Sirwan Kakai will face Frankie Saenz at UFC Fight Night 73 in Nashville, Tennessee tonight. It is the Swedish raised fighter’s second UFC bout.
Making his way to the Octagon @Sirwan_Kakai! #UFCNashville https://t.co/W7FV3ZoV43
— #UFCNashville (@ufc) August 9, 2015
Play-by-Play
Round 1
Both fighters on the feet, and it is leg kick exchanges to start. Kick to the body for Saenz, and the American with a combo and kick. Clinch with knees for Saenz, and Kakai for a takedown, but Saenz won’t have it.
Kakai gets a double leg take-down half way through the round. Back to the feet, and Saenz landing good knees to the body. The GBG MMA fighter with a counter left hook, off a right over the top.
Saenz finishes the round with another knee to the body and goes for a single-leg takedown. Close first round.
Round 2
Good right for Saenz to start. A little wild attack, but Kakai defends. Take-down attempt with an inside trip from Saenz, but Kakai defends. The Swede looking more comfortable on his feet. Take-down for Saenz, but Kakai is up on his feet quickly. Good leg kicks for the ATT fighter, and the tide could be turning.
Now Kakai is on top with a take-down, but only for a bit. Elbow from Saenz lands on the way up. Another close round.
Might have to eat my words a bit. Got it 19-19, but Kakai clearly won the second behind a crispy jab. ATT has him looking very much improved
— Jordan Breen (@jordanbreen) August 9, 2015
Round 3
Saenz lands knees and an elbow into the last round. Nice take-down from Saenze and he is on top with an elbow. Kakai gives up his back, and Saenz jumps to lock on a rear-naked choke, but can’t get it. The Swede now on his feet, and defends another take-down.
Saenz looks to land an uppercut, and time running out. Kakai gets a takedown for just a second, but Saenz is up and lands an elbow. Counter wrestling for Kakai that looks for a take-down of his own. Saenze throws a push kick to end the fight.
Frankie Saenz wins by split decision (30-27, 30-27, 28-29)
Brb, rewriting the recap I'd already started under the assumption that Kakai won that fight…
— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) August 9, 2015
30-27 WTF #UFCNashville
— Robert Whiteford (@Flyinjudoka) August 9, 2015
“No excuses, the judges didn’t see me as the winner. I will be back stronger and I know where I am heading. Thank you all for the support!” says Kakai after the bout.
