UFN 88 Results: Bryan Caraway defeats Aljamain Sterling via split-decision

A key bantamweight bout between Aljamain Sterling (12-1 MMA) and Bryan Caraway (21-8 MMA) took place on the UFC Fight Night 88 Fight Pass prelims tonight in Las Vegas.

Round one begins and Sterling opens up with a front kick that misses. Caraway comes forward with a jab but eats a kick. Bryan lands a left hook. Sterling is throwing some flashy kicks to start. A good leg kick lands for Sterling and then one to the body of Caraway. Sterling shoots in for a takedown but Caraway defends. Sterling has Caraway pressed against the fence and lands a trip. He instantly takes Bryans back and starts looking for a rear-naked choke. Caraway rolls but Sterling stays on his back. Big shots from the top by Sterling. Caraway rolls again and Sterling looks for a rear-naked choke. More shots from the back from Sterling. Round one comes to an end. That was a big opening round for the undefeated Sterling.

Round two begins and Caraway opens up with a nice right hand. Bryan gets a hold of the neck and tries a guillotine choke but Sterling escapes. Huge leg kick scores for Sterling. Aljamain is moving very well. Caraway is struggling to find his range. Nice knee from Sterling. Bryan presses him up against the fence. Good knees from the clinch by both fighters. Sterling with a head kick but Caraway blocks it. Nice spinning back fist from Sterling partially lands. Bryan shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Caraway is landing some decent shots while he looks to setup a choke. Sterling presses himself up against the fence in an attempt to wall walk. Round two comes to an end.

Round three begins and Sterling is fired up. He starts things off with a nice leg kick. Bryan presses forward with punches. Another nice leg kick from Sterling. Caraway shoots in for a takedown but it is not there. Big right hand from Sterling. Caraway shoots in again and this time lands the takedown. Sterling and Caraway wrestle for position against the fence. Aljamain is able to scramble and get back to his feet. Bryan drags him back down to the floor. Bryan moves to side control but Sterling locks in an inverted triangle choke. Caraway breaks free from the submission attempt and begins landing some ground and pound. Caraway takes the back of Sterling. Aljamain stands up but Bryan is still on his back with the hooks in. Round three comes to an end.

Bryan Caraway defeats Aljamain Sterling via decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)