UFC 143: Rafael Natal vs Michael Kuiper

by Dr. Octagon, J.D.

Rafael Natal won the first two rounds convincingly by scoring on a number of takedowns, but he didn’t do a ton of damage. Michael Kuiper landed a huge uppercut to start the third round and followed by putting a sustained beating on Natal on the ground.

But Natal was able to get up, get the takedown, full mount and work a dangerous-looking arm triangle. Natal was not quite able to submit Kuiper as the final bell sounded, but he won the fight on all three judges’ cards, 30-27 (twice) and 29-28.