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Caceres started off with some flashy strikes and quick combinations, but Delorme dropped Alex with a good left hook and pounced on Caceres straight into a mounted crucifix. While Caceres briefly reversed position he found himself on his back again. The majority of round 1 was spent with Delorme working for a rear naked choke or throwing strikes from back mount and then eventually full mount. Caceres escaped Delorme's back control in a wild scramble and ended the round on his feet but clearly on the losing end of the 1st.
The 2nd round was contested mostly at striking distance, with Caceres getting the better of the exchanges. There were a few moments were Delorme was able to get Caceres to the ground (and vice-versa) but neither man was able to hold the other down to do anything effective or fight changing. Round 3 really showcased Caceres' superior striking, as he attacked the body and landed some stiff jabs. He ended the fight on his back after slipping on a high kick attempt in the final minute, but Delorme was unable to land anything significant up until the final horn.
Official result: Alex Caceres def. Roland Delorme by split decision (29-28. 29-28, 28-29).
What was the high point of the fight?
Pretty much the 4 minute stretch of round 1 where Caceres survived a knockdown and the two men created some exciting scrambles on the mat, with Caceres valiantly fending off serious submission attempts.
Where do they go from here?
Caceres (9-5, 1 NC) has been on a roll at bantamweight, and he'll probably get a step up in opposition, nearer the top 10 but not necessarily against a top 10 fighter.
Delorme (9-2, 1 NC) put forth a solid 1st round but showed his lack of speed and technical ability in the stand-up game, and it's back to the drawing board from him. Expect a prelim showing against someone like Dustin Kimura.
Watch now, later, or never?
Later. This was a fun fight, especially in the opening round. It does slow down a bit in the 3rd, but that's because both men exerted a lot of energy in the previous two rounds.
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