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Jonathan Micallef beat Kevin Jousset with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC 312 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
Take a look inside the fight with Micallef, a 25-year-old Aussie who won his UFC debut.
Jonathan Micallef def. Kevin Jousset
Result: Jonathan Micallef def. Kevin Jousset via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Updated records: Micallef (8-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Jousset (10-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Key stats: Micallef landed 45 percent of his total strikes, including a first-round knockdown.
Micallef on the fight’s key moment
“He came straight out of the fight with a head kick. I didn’t expect that. I knew he was going to kick a lot, so I had that thought in my mind. But I didn’t think it was going to be a head kick. Outside of that, he did typical Kevin Jousset – he did what we’ve seen in his fights. Nothing surprised me, and that’s why I got the win.”
Micallef on his UFC debut in front of his home fans.
“It feels incredible, honestly. I’ve envisioned being in the UFC for over six years now. I’m here. I just got my first win. It’s what dreams are really made of, this feeling right here. During the walkout, I was tunnel vision. I was locked in – I had a job to do. Once the fight ended, I was taking it all in. There really is no feeling like it. I’ve never been in front of such a large crowd. What a feeling. “
Micallef on what he wants next
“I knocked him down in the first, but I didn’t get the finish. It’s not the statement I was looking to make, but I think all the guys know now I can strike, too. I’ll keep chipping along, and keep proving to the guys that I’m one of the best welterweights, and I eventually will be the best welterweight in the UFC.”
To hear more from Micallef, check out his post-fight interview above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 312.
UFC 312: Best photos from Sydney
UFC 312: Official scorecards from Sydney
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Jonathan Micallef on quest to become world’s best welterweight after UFC 312
