London, Ont.’s Sam Stout dominated Cody McKenzie on the UFC on FOX 9 prelims and made some UFC history in the process.
Stout landed 54 significant strikes in a unanimous decision win, passing middleweight star Michael Bisping for second on the UFC’s all-time list with only Georges St-Pierre having landed more significant strikes in UFC history. Since GSP announced he’s stepping away from MMA, Stout is now the active leader in that category.
The Canadian improved to 20-9-1 and set a UFC record by going the distance for the 14th time in his UFC career, passing former top welterweight contender Jon Fitch, who went to a decision 13 times in his UFC career. All three judges scored the bout 30-27 for Stout.
Stout was taken down by McKenzie early in the first round, but stayed calm and eventually got back to his feet where he began landing solid kicks and punches to the body.
In the second round, Stout, who had retired former No. 1 featherweight contender Mark Hominick in his corner, took complete control of the fight and picked apart his opponent for the remainder of the bout.
Stout, who made his 17th appearance in the UFC, was coming off a loss to James Krause at UFC 161 when he was submitted with a guillotine choke with 13 seconds remaining in the third round of a Fight of the Night performance. McKenzie is known for his guillotine choke and tried it in this bout, but Stout was able to defend any attempt the Alaska native made.
This was McKenzie’s return to lightweight following a two-fight stint at featherweight.
Stout has now alternated wins and losses dating back to his knockout win over Yves Edwards at UFC 131 in Vancouver in 2011.
