Brad Tavares Spoils Watson Debut
A stiff and consistent jab, effective counterpunching and a handful of timely takedowns carried “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 11 alum Brad Tavares to a split verdict over former British Association of Mixed Martial Arts champion Tom Watson in an undercard tilt at 185 pounds.
Two of the three cageside judges scored it for Tavares (9-1, 4-1 UFC) by 30-27 and 29-28 counts; a third cast a dissenting 29-28 nod in favor of Watson (15-5, 0-1 UFC).
Tavares did his best work in round two, where he struck for a takedown, transitioned to the Brit’s back and fished for a rear-naked choke. Though unsuccessful in his pursuit of the finish, the Hawaiian now had a clear path to victory. Tavares delivered two more takedowns in the final frame, as he won for the fourth time in five appearances inside the Octagon.
