UFC Houston results: Volkan Oezdemir defeats Ovince Saint Preux

At UFC Fight Night: Houston, Volkan Oezdemir stepped into the Octagon for the first time as he faced former interim light heavyweight title challenger Ovince Saint Preux.

Oezdemir came out strong, tagging Saint Preux numerous times throughout the first round as Saint Preux continued to back up. In the second round, Saint Preux came out aggressive and hit an early takedown before Oezdemir creates a scramble and gets back to the center of the Octagon, they trade punches, with both men landing several clean shots. Saint Preux landing more strikes this round, however Oezdemir doesn’t seem affected. Saint Preux gets tagged with a counter right, but isn’t affected. Second round ends with both men in the center of the cage. Third round starts and both men begin to open up. Saint Preux clinches against the cage and lands a clean elbow followed by a knee. Oezdemir pressing forward before he stuffs a takedown. OSP looking tired as he lands a big right hand followed by another. OSP with a clean combination that lands. Oezdemir presses forward and lands a combo. OSP with a cross that lands followed by a missed uppercut. OSP lands a left which Oezdemir eats. 90 seconds left as they both look hesitant. Oezdemir remains defensive as he eats a liver shot. OSP with another shot to the body as Oezdemir is hit with a body-head combo. OSP eats a knee as he looks to clinch. 30 seconds left as they both land clean strikes. OSP with a big uppercut and a left hand. OSP pouring on a combination as Oezdemir looks to survive with 10 seconds left.

Official decision: 29-28 Oezdemir, 29-28 OSP, 29-28 Oezdemir.