Kuivanen Loses By Decision in UFC Debut

February 16, 2012

Finland’s Anton Kuivanen lost by unanimous decision to American wrestler Justin Salas at UFC on Fuel TV 1. The bout as the second on the card, following the Bernardo Magalhaes and Tim Means bout. Below is play-by-play of the three round bout.

Results

Quick Bios:

Justin Salas (9-3) – www.sherdog.com/fighter/Justin-Salas-16180. American fighter is riding a 5 fight win streak, including recent wins over Robert Emerson and Joe Ellenberger. Making UFC debut tonight.

Anton Kuivanen (16-4) – www.sherdog.com/fighter/Anton-Kuivanen-14865 . Finland fighter is riding a 9 fight win streak, including recent wins over Thiago Meller and Ivan Buchinger. Making UFC debut tonight.

Trevor Whitman in Salas corner, and background on Salas includes collegiate wrestling at University of Wyoming. “The guy is absolutely ripped” says Florian as the Finn enters the ring. Kuivanen is out of the red corner. Mark Powell is the referee, and Britney Palmer is the ring girl for the start of round 1.

Round 1
Blue trunks for Kuivanen who defends an early take-down. Good right hand in early round. Right high-kick attempt by Kuivanen, who looks to counter and stay aggressive. Kuivanen with good punches. Salas leads with the right leg, to Kuivanen’s left leg forward, giving a target for the American looking to get the fight to the ground.

Salas lands a jab as Kuivanen goes forward half way into the bout. Double-leg by Salas for a takedown, bringing the Nordic fighter to the mat. Kuivanen looking for up-kicks, and pushes his way out to get back to his feet.

One minute left in the round, and Kuivanen lands a good right hand. Kuivanen looking for openings and goes for another kick with the right, and a superman punch. Salas catches a kick and drives for a takedown in the last seconds of the round.

Close first round. Late take-down may have swayed judges to give round to Salas 10-9.

Round 2
Both fighters looking to establish themselves in the 2nd round, but no clear advantage early. Kuivanen tries to make Salas pay with knees after the American shoots in. Kuivanen still looking for inside kicks and his right hand. Salas lands a stiff left to startle Kuivanen mid-way into round. Salas still searching for a take-down, but Kuivanen defends well. Kuivanen lands good body kick.

Close round so far with 40 seconds to go. Kuivanen seems to be pushing forward. Salas goes for take-down to finish round, but Kuivanen defends well.

Another close round, could go either way. “Both guys have had their moments” say Anik.

Round 3
Salas with a nice take-down at the beginning for round 1, but Kuivanen looks for heel-hook an an escape. Kuivanen on his back as Salas stands above him. Salas in conrol of the round and goes for big left hand on downed Finn. Wrestler tries a front headlock, but Finn fighter back on his feet looking for damage.

Short elbow from Salas as he holds Kuivanen against the cage after failed takedown. Salas seems relaxed with a minute left, using his footwork. Kuivanen looks for big knee, but gets taken down and on his back with 30 seconds to go. Both fighters back on their feet to end the round.

This round seems the most clear cut as a 10-9 for Salas.

OFFICIAL RESULT
30-27, 30-27, 29-27 for a unanimous decision for Justin Salas.