UFC 197 Prelims: Sergio Pettis Handles Game But Outgunned Chris Kelades

Sergio Pettis had too many weapons for Chris Kelades. Crisp counterpunching, timely takedowns and some effective work in the clinch spurred Pettis to a unanimous decision over Chris Kelades at UFC 197 “Jones vs. St. Preux” on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. All three judges arrived at the same conclusion, striking 30-27 scorecards for Pettis (14-2, 5-2 UFC). Kelades (9-3, 2-2 UFC) remained aggressive and pressed forward throughout the bout but lacked the necessary firepower to give the Roufusport star pause. Pettis struck beautifully from the outside and secured takedowns in the first and third rounds. The 22-year-old flyweight saved some of his best stuff for the final five minutes, as he outworked Kelades in close quarters and threatened with a standing guillotine. Related » UFC 197 Round-by-Round Scoring Roberts Streak Reaches Seven Cage Warriors Fighting Championship veteran Danny Roberts posted his seventh consecutive victory, as he claimed a unanimous decision against former CES MMA champion Dominique Steele in their preliminary welterweight confrontation. Roberts (13-1, 2-0 UFC) drew 29-28 marks on all three scorecards. Steele (14-7, 1-2 UFC) dropped the Blackzilians rep with a two-punch combination, slammed out of an attempted triangle and settled in side control in the first round. However, he could not sustain his success. Roberts weathered his attacks, pushed the fight deeper and took advantage of his superior conditioning. The 28-year-old Englishman staggered Steele with a left hook and overhand right in the second round and turned away his bid for clinches and takedowns in the third, outstriking him down the stretch.Returning Esparza Upends Lima Repeated takedowns, a suffocating top game and some mild ground-and-pound carried former UFC woman’s strawweight champion Carla Esparza to a unanimous decision over Juliana Lima in their 15-minute undercard scrap at 115 pounds. All three cageside judges scored it 30-27 for Esparza (11-3, 2-1 UFC), who replaced the injured Jessica Aguilar on short notice. Lima (8-3, 2-2 UFC) found herself pinned beneath the “Cookie Monster” …

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