UFC 279: Julian Erosa defeated Hakeem Dawodu.
Julian Erosa defeated Hakeem Dawodu via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), at UFC 279 on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, live from T-Mobile Arena In Las Vegas, NV.
The two fighters opened the fight exchanging strikes. Dawodu landed a big leg kick, while Erosa landed a spinning back fist. Erosa caught Dawodu’s leg but Dawodu was able to avoid the takedown. Erosa landed a big shot that hurt Dawodu who was dropped with a right hand. Dawodu recovered and engaged in a clinch before moving back to the center. Erosa continued to land big right-hands before switching levels and going for a takedown. Dawodu defended the takedown. Erosa landed another right hand and followed it up with a flying knee. The bell saved Dawodu.
Dawodu started the second round well, landing a right hand and front kick to the body. Erosa landed a leg kick. Dawodu landed a quick jab. Erosa land a solid right but Dawodu landed a big shot after breaking from the clinch. The two continued to go back and forth exchanging punches. Erosa changed levels and brought Dawodu down. Dawodu returned to his feet but Erosa took Dawodu’s back. From the back, Erosa brought Dawodu back to the ground, but Dawodu continued to defend the submission attempt. Erosa landed several excellent punches but Dawodu was able to escape.
The third round got off to a slow pace as Erosa was happy to circle on the outside. Dawodu was unable to cut the Octagon off. Erosa changed levels and took Dawodu down again. Erosa took Dawodu’s back landing strikes and controlled the position. With 15 seconds left, Dawodu reversed the position and landed a few strikes before Erosa escaped to his feet.
With his third straight victory, Erosa improved to 28-9. Erosa has now won five of six fights since returning to the UFC. Dawodu dropped to 13-3-1 with his loss. The performance was extremely disappointing for Dadodu, who also missed weight.