British youngster Arnold Allen decisions Makwan Amirkhani:

Arnold Allen shows off decent wrestling in Amirkhani slaying.

British Featherweight Arnold Allen faces SBG's Makwan Amirkhani in the opening bout of UFC Fight Night London, with both exciting youngsters seeking to break their way into the 145lbs ranking picture. At just 23 years of age, 'Almighty' Allen, will be making just his third walk to the UFC octagon, but has an impressive 11-1 record, finishing 5 via KO. Iranian born Amirkhani relies more on his grappling prowess, submitting 9 of his opponents, including a huge submission victory over the recently signed UFC prospect Tom Duquesnoy, back in 2013. With both these youngsters finishers at heart, don't expect the judges to have too much of a say in this one. With John Kavanagh accompanying Amirkhani to the octagon, the Dublin coach would also feature in the corner of Gunnar Nelson in this evening's co-main event.

Referee Neil Hall got us underway for the first of three rounds, with Amirkhani looking for a flying knee from the start, similar to his 8 second KO of Andy Ogle in Stockholm, Sweden. Two takedowns in quick succession for Makwan, and D'arce attempt made it a dominant start for 'Mr. Finland'. Arnold Allen displayed his wrestling well, winding up on top in half guard, laying down some decent elbows. Amirkhani rose to his feet expertly, before renowned coach Firas Zahabi offering expert advice to his prospect Allen. Neil Hall called a break in the action due to inactivity, before Allen strayed onto a right hand of Makwan, with Allen retuning the favour moments later. First round to Amirkhani.

Makwan again sprung into life early on, claiming a quick single leg takedown, as he then looked to secure a D'arce once more, but failed with Allen defending brilliantly, allowing him to then land some good ground and pound from the top. A good sprawl from Allen denied a laboured single leg attempt from Amirkhani with just over a minute in the round. Makwan then found himself on top as he escaped a Peruvian necktie from Allen. End of the second round, Makwan's round once more, but much closer than the first 5 minutes.

The third and final round didn't see a quick burst or takedown attempt, before an inevitable one was sprawled by Arnold Allen. A big left hand landed sweetly for Allen, with Makwan lunging, and then secured his first single leg of the round. A fantastic hip toss from Allen brought Amirkhani to the mat, before yet another sprawl from 'Almighty' denied Makwan. Neil Hall then decided to stand up both, with Amirkhani in the guard of Allen. Another important trip proved to be successful for Allen, before he took the back and almost secured a rear-naked choke win. Third round definitely goes to Allen.

The judges did in fact have something to say about this bout, with a split decision going to hometown youngster Arnold Allen. Fun start to the main card

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