Quebec's Lainesse wins on UFC 279 undercard

LAS VEGAS — Canadian welterweight Yohan (White Lion) Lainesse posted his first UFC victory, earning a split decision Saturday over American Darian Weeks on the UFC 279 undercard.

The judges scored it 29-28, 28-29, 29-28 for the 30-year-old from Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Que. Weeks looked surprised as the scorecards were announced.

"It was a close fight," said the six-foot-one Lainesse. "I have a big problem — it's always been my gas tank because I'm a powerful puncher.

"I'm very happy to do three rounds today. And I proved to myself I'm able to do three rounds with a good pace. Darian's a tough guy. And it's just the beginning. We have a new animal in the welterweight division."

Lainesse (9-1-0) lost his UFC debut in April to American (Gifted) Gabe Green, who survived an early onslaught to stop Lainesse in the second round. Lainesse won his UFC contract on "Dana White's Contender Series" with a 97-second KO of previously unbeaten Justin Burlinson last November.

Two other Canadians did not fare so well on the night.

China's Heili (The Mongolian Knight) Alatengb used crisp striking to win a unanimous (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) decision over Alberta bantamweight Chad (The Monster) Anheliger.

Anheliger, who trains in Calgary but calls Airdrie home, came into Saturday's bout riding a 10-fight win streak with his last loss in June 2014.

Calgary featherweight (Mean) Hakeem Dawodu lost a unanimous (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) decision to American Julian (Juicy J) Erosa.

Dawodu (13-3-1) missed the non-title featherweight limit of 146 pounds, weighing in at 149.5 pounds. He was fined 30 per cent of his purse.

The revamped all-American main event at the T-Mobile Arena pitted Nate Diaz against Tony Ferguson in a five-round welterweight bout.