Phil Rowe ready to make moves at welterweight

Rowe (11-5 MMA, 4-3 UFC) was down two rounds on all three scorecards against Loosa (10-5 MMA, 2-3 UFC) after being outwrestled for a large part of the fight. But he turned the tide and after he knocked out Loosa’s mouthpiece, Rowe put together a barrage that eventually ended the fight in the final minute.

An emotional Rowe said the win, which snapped a two-fight skid, was an important one.

“I just needed this,” Rowe said at his post-fight news conference. “I’m so much better than I show. I’m just tired of not showing what I can do. I’ve got a lot of people counting on me.

“I’m one of the most skilled guys at welterweight. For me, it’s just me and my mind. I’ve just got to get over that mental hurdle. I’ve got better jiu-jitsu than these guys, better boxing, better defense. I’m just in there fighting myself most of the time. Once I can just learn to let go and let my skill set take over – most of the time, I’m just in there battling myself.”