Ilir Latifi Sweeps Scorecards In Win Over Gian Villante
The third fight on the main card of UFC 196 featured two heavy hitters in the 205-pound division. The two combatants who met inside the Octagon were Illir Latifi (12-4) and Gian Villante (14-7).
Latifi caught a leg kick from Villante and pushed him against the fence. The two separated and Villante landed a stiff leg kick. “The Sledgehammer” had Villante wobbled momentarily. Latifi landed an uppercut on the break. Villante landed some heavy kicks to the body and legs of Latifi. The Swede threw heavy punches and pressured his opponent against the fence. Villante went high with a kick, but Latifi blocked it to end the round.
A hard leg kick landed for “The Sledgehammer.” Villante threw a hard kick, but Latifi caught the leg and delivered a German suplex to his opponent. Villante quickly got back to his feet. A body shot followed by a right hand over the top found the mark for Latifi. The Swede once again pressured Villante against the cage. Latifi dumped Villante to the mat and landed a hammerfist. The round ended seconds later.
The two touched gloves as the final round began. Latifi went for a takedown, but Villante scrambled. “The Sledgehammer” stuck to his opponent for a moment. Latifi barely missed a haymaker. Villante ate a big punch, but kept moving forward. Latifi scored a big takedown with about 30 seconds left in the fight. Villante went for a takedown of his own as the final horn sounded.
Final Result: Illir Latifi def. Gian Villante via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
