UFC 213 results: Belal Muhammad grinds out win over Jordan Mein

LAS VEGAS -- The UFC 213 fight between Jordan Mein and Belal Muhammad was a matchup of former top prospects who had lost a bit of luster.

The meeting turned into Muhammad’s night to regain some of his shine, and he came on strong over the final two rounds to take a unanimous decision. The judges’ scores at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena were 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27.

The opening round was the bout’s closest, as both fighters felt each other out. Mein landed solid low kicks and Muhammad responded with uppercuts and quick combos.

In the second, though, Muhammad began to impose his will. The Chicagoan remained persistent with his grappling game, wore Mein down, and finally got him to the mat. He got him down a second time as well. In between, Muhammad bloodied Mein with well-placed punches.

The final round was almost all Muhammad, as he continued to relentlessly grind. Mein went for a pair of desperation Kimuras, but Muhammad rolled out to safety and regained control.

With the win, Muhammad improved to 12-2. He’s won two straight and three of four. Mein (29-12) has lost three straight, a span which also included a one-year retirement for the Alberta native.