always got the better of it. However, neither was able to take complete advantage in the second frame.

At the beginning of the third and final frame, Brunson looked renewed. He pressed the action, even pushing Leben up against the cage. Leben, looking noticeably slower than his usual self, attempted to come back with strikes, but failed to land anything significant.

Right when Leben was finally connecting on the feet, Brunson took the fight to the floor. After a few seconds, Brunson let his opponent up, but it was too late for Leben.

All three of the cageside judges scored the fight for the Strikeforce vet 29-28.

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