Ricky Simon wrestles to split decision over Ray Borg
Ricky Simon fights to victory
The UFC makes a quick turnaround at UFC 249 with UFC on ESPN+ 29 on Wednesday, May. 13.
A light-heavyweight clash between Anthony Smith and Glover Teixeira headlines the event at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. Ovince St. Preux bounces up to heavyweight to take on Ben Rothwell in the co-main event.
Ray Borg comes up to bantamweight to take on Ricky Simon in the main card. Borg is riding a two-fight win streak, recently defeating Rogerio Bontorin by unanimous decision at UFC on ESPN+ 25 in Feburary.
Borg also earned the decision nod against Gabriel Silva at UFC on ESPN 4 in July 2019.
Simon is looking to rally after suffering back-to-back losses for the first time in his career. In his last bout, Simon lost by unanimous decision to Rob Font at UFC on ESPN 7 in December 2019.
He lost by first-round knockout to Urijah Faber at UFC on ESPN+ 13 in July 2019. The loss snapped a three-fight win streak inside the octagon.
Here is how the bantamweight bout between Ray Borg and Ricky Simon went down at UFC on ESPN+ 29, including round-by-round scoring. For full event results, check them out right here.
ROUND 1
The two meet in the center of the cage, Simon throws a right hand and it’s blocked by Borg. Simon rips off two left hooks, followed by a right cross. Borg eats some punches early on. Simon earns an early takedown on Borg. Simon is in Borg’s half guard, then lands some ground and pound. Borg is able to escape and presses Simon against the cage. Borg drops down for a takedown of his own. Simon is able to bring Borg to the mat and Borg works his way up to his feet again. The two are standing, while Simon works a right cross. Simon checks a leg kick from Borg. Borg lands a body shot and forces Simon back. A cut is opening up on Ray Borg. Simon presses Borg against the cage, lifts and takes Borg to the ground. Borg lifts one leg up and makes his way to his feet. Simon ends the round on top of Borg.
MyMMANews.com scores it 10-9 Simon
ROUND 2
Both make their way to the middle of the octagon quickly. Borg is taking up more of the center early on this round. Borg lands a combination and moves in for takedown. Simon changes levels and scores another takedown. Simon is in the half guard of Borg. Sticking to the script, Borg works his way up on the cage. Borg circles out and they are back on their feet. Simon comes in and Borg greets him with a combination, landing a big left hook. Simon works the jab and follows with a left cross. Borg comes in with a. knee, but eats a left hand from Simon. The pair is talking to one another. Borg calls Simon a “kid,” Simon says he is older than Borg. Simon rattles off two left hands and Simon lands a right. Simon is able to get behind Borg, drags his opponent to the canvas. Borg granby rolls and escapes, lands big body shots. Simon throws combination to end the round.
MyMMANews.com scores it 10-9 Simon
ROUND 3
For the last time, Simon and Borg meet in the middle. Simon is trying to establish the jab. Borg lands a stiff left of his own. Borg is doing a good job working the body with punches. Borg is in the center with Simon on the outside. Borg lands an uppercut, getting the better of the exchanges. Simon scored a double-leg takedown, comes up and lifts Borg. Simon gets Borg down and is in side control. Simon tries to take the back and Borg scrambles. Borg is on top, but Simon works up. Simon earns another takedown, but Borg is quick to get to his feet. Simon transitions behind Borg and gets Borg against the cage. Borg is able to break free and goes for a head kick. Borg lets his hands go and Simon drops for a takedown. After stuffing the takedown, Borg tries to work the jab. Borg swings for the fences at the end of the round.
MyMMANews.com scores it 10-9 Borg
Official result: Ricky Simon def. Ray Borg by split decision [28-29, 29-28, 29-28]
