The fourth fight of UFC 135, and first of the Spike TV televised prelims is a middleweight contest, Nick Ring vs. Tim Boetsch. After a run on the eleventh season of "The Ultimate Fighter," Ring (12-0) has ripped off two straight wins inside the Octagon, defeating Riki Fukuda and James Head. Meanwhile, Boetsch (13-4) returns to the cage after defeating Kendall Grove in his middleweight debut at UFC 130. The referee is charge of the action is Mario Yamasaki.
For more analysis follow @MMANation and @shaun_alshatti on Twitter.
ROUND 1 - Both fighters circle the center of the cage to start the bout. Ring paws out a jab. Boetsch runs in but Ring slips the combination. Boetsch is stalking Ring but has yet to commit. Ring catches a leg and takes Boetsch to the ground. Ring grabs the head as he tries to circle and take his opponent's back. Boetsch backs out and stands back up. Ring dodges a wild left hook and circles away. The "TUF" veteran lands a stiff jab, and another. Boetsch shoots for the takedown but is stuffed. Thirty seconds remain in the round. Boetsch slips a jab and lands a hard uppercut just before the horn sounds.
MMA Nation scores the round 10-9 Ring.
ROUND 2 - Boetsch's corner is imploring their fighter to follow the gameplan as the round opens. Boetsch blocks a stiff head kick and presses forward. Ring eats a stiff right hand and backs away. Another right hand snaps back the head of Ring. The "TUF" veteran circles to the right as he eats a big uppercut. Boetsch blocks another head kick. A big right hand drops Ring but Boetsch is unable to finish and the fight stands back up against the cage. Boetsch catches a knee and takes Ring to the ground. The pair stand briefly but Boetsch grabs a guillotine and drops to the mat. Ring stays patient and works his way out. Ring starts to work some ground and pound from full guard. Boetsch powers his way out and stands. Ring eats a series of right hands and responds with a knee. Boetsch continues to land a succession of right hands before walking into the clinch. Ring is tripped down to the ground and Boetsch scrambles for a kimura with just second left. It's in deep but Ring is saved by the bell.
MMA Nation scores the round 10-9 Boetsch.
ROUND 3 - Boetsch stalks Ring to open the final round. Ring eats a right hand but reverses the position against the fence. Boetsch charges forward and misses a combination before landing a leaping left hook. "The Barbarian" pushes Ring against the cage but is unable to mount any attack. Yamasaki resets the action in the center of the cage. Boetsch again pushes Ring against the cage and wrestles him to the ground. Two minutes left in the bout. The action slows and Yamasaki stands the fight back up. Both men appear winded. Boetsch sweeps Ring with a gorgeous hip toss, landing in side control. Boetsch works for the mount and briefly gets in before grabbing hold of an arm. Ring is on the receiving end of some ground and pound as the final horn sounds.
MMA Nation scores the round 10-9 Boetsch.
UFC 135 results: Tim Boetsch defeats Nick Ring via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).