John Alessio has been biding his time.  The WEC and UFC veteran put together an impressive streak over the last couple years in hopes of making a return to the big stage.  When Matt Wiman bowed out due to training injury, “The Natural” jumped at the opportunity to fight in the octagon again, making his first appearance since 2006.

Paired against Mark Bocek, John Alessio was in for big challenge at UFC 145.

A Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kempo karate black belt, Mark Bocek is a ten fight veteran and one of the stronger grapplers in the UFC’s bustling lightweight division.  The Tristar gym fighter used his grappling prowess early to drag Alessio to the mat and controlled the opening round comfortably.

Alessio started the second in his favor, using his distance and jabs to keep Bocek at bay.  Unfortunately, he was unable to keep the fight standing. Alessio’s corner expressed a message of emergency, begging for him to knock Bocek out but was unable to overcome the superior grappling of his counterpart.

After three rounds, the judges awarded Mark Bocek a unanimous decision.  Bocek extended his streak to two wins while Alessio was
left winless in the octagon after three appearances.