Bryan Barberena is quickly earning a reputation as a prospect killer.
Five months after submitting the heavily hyped Sage Northcutt, the 27-year-old Barberena ruined another fighter's perfect record with a unanimous decision win over highly touted Brazilian Warlley Alves.
The judges score the UD victory to @bryan_barberena to end @warlleyalvesmma undefeated record. #UFC198 #ArmbarNation pic.twitter.com/4nsDDSxc8Q
— Team Rousey (@ArmbarNation) May 15, 2016
The win was not easy by any means, as both men had their moments over the course of the three-round contest.
Alves looked to rush Barberena down in the first, but "Bam Bam" avoided the worst of Alves' attacks including a tight guillotine choke that threatened to put an abrupt end to the bout.
The fight developed into a kickboxing match in the second round. Normally a submission specialist, Alves looked content to trade straight punches with Barberena. The scoring had to be tight going into the final round as Barberena began to get the better of a tiring Alves in round 2:
Nice shots landed by @Bryan_Barberena! The huge underdog is showing he's no pushover! #UFC198 https://t.co/MRHviO7Y4m
— #UFC198 (@ufc) May 15, 2016
The third round provided little clarity as to who would take the fight. Both Alves and Barberena showed plenty of output and great chins to endure the various strikes they were throwing at each other. Barberena's kicks might have been the difference as he was able to snipe away at Alves' legs and body with his educated feet.
Barberena earned his first decision win since April 2012. Now that his hand has been raised in three of his four UFC appearances, he has to be considered a prospect in his own right.
The winner of the third season of "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil," Alves loses for the first time in 11 MMA contests.









