UFC 248 live blog: Alex Oliveira vs. Max Griffin

This is the UFC 248 live blog for Alex Oliveira vs. Max Griffin, a welterweight main card bout on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Oliveira is in dire need of a turnaround after three consecutive losses in bouts against Gunnar Nelson, Mike Perry and Nicholas Dalby. Griffin also seeks redemption after a 1-3 run in the octagon with a recent setback against Alex Morono.

Check out the UFC 248 live blog below.

Round 1: Mark Smith is the third man in the cage to start the UFC 248 main card. No feeling out to start this fight as Griffin rushes across the cage and starts pressuring. Oliveira settles in to outfight, throwing heavy counters. Oliveira is having a lot of success with single shots from the outside but Griffin lands a big overhand that stuns ‘Cowboy’! Oliveira clinches and Griffin trips him to the ground, much to the dismay of Griffin’s coaching staff. Griffin advances to top-half and is controlling Oliveira and landing shots but nothing major. Oliveira gets to the cage and stands but Griffin keeps his back and gets another takedown except Oliveira gets a kimura grip that lets him immediately cause a scramble. Griffin stands and Oliveira has a near miss with a knee before the rounds ends.

MMAFighting scores the round 10-9 Griffiin.

Round 2: Round 2 starts with Oliveira getting back to the outfighting, landing an uppercut on the eye that busts Griffin open. Griffin lands a power jab and shoots a good takedown but Oliveira fights if off. When the two separate, Mark Smith stops the action to check the cut but the fight proceeds again and Oliveira immediately lands a low kick that buckles Griffin’s lead leg. Oliveira is now keying in on the left leg of Griffin and it’s causing “Pain” trouble. Griffin rushes in and Oliveira tries for a takedown but to no avail. Now Griffin works for a takedown but Oliveira defends and threatens with a guillotine. The pace starts to slow as Oliveira now grinds Griffin against the fence. They separate but Oliveira seems to be slowing and Griffin is having trouble navigating the range. Another clinch ensues but nothing significant occurs before the round ends.

MMAFighting scores the round 10-9 Oliveira (19-19).

Round 3: The cut man did an excellent job on Griffin’s eye during the break and the bleeding appears to be staunched. Oliveira comes out with more front kicks to the body and initiates another clinch but Griffin reverses him against the cage and a stalemate ensues. Griffin appears to have another cut now opened on his head. The two separate and Griffin lands a big right hand but Oliveira bullies his way to a takedown and immediately transitions to mount. Griffin is bleeding profusely again and Oliveira is trying to land shots. Griffin gets half guard but halfway through the round he is clearly losing and Oliveira is smothering him on top. Oliveira gets the mount again and is landing big shots. Griffin can’t even keep his eyes open for the blood pouring in them and Griffin reverses!!! Oliveira seems exhausted and now Griffin is on top and landing shots. Both fighters are covered in Griffin’s blood. Oliveira is tying Griffin up and looking to survive until the final buzzer. Griffin can’t get any strikes off. Griffin starts landing elbows but can’t get anything major before the final horn. What a way to kick off the main card!

MMAFighting scores the round 10-9 Oliveira, 29-28 Oliveira.

Official Decision: Alex Oliveira defeats Max Griffin by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).