UFC Sacramento results: Karl Roberson ekes out split decision win over Wellington Turman

MMAFIGHTING

Karl Roberson returned to middleweight with a win on Saturday night at UFC Fight Night in Sacramento in a grueling three round battle against Octagon newcomer Wellington Turman.

After a brief stop at light heavyweight for his last fight, Roberson moved back down to his natural 185 pounds and he needed all of his size and power to fend off a strong showing from Turman. Still after 15 minutes, Roberson did enough to win with the judges returning scores of 29-28, 29-28 and 28-29 as he got the nod by split decision.

“This one was a hard one, I had to push through,” Roberson said after earning the split decision in a grueling three round fight.

There was no feeling out process in this battle of middleweights as Roberson and Turman began dropping bombs as soon as they were released from their corners. A former kickboxer, Roberson was happy to showcase his striking but Turman didn’t show an ounce of fear standing toe-to-toe and winging punches on the feet.

Turman eventually opted for a ground attack but Roberson was able to reverse positions to get on top where he began cracking the UFC newcomer with short inside elbows and punches while fending off submission attempts from the bottom.

Roberson was quick to pounce on Turman at the start of round two with a barrage of combinations including one particularly blistering kick to the body that reverberated throughout the arena in Sacramento. Despite eating several stiff shots, Turman was able to latch onto Roberson and drag him the ground, which is exactly where the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt wanted him.

Unfortunately for Turman, a failed attempt to lock on a submission from the back ended with Robertson turning into the guard and landing on top before the round came to a close.

Much like his strategy throughout the fight, Turman wanted Roberson back on the ground again in the third round and he was able to bring the action down to the mat where he began methodically breaking down his opponent’s defense. Turman was constantly threatening with submission attempts but Roberson was able to resist until making his escape with less than a minute remaining.

Roberson landed a couple of thudding punches before getting back to his feet where he waited for time to expire.

The win moves Roberson to 3-2 in the UFC as he has bounced back and forth between wins and losses ever since joining the promotion. With this win, Roberson would obviously enjoy building some momentum when he books his next fight in the near future.