Alan Jouban batters Mike Perry for unanimous decision win in Sacramento

Published Dec. 17, 2016 8:45 p.m. ET

Damon Martin

Alan Jouban knew that Mike Perry would be swinging for the fences looking for the knockout in their welterweight bout that kicked off FOX UFC Fight Night in Sacramento.

So Jouban just took away that weapon by using superior footwork and hand speed to make Perry go on the pursuit for 15 straight minutes with no answer to his opponent's tactical game plan.

Knowing the kind of power Perry possesses in his hands, Jouban opened with a very smart strategy as he kept moving constantly while opening up with a series of kicks to the body and head. Jouban even managed to stagger Perry for a moment with a straight left early in the opening round.

Unfortunately, Jouban allowed Perry to stalk him down late in the round where he started to land with some dangerous punches as the undefeated middleweight looked for another emphatic finish.

It was a lesson learned for Jouban, who came out stronger in the second round while making Perry chase him around the Octagon while popping and peppering him with punches to the head and kicks to the body throughout the five minute session.

The best shot of the round came with just seconds remaining when Jouban landed a stiff straight left that dropped Perry to the mat. Perry recovered well enough to avoid any further damage but it was clear Jouban had him hurt.

It was evident as the third round got underway that Perry was struggling with the footwork and distance striking game that Jouban had employed through the first 10 minutes.

Jouban continued to dish out more of the same with Perry in pursuit while he battered the welterweight slugger with slick combinations and powerful kicks to the body and legs.

By the time the final horn sounded, Jouban celebrated while Perry just looked utterly frustrated after three rounds.

The judges agreed with scores coming back 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 all for Jouban, who gets his third straight win in a row and sixth overall inside the Octagon.