Dan Kelly scores decision win over former champ Evans:

Judo fighter Dan Kelly defeats Middleweight debutant Rashad Evans.

UFC favourite and long time veteran 'Suga' Rashad Evans made his Middleweight bow at UFC 209 against judoka Dan Kelly, as the former UFC Light Heavyweight champion looks to recover from a shocking knockout loss to Glover Teixeira. Evans began tentatively looking to land that right hand, and went high with a kick early on. After some hesitation from both men, Kelly rocked Rashad with a jab, left hook combination. Evans then reverted to his wrestling, searching for a single leg, which Dan defended well. Rashad then tagged Kelly with a beautifully timed uppercut, sending the 39 year-old backward. We then seen the first use of the power right kick from Evans, who shot for the body of Kelly as the round ended. The second round began with Kelly moving forward, looking to work the jab and then trip the former 205lbs champ. Kelly then stung Evans with a good left hand, as he moved to engage. After a battle in the clinch, Evans scored with a good knee. We then seen an unfortunate eye poke agaisnt Dan Kelly with referee 'Big' John McCarthy calling the doctor in before continuing. Rashad then landed another powerful body kick, folding Kelly over for a brief moment. 'Suga' then faked a right overhand and shot for a single leg, proving a success. Evans then looked to land that right high kick, but Kelly just managed to catch and engage the clinch. Another close round comes to an end. Kelly may hold the advantage in terms of output. The third and final round in this Middleweight clash, seen another clinch from Judo fighter Kelly, after a decent combination. Evans once more scored with a decent uppercut. With Rashad's corner calling for another uppercut, Kelly then tripped the former champ expertly. A great exchange then occurred with Rashad landing a good straight before an uppercut from Kelly. A desperate flurry from Rashad at the end of the round looked to sway the judges, but Kelly's output throughout the round was far superior. The judges deservedly handed a decision victory to the Judoka Kelly. Rashad did look impressive on his Middleweight debut though.

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