Rashad proved that Phil Davis’ national wrestling titles do not matter when the octagon cage door closes. Although Rashad did not have the wresting pedigree of Davis, Rashad stopped the majority of his take downs, and controlled the octagon with superior striking.
At the end of the round Rashad caught one of Davis’ kicks and dragged him to the floor. From there, he was able to gain a mounted crucifix. Davis avoided any significant damage by wriggling free from the position just as the round ended.
The second round mirrored the first, especially because it ended almost exactly the same way as Rashad caught Davis’ kick, and rode out the crucifix position to the end of the round.
Davis tried to go back to his bread and butter in the third round, as he attempted to take down rashad multiple times, most of which were nullified. He did score a double leg in the middle of the octagon, but he was not able solidify a dominant position as Rashad inched to the fence and made his way back to his feet.
In the last 2 rounds, Davis looked visibly tired and frustrated as Rashad’s striking continued to be crisper, faster and technical. Rashad scored at will hitting Davis with most his combinations he threw.
With this win Rashad has solidified a long awaited shot at light heavyweight champion Jon Jones in Atlanta some time in the spring.
