UFC Fight Night 53 results: Rick Story edges Gunnar Nelson via split decision

In the main event of UFC Fight Night 53 on Saturday afternoon, Gunnar Nelson and Rick Story squared off in a welterweight bout at the Ericsson Globe in Stockholm, Sweden.

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The main card delivered with three filling first-round finishes, before Nelson and Story stepped into the Octagon.

Nelson (13-0-1) was stepping into the Octagon for his fifth UFC appearance.

Story (17-8) was hoping to string together back-to-back wins for the first time since 2011.

Play-by-play of the bout below.

Round 1: Story was working the kicks to Nelson’s lead leg right out of the gate. Nelson eventually exploded with a flurry of strikes, but Story was able to back away and void a big shot. Nelson was controlling the center of the cage. Nelson landed a beautiful inside trip after eating a shot to the body, but Story was able to work his way back to his feet quickly. Story continued to rely on his leg kicks and landed one that swept Nelson off of his feet. Nelson remained patient, while he appeared to be looking for the right hand. Story landed a stiff right at the end of the round. FanSided scorecard: 10-9, Nelson

Round 2: Nelson ripped a kick to the body in the opening minute, before throwing a wild spinning heel kick upstairs. Story avoided the strike and dumped Nelson onto his back. Nelson bounced back to his feet and landed a strong straight right. Story was busted up. Story still managed to continue moving forward and was connecting, but Nelson was having his own success and slowly wearing Story down. Story hit Nelson with a strong left-hand counter, but Nelson’s speed allowed him to avoid any follow up strikes. FanSided scorecard: 10-9, Story (19-19)

Round 3: Nelson started off the round with a quick takedown, but Story worked his way back to his feet. Neither fighter was very active in the striking game. When the pace did pick up, it was Nelson who was throwing at a higher volume. However, Story seemed to be fresher and was controlling the cage. FanSided scorecard: 10-9, Story (29-28)

Round 4: Nelson was dropped by a heavy shot from Story and Story began raining down some ground-and-pound. Story allowed Nelson back to his feet. Nelson went to his grappling skillset after being badly rocked, but Story quickly bounced back to his feet. Nelson landed a lead left before shooting for another takedown. Nelson was simply trying to clear his head. Story was getting stronger as the round went on. Nelson’s decision to keep his hands low was losing him the fight as he began to slow down. Story was finding the left anytime he wanted it. FanSided scorecard: 10-9, Story (39-37, Story)

Round 5: Nelson’s corner seemed a bit too comfortable before the final frame, but Nelson remained calm and confident. Nelson used the front kick to keep Story at a distance. Story ate a stiff right hand and responded by pushing forward and keeping the pressure on Nelson. Nelson’s right hand was becoming more successful but time was running out in the fight. Both men were exhausted, but Story had enough in him to finish the fight with a big flurry as Nelson stayed with his back against the cage. FanSided scorecard: 10-9, Story (49-46, Story)

Official Result: Rick Story def. Gunnar Nelson via split decision (47-48, 49-46, 50-44)

UFC Fight Night 53 results:

Max Holloway def. Akira Corassani via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:11
Jan Blachowicz def. Ilir Latifi via TKO (body kick/strikes) – Round 1, 1:58
Mike Wilkinson def. Niklas Backstrom via KO (punch) – Round 1, 1:19
Magnus Cedenblad def. Scott Askham via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) – Round 3, 5:00
Nico Musoke def. Alexander Yakovlev via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) – Round 3, 5:00
Dennis Siver def. Charles Rosa via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Cathal Pendred def. Gasan Umalatov via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) – Round 3, 5:00
Krzysztof Jotko def. Tor Troeng via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-27) – Round 3, 5:00
Mairbek Taisumov def. Marcin Bandel via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:01
Zubaira Tukhugov def. Ernest Chavez via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:21

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