Fairfax, Va. -- Rick Story powered to a decision victory over Jesse Lennox on Monday at UFC Fight Night 20 at the Patriot Center.
Story (9-3) used a series of slams and control to hand Lennox just his second loss in 13 career fights.
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The first round was about as even as could be, with both fighters using the stanza to feel out the other.
Round Two started with some aggressive striking before Story took down Lennox near the fence. Lennox defended on his side, and then in guard before Story stood up but did not move away. Lennox kept his heels on Story's hips and nullified Story's strategy before it went back to the feet.
Lennox, who sustained facial cuts while down on the mat, came up kicking against the southpaw. Story began to load up his left and struck Lennox with a straight one with less than a minute to go, creating more blood on Lennox's face. It was Story's round.
Lennox came out on fire in the third with a screaming slam that he worked into side control. Lennox got Story into a crucifix, but Story powered to his feet and fell backwards for a spectacular slam that got him free. He took advantage by working back into side control, but could not finish a kimura. Lennox was able to escape to his feet with just over two minutes left.
Lennox, on his back near the fence, desperately tried for a leg triangle, but could not cross his legs the correct way and get Story's arm out of the way. It was his last, best chance.
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