Martin Kampmann made the most of the opportunity in a last-ditch effort to defeat Thiago Alves this past weekend at UFC on FX 2.
Alves would out-strike and dominate Kampmann for a majority of the fight but the Danish welterweight would capitalize on the Brazilian’s strategic mistake of attempting a takedown as he submit Alves in the final minute of the bout.
The win results in a big opportunity for Kampmann, who has now recorded two straight victories, and will remain in title contention in the UFC welterweight division.
However, while the win might have vaulted him near the top of the division, Kampmann’s overall performance didn’t enlighten his spirits.
“It was in my mind that I had to step it up, because I was behind,” Kampmann told Sherdog.com. “I was disappointed in my performance, but I was happy to get the submission.”
Alves, who has dropped the last three of his past five bouts, looked every bit as dominant throughout the bout, even having many chances to end the fight.
The 29-year-old Kampmann will now see his stock rise as he likely finds himself in a title eliminator bout, while Alves will hope to regain some momentum and attempt to climb back up the divisional rankings.
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