UFC Rotterdam preliminary card results: Khabilov outlasts Wade, Horiguchi dominates Seery

The UFC’s first trip to The Netherlands is underway, and the preliminary card is all wrapped up. There were 7 bouts on the prelims, with the standout performance coming from Kyoji Horiguchi, who once again staked his claim as one of the elite flyweights in the division. Here’s how the fights played out:

Rustam Khabilov def. Chris Wade via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) – Lightweights

It was a close first round, Khabilov was stung by Wade’s shin and was largely outstruck (and losing on volume) by the Long Islander, but he was able to get Wade down late in the opener and get back control and maintain the advantage on the ground. In the 2nd, Wade knocked Khabilov down with a ridiculously awesome jumping kick, but Khabilov inexplicably got on top in the ensuing scramble and took control of the back. What recovery by the Dagestan fighter. Khabilov transitioned to a triangle choke but never seriously threatened, and Wade was on top until Khabilov got back to his feet. The round ended with Khabilov taking Wade down and working (not convincingly) on an arm-triangle. After some solid exchanges on the feet in the 3rd, Khabilov slammed Wade and gained full back control after sinking both hooks in. Wade was beaten up with ground-and-pound but did try to escape. Khabilov promptly dumped him on the canvas again and attempted to get to crucifix position but could not achieve it. That didn’t matter, as Khabilov won the round and managed to win a fight in which he was just about KO’d to start round 2.

DOWN GOES KHABILOV! #UFCRotterdam pic.twitter.com/2J6tsO6UEz

— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) May 8, 2016

Magnus Cedenblad def. Garreth McLellan via TKO (head kick and punches) at :47 of round 2 – Middleweights

McLellan didn’t have anything of note for Sweden’s Cedenblad, who took apart the South African with crisp striking and effective use of his range. Cedenblad dropped McLellan with a right hand in the 1st and was otherwise in firm control of the fight. The fight was over early in the 2nd after Cedenblad rocked McLellan with a partially landed head kick, then he battered McLellan with a series of uppercuts until the fight was called. In his first fight in almost 2 years, Cedenblad has quietly picked up his 4th straight victory. McLellan is 1-2 inside the Octagon.

Unleash the fury, …

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