Mousasi takes clear-cut decision from Leites in UFC London co-main event

Gegard Mousasi recorded his 38th career win with his usual machine-like precision.

The co-main event of UFC London featured two of the company's top middleweights in the No. 9-ranked Mousasi, and the No. 10-ranked Thales Leites. Unfortunately, neither man is likely to benefit much from their performances on Saturday.

Perhaps he was still gun shy after being upset by Uriah Hall last September, but Mousasi never shifted out of first gear despite dominating the fight. He kept Leites at bay with a steady stream of jabs, and snuffed out the Brazilian's jiu-jitsu arsenal by staying heavy in his guard, or avoiding the ground altogether.

Leites' face became visibly bruised as the fight progressed, the result of an accumulation of punches as opposed to one or two devastating shots. Aware that he needed a finish in order to win, he started to throw wildly in the third round, but Mousasi stayed the course and avoided trouble.

The decision victory for Mousasi gives him three wins in his last four contests, while Leites has now dropped two straight bouts.