Nover triumphant in UFC return, wins over Yui in Fight Night Manila

He’s back and he’s a winner.

In front of his home-country fans, Philippe Nover ended his UFC return with a good note as he took a split decision win over Yui Chul Nam in their featherweight match in UFC Fight Night Manila: Edgar vs. Faber Saturday evening at Mall of Asia Arena.

Nover had a gameplan set, and it was to take the match to the ground where he can use hi jiu-jitsu skill to the maximum that led to his 29-28, 28-29, 29-28 split decision victory.

“Yui put a great performance,” said Nover who was out of the UFC since 2010. “In the second round, I scored on the feet and on a couple of submissions.”

Nover immediately took the match to the ground with an impressive takedown and almost locked Yui in a submission hold.

Yui had a chance to finish off Nover in the final minute of the third when he pounded the Filipino Assassin while on the mount.

Nover managed to hold off Yui’s wild strikes with his legs.

Elated in his return, Nover thanked the fans as he fought in Manila “which was very near my hometown of Quezon City.”

“I love you Manila! Mahal ko kayo! Maraming maraming salamat!” Nover screamed.

With his return win, Nover improved to 12-5-1 while Yui went out with an 18-5-1 record.