UFC 249 results: Oleinik outlasts Werdum In split-decision
UFC fights are back.
On Saturday night, May 9, UFC 249 takes place in Jacksonville, Fla. following a two-month hiatus for the promotion.
Inside an empty Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the card features two championship bouts. Interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson defends his belt against Justin Gaethje in the main event.
In the co-main event, bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo is up against Dominick Cruz, who returns to the octagon following a four-year layoff.
In a tale of two fights, Aleksei Oleinik outlasted Fabricio Werdum after a big first round on the feet. After getting dominated in the first round, Werdum used to BJJ and power to control Oleinik on the ground.
As the fight continued, Aleksei landed his shots where he could but was clearly depleted from Werdum’s ground control. In the end, while Werdum found his stride, it was Oleinik who outlasted the vicious ground game of Werdum to win in a split-decision.
Round One:
Werdum comes out with some early pressure but doesn’t land anything big. Oleinik responds with big shots against the cage and starts teeing off. Werdum ties Aleksei up against the cage to recover. Oleinik lands a couple of huge blows. With 2:40 left to go Oleinik lands devastating blows. The damage under Werdum’s right eye could pose a problem if this fight goes on. Right now Oleinik controls the offensive. Werdum keeps covering for damage control. You have to think this fight will not go the distance.
Oleinik dominated the first round.
10-8 Oleinik
Round Two:
Werdum comes out in round two working his jiu-jitsu. The pressure on the Russian’s neck is intense. Werdum found his game plan in round two so far. Oleinik throws bombs once he got free. Werdum has no answer for the striking game. Halfway through round two and Werdum has top control on Aleksei. This looks like a completely different fight from round one for Werdum. Every time Werdum separates, Oleinik throws every strike he has. Werdum May have gained this round but still has a lot of work to do.
19-18 Oleinik
Round Three:
Big takedown by Werdum right off the bat. Werdum works for an armbar from the back. Alekseilooks tired while gaining top control. Werdum gets another attempt at an armbar at 2:30. The fight gets back to the feet for the last 90 seconds. At this rate Werdum has controlled the last two rounds. This could make for an interesting decision. Werdum gets one more takedown with under one minute left in the fight. Werdum has to take this fight as well. I could see this as a majority draw.
Oleinik def. Werdum via split decision (29-28; 28-29; 29-28)
