UFC 139 Results: Decision over Rick Story Will Revive Martin Kampmann's Career

Having had quite enough of dying by the sword of the judges’ decision, Martin Kampmann finally got to live by the sword at UFC 139. He took a closely-scored split decision over Rick Story to record his first victory in three matches and run his record to 18-5 (9-4 UFC).

The fight wasn’t even as close as the judges’ scoring, as Kampmann’s technical skill allowed him to outperform the stronger Story both as a striker (where Kampmann would be expected to have the advantage) and a grappler (Story’s usual forte). The final bell saved Story from a near-certain submission after an error in his ground defense allowed Kampmann to maneuver him into a choke hold.

Story got his share of body shots in during the early rounds, but never seemed to be in control of the fight. Kampmann, who bloodied his opponent’s eye during the first round, landed just enough short right hands to stay ahead (barely) on the cards of two judges.

After losing a unanimous decision despite a strong fight against Diego Sanchez in his last outing, Kampmann gets some welcome redemption from a win against another talented wrestler here. A third consecutive loss would have sunk the welterweight’s chances of landing another substantial fight, but even this narrow victory should be enough to reverse his fortunes.

Kampmann has said that he’d love to get another shot at Sanchez, and tonight’s victory is a great first step in that direction. If Kampmann performs as skillfully as he did against Story, Sanchez may not end up on the winning end of their next bout.