UFC on FOX 8 results: Rory MacDonald jabs his way to decision win over Jake Ellenberger

In a battle of top contenders, it was Rory MacDonald that took one step closer to a title shot as he neutralized Jake Ellenberger on his way to a unanimous decision victory in the co-main event of UFC on FOX 8.

After a hesitant start, MacDonald went to his snapping jab, landing it repeatedly and at will as Ellenberger looked to get inside to land with his power shots. The jab proved to be the story as the round wore on as MacDonald used it effectively to dictate range and control the action. Ellenberger failed to get on track as he ate jab after jab as the first round came to an end.

MacDonald landed a few kicks early in the second, but again it was his stinging jab that kept Ellenberger at bay as boos started to cascade from the crowd. Ellenberger finally got inside looking for a takedown but MacDonald shrugged it off as both guys fired off shots on the exit. MacDonald shot for a takedown of his own, but went right back to connecting with his jab to finish off the second.

The third round looked much like the first two, as Ellenberger simply had no answer for the jab of MacDonald. Ellenberger did have his moments as he landed with power, but failed to string together any combinations before the footwork of MacDonald took him out of range. A late takedown finally put Ellenberger in a position to do some damage, but MacDonald neutralized him long enough for the bell to sound on the bout.

After the scorecards came back, it was Rory MacDonald (15-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) with scores of 30-27, 29-28, and 30-27 that would be awarded the unanimous decision victory.