Originally slated to face rising Canadian welterweight prospect Rory MacDonald, grizzled veteran Brian Ebersole met MacDonald’s fellow countryman, Claude Patrick.
Ebersole had resorted to the Australian MMA circuit for the past few years, but when an injury left a void on the UFC 127 in February, the veteran jumped at the opportunity. After two impressive wins over Chris Lytle and Dennis Hallman, the veteran looked to make it three straight in the promotion.
Patrick also has been on a tear, winning 13 straight bouts, including the last three within the UFC. The expert on the ground has scored submission wins in 9 of his 14 victories.
Round One: A brief feeling out process led to Ebersole shooting for a single leg takedown. Patrick stuffed it and looked for a choke but quickly abandoned it. Ebersole pushed the fight against the fence, but Patrick was able to reverse the position. Patrick scored with knees to the body from the clinch position. Ebersole got the takedown, but Patrick locked in a guillotine. Ebersole calmly escaped, but Patrick was able to stand. Ebersole sent Patrick back into the fence with a combination. Ebersole again looked to bring the fight to the ground, but Patrick was able to maintain his feet. As the round came to a close, Patrick reversed the position and unloaded strikes.
Round Two: Ebersole connected with a jab to begin the second frame. Patrick dove for a takedown, but Ebersole simply stepped aside. From the clinch, Ebersole scored with elbows. Ebersole looked for a takedown again, locking up a single leg, but Patrick prevented it yet again. The pair continued to battle for position, drawing the ire of the crowd. Patrick separated and unleashed a combination of punches that backed up Ebersole. Ebersole missed with a kick and Patrick briefly moved to his back, but Ebersole spun into the clinch. Patrick connected with a left hand late in the round that stunned Ebersole, but his takedown attempt was stuffed.
Round Three: Ebersole open the final round with a takedown. Patrick sprawled, but eventually ended up on his back. Ebersole could not pass the guard of the Canadian, and Patrick returned to his feet. Ebersole slammed Patrick back to the mat. Ebersole took Patrick’s back along the fence with one hook. Patrick spun out and the pair again clinched. Patrick looked to attack Ebersole’s right arm and gained the top position. Patrick moved to a choke attempt, but Ebersole again escaped and the returned to standing. Ebersole shot for final takedown and Patrick defended with a anaconda choke, but Ebersole escaped yet again as the fight ended.
“I was upset because I wasn’t able to do everything I wanted to do tonight,” Ebersole stated in his post-fight interview.
Official Result: Brian Ebersole def. Claude Patrick by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
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Rob Tatum is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. You can also find Rob’s work at TheMMACorner.com. For anything related to MMA, you can follow Rob on Twitter @RobTatumMMA.