Jiu-jitsu standout Nicky Ryan’s persistence paid off against UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber despite a tactical stalemate.

Faber’s aggressive tactics weren’t enough to win the day, and Ryan took home a unanimous decision to defend his Polaris featherweight title.

Ryan’s distance win capped off Polaris 10, which took place at Lighthouse in Poole, Dorset, U.K., and streamed on UFC Fight Pass.

Appearing on the mats for the first time since floating the idea of an MMA comeback, Faber did everything in his power to stop Ryan’s lightning-quick transitions. That involved everything short of actual punching, with repeated open-handed slaps and smacks that prompted the referee to issue a warning.

Ryan managed to find a way through, however, securing position on an inside heel hook. The attempt clearly got Faber’s attention, because he rolled off the mat to avoid it. An argument ensued over position before referees dragged the pair wholesale to center mat.

The submission wasn’t to be for Ryan, and sweat turned into his biggest hindrance as the bare-chested Faber stayed firm on his knees and shut down attacks before they could materialize. Faber leaped a few times for his guillointe choke, but Ryan was well-prepared for his opponent’s signature move.

In the end, Ryan had to be satisfied with a decision over a MMA legend.

“It’s definitely tough to try and go after someone and repeatedly get palmed in the face,” he said. “It’s also hard to make grips because he’s shirtless, so my grips were just sliding off. Overall, very disappointed with my performance. I would have much rather have been able to submit him.”

The frustration wasn’t limited to Faber, who retired from active MMA competition in 2016 and had previously shared mat time with Ryan as a training partner.

“Nicky and I got a chance to roll a couple of months back, and I was aware of his back-takes and he was aware of my chokes,” he said. “I told Nicky after the match, from a fighting standpoint, you box a fighter, and you fight a boxer, and he’s a technician. I think the difference there with one of the best grapplers in the world, he had a specific game plan, I had a specific game plan, and his butt-scooting was first.”

Faber noted his respect for Ryan and said his age certainly wasn’t an advantage. But it did get him back in the swing of things.

“I’m thinking about fighting here in a couple of months, and this was a little tune-up to get my weight down and get prepared for battle,” he said.

Full Polaris 10 results:

Nicky Ryan def. Urijah Faber via unanimous decision
Craig Jones def. Matheus Lutes via unanimous decision
Ash Williams def. Ethan Crelinsten via unanimous decision
Caol Uno def. Leigh Remedios via submission (keylock) – Rd. 1, 5:10
Richie Martinez def. Miha Perhavec via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 0:53
Nick Rodriguez def. Ash Amos via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 7:30

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