LAS VEGAS -- Nick Diaz moved back into title contention with a convincing unanimous decision victory over BJ Penn in the main event at UFC 137 Saturday night.
The first round was evenly matched with both fighters landed strikes from the start. Penn was able to take Diaz down to the mat briefly, landing a few strikes to gain the early edge.
Diaz begain to land a number of strikes to the body and face in the second round. He taunted Penn and continued to land heavy strikes, dazing the former champion. It was more of the same in the third round with Diaz picking apart Penn at will, landing numerous combinations that left Penn's face swollen and bloodied.
All three judges scored the fight in Diaz's favor 29-28, 29-27 and 29-28.
In the co-main event, Cheick Kongo defeated Matt Mitrione by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-28, 29-28.
After an inactive first round by both fighters, Kongo opened up the second striking, landing multiple solid kicks to Mitrione's legs and body.
Both came out swinging in the third round with Kongo landing a strike that sent Mitrione back to the cage. Kongo went for a takedown and ended up slamming Mitrione to the ground then landed a few shots that opened up a small cut and caused some swelling.
Mitrione was able to make it back to his feet only to find himself on the mat after another takedown. Kongo controlled the action from the top using effective ground and pound to neutralize any counter from Mitrione.
Earlier, Roy "Big Country" Nelson defeated Mirko Cro Cop by TKO due to strikes at 1:30 of the third round, sending the MMA legend home with a loss in what appears to be his final fight. Also, Scott Jorgensen earned a unanimous decision over Jeff Curran and Hatsu Hioki won a closely contested split-decision victory over George Roop.
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