UFC 131 – Kenny Florian successful in his featherweight debut, defeats Diego Nunes via unanimous decision

Kenny Florian could very well have done enough to stake a claim for a shot at the featherweight title next time out after he defeated Diego Nunes at UFC 131 tonight in Vancouver, Canada via unanimous decision.
Nunes is all about the kicks early on but most are missing. Low kick from Nunes lands as Florian tries to walk him down. Florian shoves Nunes up against the fence, lands the knee and looks for the takedown. Nunes turns it around and scores a takedown. Florian back to his feet where Nunes lands a couple of knees before the pair separate. Nunes lands the low kick and Florian shoots. Nunes shrugs him off. Low kick from Nunes buckles Florian to a knee. Spinning back fist lands from Nunes before Florian gets wreckless with a high kick which misses. Low kick from Nunes lands but Florian lands a nice jab. Florian with a nice takedown, landing in the guard of Nunes but the Brazilian gets back to his feet and pushes Florian against the fence. They separate and Nunes floors Florian in the final seconds with a huge punch. He jumps into the guard of Florian trying to finish but there’s not enough time. MMABay scores the round 10-9 Nunes.
Florian starts the second trying to back Nunes down and shoots in for a takedown. Nunes stuffs it against the fence but Florian stays on him. Nunes reverses it and takes Florian to the ground. Florian attempts a triangle but he can’t get it. Nunes backs out before jumping into the guard of Florian. He backs out again, targeting the legs of Florian who is also kicking the legs of Nunes from his back. They pair resume on the feet. Florian stays on Nunes who seems to be tiring and ducks under a jab and takes the Brazilian to the canvas. Florian with some nice shots to the body from the top before the round comes to an end. MMABay scores the round 10-9 Florian.
Florian lands a couple of kicks to begin the third as he looks to be the much fresher fighter. Nice knees from Florian in the clinch before taking the fight down to the ground. Florian steadily goes to work from top position landing punches and elbows while looking to pass. Florian in side control with half the round remaining. Nunes gets back to his feet and pushes Florian up against the fence. Wild kicks and punches from Nunes just miss as he swings for the fences. Nice jab from Florian lands as the Brazilian continues to land a wild shot. Nunes with a nice right hand. Florian fakes the takedown and lands the knee. Florian with a couple of nice shots inside but Nunes drops him to a knee on the bell. MMABay scores the round 10-9 Florian. The judges scored the bout 29-28, 29-28, 30-27 in favour of Florian.