Boetsch (13-4) is coming off a win over Kendall Grove at UFC 130 in May. Ring (12-0) this year defeated Riki Fukuda and James Head at UFC 127 and UFC 131, respectively.
Round 1: No glove touch after yesterday's contentious weigh-in staredown. Ring concedes the center of the cage to Boetsch and circles around him, deftly dodging an early lunging hook. Boetsch keeps coming with that left hook and gets it through Ring's defenses at least once. Ring counters with a jab and a kick, then shoves Boetsch to the floor after catching one of his kicks. Ring has the front headlock position, but seems unsure what to do with it, so he settles for some knees to Boetsch's shoulder. Boetsch works back to his feet, which the crowd appreciates. The Yagin-Assuncao fight just before this one really sucked some of the life out of the building. Boetsch continues following Ring in circles, but he's a little too flat-footed and plodding to catch him. Ring dances away from one left hook after another. Boetsch sticks him with a good front kick to the body, and you know it hurt because Ring immediately looks to return the favor. Final ten seconds, and Ring fires off a headkick just after the horn. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 for Ring.
Round 2: It's more of the same to start the second. Boetsch comes lumbering forward and Ring dances away. Boetsch gets close enough to pop his head back with a punch, but then Ring is out of there. Boetsch's corner shouts for him to stop following and cut Ring off, which is sound advice. He does just that and soon lands his two best punches of the fight. Ring stops running long enough to fire back, but with less success. Boetsch lands a short right that makes Ring go wobbly, then nearly locks up a guillotine in the ensuing scramble. Ring pulls out and stands up in Boetsch's guard before going back to the front headlock. Boetsch gets to his feet and stings Ring with a left hook in the clinch. Ring is on shaky legs, and Boetsch wisely keeps the pressure on. Ring's playing defense in the final 30 seconds, but Boetsch flips him to the mat just before the horn. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 for Boetsch.
Round 3: Ring works his way in close and clinches Boetsch against the fence early. Ring goes back to circling away and Boetsch hammers him with a good left hook. They stall in the clinch, and referee Mario Yamasaki restarts them in the center. Boetsch again works his way in close and trips Ring to the mat. Boetsch seems content to stay in Ring's guard, and Ring seems to have no objections to the arrangement. Both men looking very tired as Yamasaki restarts them again. Boetsch gets right back into the clinch and flips Ring to the mat with a crack that gets the crowd on its feet. Boetsch works some ground-and-pound from the top position, but this one is going to the scorecards. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 for Boetsch.
Boetsch wins via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Boetsch improves to 2-0 as a middleweight and hands Ring his first career loss.
UFC 135 Photos
Tony Ferguson def. Aaron Riley via first-round TKO (broken jaw) at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Aaron Riley suffers a broken jaw at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Aaron Riley tries to counter Tony Ferguson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Tony Ferguson cracks the jaw of Aaron Riley with an uppercut at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Tim Boetsch def. Nick Ring via unanimous decision at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Tim Boetsch raises his arms at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Tim Boetsch tries a shoulderlock on Nick Ring at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Tim Boetsch attacks the arm of Nick Ring at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Junior Assuncao ground and pounds Eddie Yagin at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Eddie Yagin lands a left hand on Junior Assuncao at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Eddie Yagin connects on a right hand at Junior Assuncao at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki def. Cole Escovedo via TKO (punches) at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki celebrates his win over Cole Escovedo at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki beats Cole Escovedo via TKO (punches) at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki punches Cole Escovedo at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Cole Escovedo kicks Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki crushes Cole Escovedo with a left hand at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
James Te Huna def. Ricardo Romero via KO (punches) at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
James Te Huna knocks down Ricardo Romero at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Nate Diaz makes impact with a punch on Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Nate Diaz punches Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Nate Diaz slaps on a triangle choke on Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Nate Diaz punches Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Travis Browne knees Rob Broughton at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Travis Browne climbs on top of Rob Broughton at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Travis Browne punches Rob Broughton at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Ben Rothwell walks to the back after his loss to Mark Hunt at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt defeats Ben Rothwell via unanimous decision at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt takes a breather after a three-round fight at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt looks to ground and pound Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt attempts an armbar on Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt goes behind Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt kicks Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Ben Rothwell mounts Mark Hunt at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Ben Rothwell collides with Mark Hunt at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck defeats Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
The referee attends to Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck celebrates his win over Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck shakes UFC matchmaker Joe Silva's hand at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck knocks out Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck knocks out Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Matt Hughes tries to grab Josh Koscheck at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck punches Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Matt Hughes and Josh Koscheck are ready to fight at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Rashad Evans talks about being the next challenger for Jon Jones at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones retains his UFC light heavyweight title against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones retains his UFC light heavyweight title against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones relaxes after his win over Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones embraces Quinton "Rampage" Jackson after their fight at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones beats Quinton "Rampage" Jackson with a rear-naked choke at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones submits Quinton "Rampage" Jackson with a rear-naked choke at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson takes a breather after the third round at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones fires punches at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones lands a front kick to the face of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a kick at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a punch at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the face at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a kick at the ribs of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a kick at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a kick to the body of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson throws a punch at Jon Jones at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones receives corner advice for his fight against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones kicks Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones kicks Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones crawls in the early moments of his fight against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the face at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones crawls in the early moments of his fight against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the face at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson receive final instructions before their title fight at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.