UFC 142 Results: What we Learned from Thiago Tavares vs. Sam Stout

In tonight's final preliminary bout for UFC 142, Brazilian Thiago Tavares (17-4-1) took a well-deserved unanimous decision over Canadian fighter Sam Stout (17-7-1).

Stout entered the fight for the first time since his trainer, Shawn Tompkins, passed away last year. He was also coming off a knockout of the year candidate over Yves Edwards.

Tavares was coming off a TKO victory over Spencer Fisher from UFC 134, also in Brazil.

What We'll Remember about This Fight

Stout came on strong late in the fight and even managed to drop Tavares with just seconds left. Had there been more time, he probably would have gotten the finish.

Other than that, the action was low, with Tavares controlling the Octagon and using his grappling to get Stout down in the first round. In the second, Tavares used his kicks and punches to out-strike Stout.

What We Learned about Stout

Like Joe Rogan mentioned on the broadcast, in a kickboxing match, Stout would beat most lightweights in the UFC.

Stout only threw a few kicks and chose to box throughout most of the bout. This kept him from taking control of the fight until the very end, but it was too late.

What We Learned about Tavares

Tavares showcased the grappling that got him to the UFC, and it helped him secure the decision victory. There wasn't much highlight reel action from the Brazilian fighter, but he has had a good share of fan-friendly bouts. Fighting in front of his hometown, Tavares didn't want to make any mistakes, and he didn't.

What's Next for Stout

Stout still remains one of the more exciting fighters in the UFC, and a fight with Anthony Njokuani could provide fireworks on a Fight Night card.

What's Next for Tavares

Tavares is 4-1-1 in his last six and should probably be fighting more fighters like Stout. A mid-tier lightweight like Mark Bocek, who is 6-4 in the UFC with losses against elite fighters like Jim Miller and Ben Henderson, could make for a great opponent.