‘Soldierboy’ handed loss on UFC debut
Former EFC middleweight champion Garreth ''Soldierboy'' McLellan started his time at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) with a loss against Bartosz Fabinski, via unanimous decision, on Saturday, April 11.
Their middleweight clash was part of the preliminary card of UFC’s Fight Night 64 event, at Tauron Arena, in Krakow, Poland.
Fabinski, a Poland international, enjoyed the ascendency throughout the bout, which went the distance, giving the judges the simple task of scoring the fight unanimously in favour of the man nicknamed ”The Butcher”.
The three officials all scored the bout 30-27, to hand Fabinski a UFC debut victory and improve his professional record to 12-2 MMA; 1-0 UFC.
McLellan dropped to 12-3 MMA; 0-1 UFC.
“The guy was really strong, but I was stronger,” said Fabinski.
“I am really thankful for everyone who came to watch me. I thank everyone for helping me prepare for the fight.”
McLellan said it was a tough fight.
“This is the biggest show in the world and the fighters are of a much higher calibre, but I was calm the whole fight through,” he said.
“I struggled to do the things I wanted to do, but it’s one of those things.
”I have a lot to work on and I will work on them all with my team.”
The 32-year-old McLellan became the second EFC fighter after Ruan Potts to be signed to the Las Vegas-based UFC when he recently secured a six-fight deal.
Follow his UFC journey on Twitter @SoldierboyInc and Facebook at www.facebook.com/garreth.mclellan. – @SabeloBoksburg
