Matt Schnell Out Points Tyson Nam to earn a Decision Win at #UFCFightIsland8
Tyson Nam and Matt Schnell were first booked to fight on Sept. 12, but the bout was cancelled when Schnell withdrew on fight day due to health issues related to his weight cut. They were then expected to fight on Dec. 19, but that meeting was postponed for undisclosed reasons.
And now they will finally meet at ‘Fight Island’ on Jan. 20. Schnell looks to get back on track in his first trip to the octagon in over a year. “Danger” had an impressive four-fight winning streak snapped in his most recent appearance by Alexandre Pantoja at UFC Busan in December 2019 where he was finished in a wildly entertaining first round.
After dropping back-to-back decisions to Sergio Pettis and Kai Kara-France to kick off his UFC career, Nam responded with knockout wins over Zarrukh Adashev and Jerome Rivera to break into the 125-pound rankings. The 37-year-old is set to make the walk for the 32nd time as a pro.
Here is how the fight went between the flyweight contenders:
ROUND 1:
They enter the middle without a touch of gloves. Thirty seconds gone both men being patient – Schnell lands a one two. Matt Schnell lands a front kick to the body. A inside leg kick from Nam lands. And another one. Nam showing his jab. Nam lands another calf kick. Tyson stepping into range and feints. Schnell doing a good job and keeping his head of the centre. A overhand over the top from Nam just misses. Nam switches it up and lands to the body. Nam lands a right, and Schnell eats and returns with a combination of his own. A nice combination from Schnell lands and cuts open the Hawaiian. Round one over.
MyMMANews.com scores it: 10-9 to Matt Schnell
ROUND 2:
Jabs land from both men. Matt Schnell showing great speed with his hands. Nam looking for the one punch KO – needs to get more busy. And speak of the devil Nam lands a combination, followed up with a right hand and knocks the mouth piece out. Matt Schnell lands a double jab and then feints. Nam starting to land more. Tyson going back to the calf kicks. Nam wearing the punishment from Nam on his face. Left hook from Schnell lands clean. Schnell showing incredible speed with his hands. A lead front push kick lands from Nam. Nam lands a double jab then follows it up with a body punch. Schnell staying active and using his footwork to avoid the punches – and the bell goes end of round two.
MyMMANews.com scores it: 10-9 to Matt Schnell, 20-18
ROUND 3:
Round three starts. Schnell landing punches and swiftly moving out the way. Nam lands a left hook with Matt partially blocking it. A one two down the pipe lands for Schnell. Jab lands clean for Schnell. This round been more patient for the two. Nam misses widely. Schnell beating Nam to the punch all the time. A body punch lands for Tyson and a left hook followed up – Schnell rolls the punch and moves out the way. A much better round for Nam. What a fight – round three comes to a end.
MyMMANews.com scores it: 10-9 to Tyson Nam, 29-28 to Matt Schnell
Official Result: #UFCFightIsland8 Official Result: Matt Schnell (@DANGER_Caged) def. Tyson Nam via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)