Brad Pickett (25-11) defeated Francisco Rivera (11-6 1NC) via split decision at UFC Fight Night 84 earlier today (Sat. Feb. 27, 2016) inside The O2 Arena in London, England.
Pickett, 37, was out-struck on the feet throughout most of the contest, and knocked down in the opening round, but he did land some timely takedowns during the three-round fight. Perhaps that was enough to convince the judges.
In the first round, the 34-year-old Rivera connected on a right hand, which sat Pickett down, but "One Punch" immediately recovered and got back to his feet. Rivera began connecting more frequently in the final two minutes of the round and wobbled Pickett another time with a pair of punches.