JACKSONVILLE — Former University of Tennessee football player Ovince Saint Preux lost his UFC heavyweight debut recently.
Saint Preux, a former defensive lineman and linebacker for the Volunteers, moved up from the light heavyweight class for a bout and lost a unanimous decision to Ben Rothwell on May 13.
Saint Preux came up on the short end of a 28-29, 29-28, 29-28 split decision in the Co-Main Event of the card contested at VyStar Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The event was held without fans due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Saint Preux, 37, fights out of Knoxville, has a career mixed martial arts record of 24-14. He is 12-9 in the UFC.