By Joe Fernandez
SPOILERS INCLUDED
MONTREAL -- This place is about to get loud again as Rich Clementi faces Canadian Sam Stout.
I think this one will end with a BIG knockout. Two good punchers here.
Wow. Bold move. Clementi coming to the Octagon to the Eurythmic's "Here comes the rain again." I think that might be the first time a UFC fighter has come out to an Annie Lennox song.
Stout's ovation was so loud. I can't even imagine what St. Pierre's will be like.
Clementi has taken Stout to the ground early. He had his back, but as soon as Stout peeled Clementi's arm away from the choke, the crowd erupted. Stout worked his way out the jam, but was taken down again. A clear 10-9 round for Clementi, maybe even a 10-8, but no one ever really gives out a 10-8.
Second round: In a round that was pretty much all on the feet, Stout should have shined -- but he didn't. But neither did Clementi in the even round. Not as much excitement as the first.
Third round: A stand-up round, both fighters landed some shots in the third round. Stout landed a big right at the 2:14 mark that got the crowd going. This was definitely better than the second round with both of the fighters smelling a win by taking the round.
This one goes to the cards as Rich Clementi earns the split decision, which didn't sit well with the crowd. Clementi earned the win, but tonight, if you're not the Canadian fighter you're getting booed.