Fil-Aussie Culibao settles for split draw at UFC Abu Dhabi

FILIPINO-AUSTRALIAN fighter Joshua Culibao marked his Ultimate Fighting Championship return on Sunday with a split draw with Canadian Charles Jourdain.

Looking to redeem himself after losing by technical knockout in his UFC debut in February, Mr. Culibao, 26, competed hard but could not notch the victory he was angling for.

Mr. Culibao started well in the fight, marked by a huge shot that sent his opponent to the mat in the opening round. In the second round, however, Mr. Jourdain found his footing and stood toe-to-toe with the Fil-Aussie fighter.

Mr. Culibao then tried to gain some headway once again to begin the third round, but the Canadian was up for it and countered with aggressiveness of his own.

The two fighters found themselves on the ground in the latter part of the round, where Mr. Jourdain tried to go for the finish with a triangle and solid elbow shots.

Mr. Culibao though survived the onslaught until the final bell sounded. When the scorecards were read, the fight was rendered a split draw, with one judge scoring it, 30-27, for Mr. Jourdain, another, 29-28, for Mr. Culibao, and the last one, 28-28. —