UFC Mexico Results: Marco Polo Reyes Squeaks by Jason Novelli
The UFC Mexico Fight Pass prelims continued with Marco Polo Reyes barely getting by Jason Novelli via split decision.
Marco Polo Reyes is coming off of a fight of the year performance against Dong Hyun Kim earlier this year at UFC 199. The young prospect is 6-3 in his professional career and has fans buzzing his most recent performances picking up two wins and finishing both of those opponents by KO.
Jason Novelli is 37 years old and is in his second fight of his UFC career, he was KOd in his first matchup against David Teymur and looked to bounce back with a win tonight. The newcomer is 3-1-1 is his last five fights, scoring one finish during that stretch.
This one started very slowly, with neither employing much offense in the first two minutes before a takedown by a Novelli started the action. Reyes didn’t seem to be able to manage some offense until the last 30 seconds, Novelli appeared to win that one 10-9.
The second round was the complete opposite of it’s predecessor. Reyes attacked instantly and seemed to knock Novelli’s off-balance, who followed with a half-hearted takedown which was reversed by Reyes. Reyes controlled the fight for the rest of the round, leading to a 10-9 and possible 10-8 for some people.
The third round began the same way, Reyes teeing off on Novelli and knocking his mouthguard out. Novelli didn’t seem to appreciate the taste of sweat and dust now on his mouthguard judging by his reaction. After a few more minutes of Reyes punches, Novelli finally was able mount some offense by taking Reyes down. Novelli finished the round with some top punches and taking the back. A close round, but the public seemed to agree on Reyes taking it 10-9.
The judges were not in complete agreement about who won that fight, but ultimately two judges gave Reyes two rounds and Novelli one. Reyes is now 3-0 in the UFC while Novelli drops to 0-2 and possibly onto the chopping block.
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