Massapequa's Philippou wins at UFC 133
Costantinos Philippou, a mixed martial artist from Massapequa, made his official UFC debut against Nick Catone at UFC 128 in Newark on March 19, 2011. Credit: UFC/Josh Hedges
PHILADELPHIA -- How Constantinos Philippou arrived in the UFC is a story of twists and turns including emigrating from Greece, boxing in the Golden Gloves, toiling in regional MMA promotions, losing in the "Ultimate Fighter" eliminator bout and losing in his UFC debut after taking a fight on seven days' notice.
But here inside the Wells Fargo Center at UFC 133 Saturday night, after a switch in his opponent and a bump up to the pay-per-view card 11 days ago, Philippou must feel like it's all been worth it.
The 31-year-old middleweight from Massapequa by way of Cyprus won by split decision over Jorge Rivera (18-9). Two of the three judges scored the bout, 29-28, for Philippou (8-2), who mixed striking and good work in the clinch to control and outlast Rivera.
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