UFC 220 results: Gian Villante scores methodical decision win over Francimar Barroso

BOSTON -- Gian Villante’s fights more often than not end with someone looking up at the lights, with it’s his opponent or Villante himself.

But on Saturday night, the Long Island light heavyweight went the distance with Brazil’s Francimar Barroso. While it wasn’t the most thrilling fights for the fans at TD Garden, Villante did what he had to in order to get the nod. The judges’ scores were a pair of 30-27s for Villante and a bizarre 29-28 for Barroso.

The methodical tone was set from the start, as Barroso didn’t seem all too enthused about engaging. Villante would move forward and Barroso would slowly circle away. Barroso did land some counters, but Villante landed the harder shots.

It was more of the same in the second. Villante landed a low blow of a kick, and after the time out, things continued as before. Barroso landed a couple solid body kicks, but once against, Villante landed the harder punches.

Things slowed in the third round, as Villante continued to push forward, but visibly tired, while Barroso showed no urgency.

“I wanted to come out here and put on a show man,” Villante said. “The guy was tough, we shed some blood in here.”

With the win, Villante (16-9) snapped a two-fight losing streak. The victory was just the fourth via decision of the Long Islander’s career. Barroso, of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (19-6, 1 NC) has lost two in a row.