UFC 165 results: Reis makes key adjustments, decisions Menjivar in Octagon debut

WHO: Ivan Menjivar vs. Wilson Reis
WHAT: UFC 165 Fox Sports 1 preliminary card results
WHERE: Air Canada Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ivan Menjivar vs. Wilson Reis -- Bantamweight bout

In his UFC premiere, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist and former Bellator bantamweight Wilson Reis took on the craftiest of veterans in Ivan Menjivar. The duo matched each other with inside low kicks early, capitalizing on the lead-leg availability of their opposing stances. Reis, the southpaw, held his own but gradually started to fall slightly behind as Menjivar's kicks from outside and punches in the pocket began to mount. Menjivar sliced in a series of sharp knees to the body from the single collar tie that inspired Reis to change the atmosphere with a takedown late in the round, though it was unaccompanied by any memorable offense.

He waited a minute or so to repeat the act in the second and launched some ground strikes but Menjivar's serpentine guard eventually dislodged him halfway through the frame. Reis waited for Menjivar to commit to a combination before dropping levels and hitting a double leg to clock more time on top. Menjivar adjusted by anticipating Reis's takedown attempt and easily thwarting it in the third, though Reis went right back to squeezing off sharp inside low kicks. For yet another cerebral in-fight adjustment, Reis crept into the clinch and put Menjivar on the fence to set up a slick trip with two minutes left that likely sealed Menjivar's fate, as he was unable to escape or threaten off his back. Reis slipped into and held full mount for the last minute which, against a gamer like Menjivar, is a testament to his grappling prowess.

• Wilson Reis defeats Ivan Menjivar by unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)