In one of the most anticipated bouts of the evening at UFC 144, Japan’s own Yushin Okami entered the Octagon coming off his most recent defeat to Anderson Silva in a championship bout at UFC 134.
Okami stood across the Octagon from former light heavyweight Tim Boetsch, who was yet to be defeated in the middleweight division.
Boetsch’s winning streak was in jeopardy early, as he was picked apart by the well-rounded Okami.
“The Barbarian” endured cuts under both eyes from straight jabs, but continued to plunge away.
Despite Boetsch landing several leg kicks in the opening frame, Okami stole Round 1 on the judge’s scorecards and picked up steam heading into the second round.
Okami eventually put Boetsch on his back and began to tee off through a series of strikes and elbows.
However, Boetsch would continue to remain in the fight and was saved by the bell as action was headed to the third and final round.
Boetsch gained life during the one-minute break as he appeared to be a man on a mission, attacking Okami with an overhand right to begin Round 3.
Okami was pushed up against the cage as Boetsch began to unload with a variety of kicks and strikes.
After three uppercuts, Okami fell to the Octagon floor as his opponent began to tee off en route to one of the greatest comebacks in UFC history.
The bout was stopped just 54 seconds into the third round, declaring Boetsch the victor via technical knockout.
Boetsch has now won three consecutive bouts at the middleweight division, while Okami has been felled in his last two fights.
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