Russell Doane edges Marcus Brimage in split-decision at UFC 175

LAS VEGAS -- It's officially a UFC win streak for Russell Doane.

In a tight fight, the bantamweight used an active game to out-point Marcus Brimage, earning a split-decision by scores of 29-28, 30-27, 28-29.

Doane did some of his best work on the ground. He took Brimage down three times and held control for 4:24 of the three-rounder, according to FightMetric stats.

Still, the fight's result was in question until the results were read by Bruce Buffer, mostly because Brimage seemed to land the more impactful strikes.

Brimage had been returning after nearly 15 months on the sidelines due to an Achilles injury. 

The 'Bama Beast was at times able to frustrate Doane's ground-centered game plan, keeping the fight standing where his quick hands and power could shine.

Still, he could never put Doane in any real trouble, and Doane's ground control might have made the difference in a fight that was considered to be a pick'em by many.

Unofficial FightMetric stats showed Brimage out-landing Doane in significant strikes by the slim count of 27-24. He also stuffed six of Doane's nine takedown tries, while scoring two takedowns of his own.

Nevertheless, it's two straight losses for Brimage, who's now 6-3.

Meanwhile, Doane is now 14-3.