Home / MMA / Josh Culibao earns split draw against Charles Jourdain at UFC on ESPN 16

Josh Culibao earns split draw against Charles Jourdain at UFC on ESPN 16

By on October 4, 2020

Sydney’s Josh Culibao was a massive underdog in his preliminary bout against Charles Jourdain and came close to edging the decision before having to settle to a rare split draw decision.

The bout took place as part of UFC on ESPN 16 held in Abu Dhabi as part of ‘UFC Fight Island’.

One judge had it 28-28 draw, another 29-28 to Culibao while most controversial, the third judge had it 30-27 to Jourdain who was dropped in the first round by a big right hand.

Jourdain recovered well int the second round and brought the fight to Culibao, particularly leaning towards his heavy kicks. A self-inflicted eye-poke from Culibao momentarily halted the contest. Jourdain continued coming forward however Culibao countered well and gave as good as he got.

The Canadian athlete had his strongest round in the third and didn’t take long to hurt Culibao with a swinging right hand. Jourdain finished strongly and nearly finished it with a triangle-armbar before the two obliged and finished the contest flurrying in the centre of the cage.

It was a much-improved performance from Culibao having lost his debut back in February on short notice. He moves to 8-1-1 (UFC 0-1-1) while Jourdain drops to 10-3-1 (UFC 1-2-1).

Started Martial Arts training after watching Mr Miyagi and Daniel-son in Karate Kid back in 1987. By the time MMA arrived many years later, I was hooked. Coverage of local MMA was via scarce posts on forums like the Underground and Sherdog. I embarked on covering the sport in 2002 and since then have written thousands of articles for both print and online media, before branching out and starting Fight News Australia in 2010. Outside the site, I dream of riding in an F1 car.
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