In a match-up of elite middleweights contested at light heavyweight, Marvin Vettori outfought Paulo Costa over five rounds to take a unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 196 Saturday in Las Vegas. Originally scheduled for 186 pounds, Costa announced he weighed 211 on Wednesday and wouldn't even be trying to make 186 so the bout was reset for 195 pounds. But when Costa said that was still no good, the UFC and the Nevada Athletic Commission gave him his way as Vettori agreed to fight at 205.

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In the end it didn't help Costa as he seemed to slow a bit toward the end of most rounds allowing Vettori, who pressed forward all evening with a boxing heavy attack, to take control. Though Costa rocked him in the second round with a head kick, Vettori recovered for a takedown, When they returned to their feet, Costa eye poked him which caused referee Jason Herzog to take a point. Vettori continued to press forward through the third and fourth rounds though Costa came alive in the fifth landing some vicious body shots. But it wasn't enough to change the outcome as Vettori lead 48-46 on all three scorecards.