UFC Vegas 38 results: Niko Price outworks Alex Oliveira to secure unanimous decision win

Niko Price showed off his conditioning and a will to win with a strong third round performance in order to secure a unanimous decision win over Alex Oliveira at UFC Vegas 38.

After splitting the first two rounds with the Brazilian, Price knew he had to separate himself during the final five minute session, which is exactly what he delivered. Price was strong on the feet and then he closed the fight with a takedown along with some heavy ground and pound to ensure the win on the scorecards.

All three judges scored the fight 29-28 for Price, who gets his first win since 2019.

“Whenever it goes to decision I’m never happy. But I’m happy with the [win],” Price said. “[The last takedown] that’s 100 percent what did it. I’m ready to get in there and take on any of these top [fighters].”

Some massive punches were traded on the feet before the welterweights ended up on the floor, which allowed Price to work his way into top position. Price was smart with his strikes while also keeping a close eye on Oliveira to ensure he never allowed an opening for a submission attempt.

Back in the feet in the second round, Oliveira was more careful with his shot selection, which allowed him to connect with the better strikes while displaying good head movement against Price’s big looping punches. A trip during a rapid-fire exchange put Price on the ground with Oliveira on top of him, looking to do damage or potentially lock onto a submission.

With both fighters looking to secure the victory, Oliveira and Price were attempting to leave everything in the cage as they were swinging at each other with a wide variety of strikes. Oliveira was able to connect with a few stinging shots but he was also starting to run out of gas.

In return, Price was throwing bombs from the outside including a right hand that blasted the Brazilian and put him on his heels momentarily. As time was running out, Price managed to get a takedown and close the fight with a barrage of punches and elbows, which was a timely statement to make with the judges.

While it wasn’t the barnburner many expected, Price still did a good job to earn a much needed victory over a veteran like Oliveira, who has now dropped his last three fights in a row.