UFC 203: Brad Tavares Outlasts Caio Magalhaes for Split

UFC 203 saw the return of both Caio Magalhaes and Brad Tavares, and their fight was a fairly-evenly matched split decision.

Both Brad Tavares and Caio Magalhaes have spent ample time away from the UFC, and returned to fight each other in Cleveland.

Tavares has not fought since suffering a knockout defeat at the hands of Robert Whittaker in May 2015. Magalhaes has not fought since getting submitted in June 2015. Both fighters have pulled out of bouts with injuries since their last appearance.

Tavares pulled out of a fight last August, while Magalhaes pulled out of a fight in April. When the two middleweights met in the Octagon, they were very evenly matched.

Tavares established his striking game with hard leg kicks early on and Magalhaes responded with a takedown effort. The first round was fought mainly in the clinch against the cage with Magalhaes pushing for a takedown and Tavares effectively resisting. A hard knee to the body was the most significant strike of the round by Tavares.

Tavares landed several hard right hands in the second round that was again marred by clinches. Tavares certainly had the better of the striking exchanges, but Magalhaes did land a brief takedown late in the round.

Tavares pushed Magalhaes to the fence in the third and Caio responded with a deep guillotine effort. Tavares popped out, and returned to the feet. Tavares certainly outclassed Magalhaes on the feet in the third round, as Magalhaes became careless with fatigue. The final round ended with a brawl along the fence.

Tavares ended up taking home a split decision, which is fairly understandable. Tavares was the better fighter clearly, but Magalhaes had moments that could have been just enough to win a round in certain judges’ eyes.

Perhaps Tavares can fight Josh Samman next. Samman has lost two straight since defeating Magalhaes in July 2015.

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