UFC Fight Night 53 was set to be Gunnar Nelson’s breakout party. Instead, it produced the Iceland native’s first MMA loss.
Rick Story, a tough UFC veteran, was billed as Nelson’s first real test in the welterweight division. However, Nelson was the favorite coming into Saturday.
In holding Nelson to one takedown over five rounds, Story was able to avoid rolling with the grappling ace and had a clear edge when it came to striking. Landing 100 more significant strikes than Nelson, Story cruised to a decision victory.
With another UFC event in the books, here is a look at who should be next for Story, Nelson and the other UFC Fight Night 53 competitors.