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MMA: Tavares takes out Leites in unanimous decision

Brad Tavares, welcome to the top 15.

The Waiakea graduate peppered Thales Leites on Saturday to kick off UFC 216 in Las Vegas, earning a unanimous decision to score his third consecutive mixed martial arts victory.

“I did everything I wanted to do but put him away,” Tavares said.

Tavares (16-4 overall, 12-4 UFC) entered the octagon respectful of Leites’ ground game, but the 29-year-old relied on a steady left jab and a vicious right kick to stay out trouble. The three-round middleweight fight was scored 30-26, 30-26, 30-27.

“I wanted to make sure I went out and implemented my game plan,” Tavares said, “because I knew what his game plan would be.