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Taleb tops UFC newcomer Enkamp by unanimous decision

Per Haljestam / USA TODAY Sports

Nordine Taleb decided that "The Future" is not now.

Facing an opponent 10 years his junior, Taleb demonstrated the difference between a seasoned veteran and a prospect by outpointing Oliver Enkamp at UFC Fight Night 109 in Stockholm, Sweden, on Sunday.

Taleb picked up a pair of 30-27 scores and a 29-28 to keep the 25-year-old Swede from snagging a hometown win in his UFC debut.

Enkamp's karate stance gave Taleb little trouble as the two felt each other out in the opening round. The more experienced Taleb scored a late takedown in that round to defuse Enkamp, and then made him pay for his carelessness in Round 2 by catching him with counter punches.

Most of Enkamp's stylish strikes failed to land, and any advantage he may have gained in the standup was spoiled by Taleb taking him down and spending prolonged stretches of the match in dominant positions.

Taleb has alternated wins and losses across his past five outings, and his UFC record now stands at 5-2. He was originally supposed to face Emil Meek, but an injury forced Meek to withdraw and Enkamp stepped in on just 12 days' notice.

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