BOSTON -- All the hype leading up to the launch of Fox Sports 1 set a pretty high bar for the fighters on Saturday night's UFC Fight Night event.
Fortunately, bantamweights Diego Brandao and Daniel Pineda stepped up and delivered in the first-ever FS1-broadcast bout Saturday night. Both fighters pushed a fast pace through a ridiculous first 10 minutes of action, and while both visibly tired in round three, Brandao had enough left in the tank to get the job done.
Brandao won via unanimous decision at TD Garden, on scores of 29-28 across the board.
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The 26-year-old Jackson's MMA fighter came out flying in the first round, swarming Pineda with a relentless mix of punches, elbows and flying knees. Several times it appeared Pineda had Brandao in position for a finish, but Pineda hung tough and landed several solid counters.
In the second round, Brandao caught Pineda with a body shot and Pineda played possum, feigning injury. He caught Brandao with an elbow coming in and scored a takedown soon thereafter. Pineda sealed the round by reigning down punches and elbows from top position.
Both fighters visibly tired in round three, but Brandao got the best of the round, landing several takedowns along the way and keeping Pineda from getting much done on offense.
"I got a little bit tired because of the up and down, up and down, a chance to make sure to win rounds," said Brandao. "I know he's tough, but that [the takedowns] is what won me the fight."
Brandao, the TUF 14 winner, won his third straight fight. Pineda dropped to 18-10.