Jonathan Pearce opened a horrific gash on Darren Elkins en route to a lopsided win at UFC on ESPN 42.
Pearce (14-4 MMA, 5-1 UFC) earned his fifth consecutive octagon win on Saturday when he methodically worked over Elkins (28-11 MMA, 17-10 UFC) for all three rounds to emerge with a unanimous decision by scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 30-26.
The featherweight bout was part of the UFC on ESPN 42 preliminary card at Amway Center in Orlando, Fla.
In case you're wondering, @DarrenElkinsMMA ALWAYS wants to fight 👊 #UFCOrlando pic.twitter.com/69ac1A2Hc7
— UFC (@ufc) December 4, 2022
The first round saw Pearce pick Elkins apart on the feet and come away with the clear momentum. He did more of the same in the second frame, mixing in some grappling against the ridiculously tough Elkins.
In the final round, Pearce landed an elbow that badly sliced Elkins open. The fight was paused so the doctor would take a close look, but allowed the action to continue. That only allowed Pearce more time to pour it on, though, as he closed the fight strong to get his hand raised.
Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 42 results include:
- Jonathan Pearce def. Darren Elkins via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
- Natan Levy def. Genaro Valdez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
- Francis Marshall def. Marcelo Rojo via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 1:14
- Yazmin Jauregui def. Istela Nunes via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 4:06
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 42.
