Big right lands for @MarkGodbeerUK but the newcomer @Spitz214 lands a big takedown! #UFC209 pic.twitter.com/Lb7kIeVxqT
— #UFC209 (@ufc) March 5, 2017
Mark Godbeer and Daniel Spitz kicked off the FS1 portion of the preliminary bouts with their heavyweight bout. The pace of the fight started out slow, and a brief burst of activity from Godbeer had him gasping for air just three minutes into the fight. Spitz remained calm, ready to counter whatever Godbeer threw his way.
Once Godbeer slowed down with the punches and relied more on leg kicks, Spitz started to loosen up and find his range. The shots Spitz landed were short punches that he pulled toward the end, but Godbeer was able to land a massive shot as the round ended. It did not visibly damage Spitz, but it woke the crowd up and let them know Godbeer was not to be dismissed so quickly.
Fatigue started to settle in, and it showed in the middle point of the second round. After some even exchanges, Godbeer was taken down but Spitz’ exhaustion prevented him from keeping him there. Once the fight made its way back standing, Spitz kept his hands low and Godbeer made sure to capitalize on it; He teed off and chased Spitz around the octagon, landing telegraphed shots. Both fighters had their hands by their side with two minutes remaining in the second.
Godbeer finally turned up the pace in the final round and Spitz could not match it. Spitz could barely get his hands up to block his head due to fatigue, and Godbeer tried to finish him early on in the round. Godbeer blew his wad, however, and both heavyweights ended the final round exhausted and gasping for air.
Mark Godbeer def. Daniel Spitz by way of Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
