Joanderson Brito Outgrinds Short-Notice Newcomer Isaac Thomson

"It was a tough first step in the promotion for Thomson, who was replacing Melsik Baghdasaryan in the fight. Brito opened the fight by pressing forward, but was immediately met by Thomson's kicking game. When Brito threw a kick of his own, Thomson caught it and fired a straight right that dropped him. Brito was quick to recover, using the cage to work back to his feet, though Thomson stayed draped over his back in the clinch."

"Round two began at range, but the space didn't last long. Thomson timed a clean takedown, though he overcommitted and allowed Brito to scramble back to his feet. When Thomson let his kicks go, they were effective, and he appeared to have the edge in the striking exchanges thanks to a clear speed advantage. However, Thomson continued to force takedowns, nearly paying for it when Brito threatened a D'Arce choke. Thomson managed to roll free and briefly took Brito's back, but was quickly shaken off."

"In moments when Thomson found success, he made the fight harder on himself by trying to out-muscle Brito. Brito used steady cage control to slow the action, eventually dragging Thomson down and locking in a body triangle as the round closed-leaving Thomson in a tough spot heading into the third. Brito came out aggressively in the final round, walking Thomson down and throwing heavy right hands. Thomson often found himself backed against the cage but moved well"

Isaac Thomson debuted at UFC Vegas 112 on short notice and faced Joanderson Brito. Brito pressed forward early but Thomson landed kicks and caught a kick to drop Brito, then clung in the clinch. Both fighters traded takedowns, slams and scrambles with neither accepting bottom position, and Brito finished the first round on top. In round two Thomson used kicks and a speed advantage while forcing takedowns, but Brito scrambled, threatened a D'Arce choke and closed the round with a body triangle. Brito began the final round aggressively, walking Thomson down and landing heavy right hands as Thomson defended against the cage.

Read at Cageside Press