Charles Jourdain has won a big battle in front of his home fans at UFC Winnipeg, beating Kyler Phillips by unanimous decision in a battle in the bantamweight category. The bout was a big opportunity for Jourdain to move to the Top 15, and Phillips came in to end recent defeats and regain momentum.
Both fighters were regarded as aggressive in their styles, and they delivered an entertaining contest that kept the crowd engaged throughout all three rounds.
Fast Start As Phillips Uses Wrestling Early
The first round took off with Phillips pushing and setting the pace. Charles soon excited the crowd by throwing an early flying knee, fulfilling his “Air Jourdain” nickname. Despite the flashy attack, Kyler Phillips stayed focused and scored the match’s initial takedown. He was in the lead and dominated a big part of the round, with Jourdain being active on his back.
Charles attempted a triangle choke, but Phillips defended it well and used the opening to improve his position on the ground. Several minutes later, Jourdain fought his way up on his feet and responded with a late volley of blows. Before the round was over, some visible damage was evident around the eye of Phillips, making it a competitive opening frame.
Jourdain Recovers Competitively in Second Round
In the second round, Phillips continued to press forward and earned another early takedown with a well-timed trip. Charles was in danger on his back, and he continued to strike. Gradually, the body attacks started working as the round went on with Jourdain. Phillips seemed to decelerate a little as he took several clean hits in the belly.
Attempting to reestablish control, Phillips pressed Jourdain against the UFC cage and leaned on his wrestling. Jourdain managed to get away and strike back with heavy blows toward the end of the round. As the seconds elapsed, Jourdain tried a melodramatic finishing thrust, which involved a rolling thunder kick attempt just before the horn.
Final Round Decides the Fight
The last round was critical as the match was probably tied after two rounds. Phillips began on his feet and shifted positions to make another takedown. He had temporary success on the ground, but Jourdain soon got on his feet again and continued to advance. Phillips continued to land successfully in exchanges, but Jourdain remained very active as the match went on. Moments later, he landed a clean flying knee to Phillips’ left eye, opening a cut in the biggest strike of the fight.
Jourdain escaped once more and, with one of his kimura holdings, turned himself upside down. A few seconds later, he delivered a flying knee to the left eye of Phillips, which left a cut.
Judges Award Jourdain the Decision
Upon the fight going to the scorecards, Charles Jourdain won by a unanimous decision, which thrilled the crowd in Winnipeg. The victory gives him an 18-8-1 career record and three straight wins. He is now in a good position to engage in a future bout with a ranked bantamweight opponent. In the case of Phillips, his defeat lowers his record to 12-5 and is his third consecutive loss after beating Pedro Munhoz at UFC 299.
The performance highlighted Charles’ toughness, creativity, and ability to adjust throughout a demanding fight. In front of a supportive home crowd, he delivered one of the most meaningful victories of his UFC career and may now be on the verge of entering the bantamweight rankings.
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