Alessio Sakara vs Thales Leites — Fight recap

Alessio Sakara defeated Thales Leites via split decision over three rounds on August 8, 2009, in a middleweight bout decided by referee Marc Goddard. Sakara landed 24 significant strikes at 28% accuracy while Leites connected on 22 of 102 attempts at 21%, but the Brazilian grappler controlled the fight with 2:41 of mat time against Sakara's 0:34.

Leites attempted four takedowns at a 33% success rate, establishing dominance in the clinch and on the canvas, yet the Italian striker's cleaner striking output—particularly 18 head strikes—proved decisive with the split judges' cards. Neither fighter scored knockdowns or submission attempts in a grinding affair that saw Leites control significant portions but Sakara's striking efficiency edge the decision.

The result kept Sakara competitive in the middleweight rankings while Leites faced questions about converting wrestling advantages into clearer round wins.