LAS VEGAS – Jamal Pogues emerged victorious against Thomas Petersen in a unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 235 held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Pogues rebounded from a loss in July that ended his three-fight winning streak.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 03: (R-L) Jamal Pogues lands punches on Thomas Petersen in a heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on February 03, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Outcome: Jamal Pogues defeats Thomas Petersen via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
Updated records: Pogues (11-4 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Petersen (8-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC).
Key statistics: Petersen landed almost double the number of total strikes, had control of the fight for approximately 18% of the overall duration compared to Pogues’ 4 seconds, and executed the sole takedown of the fight. However, despite these advantages, Petersen lost every round according to one judge’s scorecard.
Jamal Pogues
“I am not satisfied with my performance. Honestly, I need to improve my physical condition – that’s one aspect. I must shed this excess weight. Additionally, there were moments where I knew I had him hurt, and I could have pushed harder to secure a finish. I believe it could have been better. But that’s just my personal assessment.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 03: (L-R) Thomas Petersen throws a punch at Jamal Pogues in a heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on February 03, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
“He inadvertently poked me in the eye, and I was like, ‘Damn.’ I cursed. I don’t know how a black guy gets a black eye, but you know what? Forget it. I could have fought the entire bout with impaired vision – my eyesight quickly returned. It was just that initial poke – I felt it go in, and then I couldn’t see. But soon after, my vision came back rapidly. I know that damn doctor – he loves canceling fights. So I was like, ‘Hey, bro. Yeah, we’re good.’ And he was like, ‘Are you sure?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, man, we’re good. We’re good.’ I already know him. He likes to cancel stuff, so forget that.”
Jamal Pogues
“At this point, it’s about growth. As I’ve said from the beginning when I first signed: Top 15 or bust. Whatever it takes to get me in the title picture, to reach that top 15. I aim to return around June. Summertime, my mom’s birthday, have some extra money, spoil her a bit. I’ll definitely go back to the gym, get leaner, train harder, and then figure out the next steps.
“This is probably my 25th fight, counting my amateur and professional bouts. For the first time, honestly, I felt comfortable in there. I felt clear-headed. I was able to think, which was a bit different. Usually, I’d be uncertain – doubting myself. But this time, I felt more focused when I was out there. I’m undefeated at the Apex, so you know what? Keep me at the Apex. I’ll keep racking up these victories, and damn it, I’ll make my way to the top 15 that way.”
To listen to more from Pogues, watch the complete post-fight interview video above.
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