Single takedown just enough to land Sanchez UFC victory

Even after going 0-for-12 on takedown attempts through two rounds, Diego Sanchez refused to abandon his game plan.

He finally took down Martin Kampmann midway through the third round, and though he couldn't keep him down, it might have been the reason Sanchez escaped with a victory in the main event of an Ultimate Fighting Championship card Thursday at Louisville, Ky.

Despite being out-landed by Kampmann in every round and finishing 1-for-15 on takedown attempts, Sanchez was awarded a unanimous decision by winning the second and third rounds on all three scorecards.

After suffering through a first round in which Kampmann landed at will, Sanchez did enough in the eyes of the judges to get the decision in the final two rounds.

The numbers told a different story.

Kampmann, a Las Vegan, landed 33 strikes compared with 18 for Sanchez during the second round, according to CompuStrike. In the third, Kampmann landed 34 to Sanchez's 19.

Kampmann stuffed the first 14 takedown attempts overall, including seven in the second round. Sanchez finally record the only takedown of the fight during the final round, but Kampmann got up after just 14 seconds.

"We both got caught with some big shots. I was cut. He was cut. The takedown, I knew was going to score points," Sanchez said. "I thought I won the fight by putting on pressure and controlling the end of the fight."

Kampmann viewed it differently.

"I think I won all three rounds. Diego came with some good shots," he said. "Look at his face. I have a little cut, too, but I definitely feel I won. He was throwing a lot of flurries, but most weren't landing."

In a middleweight bout, Mark Munoz needed only 52 seconds to knock out C.B. Dollaway. Both were highly decorated collegiate wrestlers, but Munoz's improved striking was the difference.

Chris Weidman, one of the top prospects in the sport, made his mixed martial arts debut by winning all three rounds on all three cards over veteran Alessio Sakara.

Former World Extreme Cagefighting bantamweight champion Brian Bowles made his UFC debut with a submission of Damacio Page.

Danny Castillo and Cyrille Diabate each gained decision victories on the undercard. Igor Pokrajac, Dongi Yang and Shane Roller won by knockouts, Takeya Mizugaki won a split decision, and Rousimar Palhares submitted Dave Branch.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509.