The UFC 248 main card opener between welterweights Alex Oliveira and Max Griffin set the tone for what would ultimately be a thrilling pay-per-view event on Saturday night. Alex Oliveira and Max Griffin traded blows for three rounds in a thrilling welterweight bout that went to the judges scorecards.
Griffin came out of the gate strong landing a powerful blow midway through the first and taking Oliveira to the canvas twice. Oliveira responded in the second with a fast start, landing some hard leg kicks that helped set up devastating uppercut that cut Griffin above the eye. The blood immediately started gushing, prompting a visit from the Octagonside physician. Despite being cleared to continue, it was apparent that Griffin was bothered by the cut. Oliveira dominated the remainder of the round.
Heading into round three with the fight up for grabs, Oliveira responded with a sense of urgency. He took Griffin to the mat in the second minute and assumed a mounted position where he threw a barrage of ground strikes that opened up even more cuts on his opponent's face. With blood pouring into his eyes, Griffin somehow managed to reverse the position and wound up on top.
Unfortunately, it was too little too late and he was unable to deal enough damage to sway the judges who scored the fight 29-28 twice and 28-29 for Oliveira. The win snaps Oliveira's three fight losing streak and he moves to 20-8-1 with 2 NC. Griffin falls to 15-8.