Carlos Condit ---------------Martin Kampmann
INDIANAPOLIS – For five minutes, Carlos Condit looked lost. For the next 11, he looked unbeatable.
Former UFC interim champ Condit survived some early trouble against perennial contender Martin Kampmann to rebound for an impressive fourth-round stoppage in the rematch of the pair's 2009 affair.
The welterweight bout was the main event of today's UFC Fight Night 27 event at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. It aired on FOX Sports 1 following prelims on FOX Sports 2 and Facebook.
Kampmann wasted no time implementing his plan, shooting in immediately for a takedown. Shortly after, he moved to the back, but Condit alertly turned in and wound up in top position. He couldn't hold the dominant spot, and Kampmann wound up controlling the positioning for the remainder of the frame.
Kampmann continued to look for the takedown in the second, but Condit seemed to get a better feel for the attacks and kept himself upright. Able to work in the standup department, Condit seized momentum as the frame wore on.
Kampmann continued to struggle for the takedown in the third, and Condit's striking started to find its mark. A combination sliced Kampmann over the eye, and blood flowed freely down his face. Kampmann continues to press in for a the takedown, but Condit countered with a spectacular transition to the back. Kampmann defended a slick submission and found a way back to his feet, but the momentum was firmly in his opponent's favor.
Kampmann caught Condit off-balance to open the fourth, but he simply couldn't keep the action on the canvas. Once back on the feet, Condit turned up the volume. A left hand stunned Kampmann, but it was a barrage of punches, kicks and knees that came forward shortly after. The durable Kampmann tried to respond when referee Herb Dean asked him to move, but the onslaught was too much to handle, and he eventually crumpled to the floor, where the fight was waved off at the 0:54 mark of the fourth round.
With the win, Condit (29-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC) snaps a two-fight losing streak and proves he still belongs at the top of the UFC's welterweight division. Kampmann (20-7 MMA, 11-6 UFC) again showed his resiliency but has now dropped back-to-back fights.
UFC Fight Night 27 results:
Carlos Condit def. Martin Kampmann via TKO (strikes) - Round 4, 0:54
Rafael dos Anjos def. Donald Cerrone via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Kelvin Gastelum def. Brian Melancon via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 1, 2:26
Court McGee def. Robert Whittaker via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
Takeya Mizugaki def. Erik Perez via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Brad Tavares def. Robert McDaniel via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Dylan Andrews def. Papy Abedi via TKO (punches) - Round 3, 1:32
Brandon Thatch def. Justin Edwards via TKO (strikes) - Round 1, 1:23
Darren Elkins def. Hatsu Hioki via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Jason High def. James Head via submission (guillotine choke) - Round 1, 1:41
Zak Cummings def. Ben Alloway via submission (D'Arce choke) - Round 1, 4:19
Roger Bowling vs. Abel Trujillo declared a no-contest (unintentional illegal knee) - Round 2, 4:57