It should be among the first lessons taught in any MMA gym: Don’t celebrate your victory before the fight is over.
Viscardi Andrade found this out the hard way on Saturday night at UFC Fight Night 36.
Andrade raised his arms in celebration after dropping Nicholas Musoke with a huge right hand in the first round of their welterweight fight. But referee Keith Peterson let the fight continue, and Musoke rallied.
More Coverage: UFC Fight Night 36 Results | UFC news
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Musoke took over the fight in the second round and went on to win via unanimous decision, take across-the-board scores of 29-28. It was the eighth decision of the evening’s first nine bouts.
Andrade already had the round going his way when he dropped Musoke. But he wasn’t able to finish him off, as Musoke got back to his feet.
Musoke took control in round two, as the Stockholm native got the best of the standup, including a big head kick, and dominated when the fight hit the mat as well.
Both fighters looked tired in round three, but Musoke got the best of it, working over Andrade, who didn’t seem to have any answer.
Musoke improved to 12-2 (1 NC). He has seven wins and a no-contest in his past eight fights. Andrade had a seven-fight win streak snapped.