UFC on FOX 27 live blog: Dennis Bermudez vs. Andre Fili

This is the UFC on FOX 27 live blog for Dennis Bermudez vs. Andre Fili, a featherweight bout at Saturday night’s UFC event at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C.

Bermudez, a highly ranked featherweight who is trying to snap a two-fight losing streak, will face Fili, who is coming off a big win over Artem Lobov.

Check out the UFC on FOX 27 live blog below.

Round 1: Fili comes out firing an active jab and Bermudez is looking to navigate the substantial reach disadvantage. The first takedown attempt from Bermudez is shucked off easily and now Bermudez is working in behind combinations and body work while Fili stays on his bike. Bermudez gets double underhooks and has Fili against the fence but is unable to drag the fight to the floor. Fili showing some great balance here but he’s unable to separate. Fili finally digs in an underhook and gets back to range but eats a punch for his troubles. Bermudez comes in aggressively and Fili times a beautiful double leg that puts Bermudez on the mat but only for a moment as Bermudez stands easily. Bermudez lands a few good low kicks and Fili changes levels and finishes another takedown as the round ends. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Bermudez.

Round 2: With the first round razor close, Bermudez comes out and immediately shoots for a takedown that is easily stuffed. Bermudez manages to force a clinch and get Fili against the cage but he’s not able to keep him there and they’re back at range. Fili times a low kick from Bermudez and completes his third takedown but against “The Menace” is able to get back to his feet quickly. Now Bermudez has double underhooks against the fence. He switches to a single leg takedown and gets a strong lift but Fili shows outstanding balance and prevents the takedown! Back at range, Bermudez continues to chop down Fili with calf kicks whenever Fili jabs and Fili is starting to show the damage. Fili tries to counter a Bermudez body kick with a takedown but is stuffed. Fili lands a big left hand counter as Bermudez comes in and it stops Bermudez’s aggression for a moment. Fili drives through another takedown when Bermudez kicks low and now Fili is in half-guard but again, “The Menace” just stands up off the ground. Bermudez gets a single leg attempt against the fence but no joy again and the round ends with both men missing shots. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Fili (19-19)

Round 3: Neither fighter has had huge moments this fight so the scores are anybody’s guess right now. Fili starts round three with a very active jab and that jab has been his best weapon all fight. Bermudez seems to have been dissuaded from the low kicks by Fili’s takedowns and is now punching his way in combination more. Fili is on his bike and lands a beautiful counter uppercut as Bermudez triple jabs his way in. Bermudez lands a low kick but Fili briefly trips him to the mat. Fili lands a big left high kick and then shoots a single that Bermudez is able to just barely defend. Bermudez is pushing a remarkable pace but lands a groin shot up against the fence and Fili takes time to recover. The fight restarts after a break and Fili is back to working his jab but Bermudez is constantly pressuring. Bermudez gets Fili against the fence but Fili separates and now Bermudez is basically just sprinting Fili down while Fili keeps circling and peppering the jab. Bermudez keeps chopping that leg kick and Fili is walking a little gingerly. Bermudez lands a good combination and Fili just isn’t able to keep “The Menace” off of him. Bermudez lands a big standing elbow against the fence and then finally gets a takedown but Fili reverses and Bermudez stands up as the horn sounds. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Bermudez (29-28 Bermudez).

OFFICIAL DECISION: Andre Fili by split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)