The Ultimate Fighter season 12 vet Justin Edwards has now officially recorded his first Octagon win.
“Fast Eddie” got off to a frantic start in his welterweight clash with the debuting Jorge Lopez, engaging the Wanderlei Silva protege quickly into the clinch.
From there, Edwards was able to tie-up his opponent against the cage and work inside for the takedown. The strategy worked for the first two rounds, with Edwards seemingly ahead of the scorecards with his effective grappling skills.
Several times Edwards had Lopez in some precarious situations, often favoring the guillotine choke. The Las Vegas transplant in Lopez showed he’s ground-savvy, staving off all submission attempts, even slamming Edwards into side control in the opening frame when he was in danger.
Both men came into the third round noticeably winded, but it was Lopez that picked up the pace early against the spitfire in Edwards, who hails from Team Gurgel out of Cincinnati, Ohio.
“Lil’ Monster” took his opponent down early in the third, muscling down his smaller foe to the canvas. From there, Lopez was able to display his ground skills, taking mount immediately. Heavy blows reigned down from Lopez, who eventually secured the back mount. However, Edwards was able to escape and eventually made it to the final bell.
In the end, Lopez’ last minute surge was not enough to sway the judges and Edwards was declared winner, with all three judges scoring the bout 29-28 in favor of the TUF alum.
Lopez now has suffered not only his first loss in the UFC, but his first since a 2007 split-decision opposite of Strikeforce fighter Nick Rossborough.
Edwards now finds job security and lives to fight another day under the Zuffa banner while Lopez had an impressive showing in defeat and at 22-years-old will also find success in the future, as he is an obvious talent.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com