Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya (23-1-0), delivered a strong performance as he successfully defended his UFC middleweight title against Jared “The Killa Gorilla” Cannonier (15-6-0) at The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The opening two rounds featured many of Adesanya’s patented leg kicks, with Cannonier also attempting to establish his own rhythm. The champion continued to utilize his reach and striking ability to break down the #1 contender, and through three more rounds, did not let up on his pressure. Cannonier, although not deterred, could not find an answer for “The Last Stylbender.” Nonetheless, Adesanya cruised to a resounding victory, reaffirming his position as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC. Israel Adesanya defeated Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision, 49-46, 49-46, and 50-45.
Volkanovski Decisions Holloway to Defend Featherweight crown
The night’s co-main event saw the highly anticipated rematch between undisputed featherweight champion Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski (25-1-0) and #1 ranked contender Max “Blessed” Holloway (23-7-0). The first round opened with both fighters testing and gauging the reactions of the other. As the round progressed, the champion showcased his elite level of striking, touching the chin of the challenger multiple times to start the contest. The second round featured much of the same, with Volkanovski able to cut open the left eye of Holloway, restricting his vision. In the third round, both fighters exchanged punches and kicks. The champion, however, would leave nothing to chance. The jab, in particular, worked well for him, setting up the rest of his shots en route to a resounding victory. Holloway seemingly did not have an answer for “The Great,” with the 145 lb champ dominating all 5 rounds of their title match. Alexander Volkanovski defeated Max Holloway via unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the contest 50-45 in favor of the Australian.
“I want to be busy, and this division doesn’t keep me busy,” Volkanovski said. Don’t be surprised if we see a possible attempt at double champ status by “The Great.”
Pereira Stops Strickland in 1
In a highly anticipated middleweight-bought, up-and-comer Alex “Poatan” Pereira (5-1-0) faced #4 ranked Sean “Tarzan” Strickland (25-3-0). The Brazilian showcased why he is one of the most exciting prospects in the UFC, knocking out Strickland within one round. The former Glory kickboxing champion landed a powerful left hook to his opponent’s chin, sending him to the canvas and finishing it with two resounding right crosses. Unsurprisingly, Pereira called for the next opportunity at the middleweight title, citing his kickboxing bouts with current champion Israel Adesanya. Alex Pereira defeated Sean Strickland via TKO at 2:36 of Round 1.
Babarena Stops Lawler in 2
The second fight of the main card showcased UFC legend and former welterweight champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler against the tough Bryan “Bam Bam” Barbarena. The contest opened with both fighters throwing and landing powerful shots attempting to establish dominance. The second round did not see a decrease in pace, as Lawler and Barbarena both began to bleed following multiple exchanges. Following a back and forth between the two, Barbarena unleashed a flurry of strikes on the former champion, prompting referee Mark Smith to get in between the two and stop the fight. Bryan Barbarena defeated Robbie Lawler via TKO at 4:47 of round 2.
O’Malley and Munhoz fight to a No-Contest
The main card opener featured ranked bantamweight contenders “Sugar” Sean O’ Malley (15-1-0) against Pedro “The Young Punisher” Munhoz (19-7-0). O’ Malley outstruck Munhoz in the opening round, taking advantage of his length and speed to land strikes on Munhoz. The second round featured much of the same, with the taller O’Malley taking advantage of the reach discrepancy to reach Munhoz’s body and head with strikes. With less than 2 minutes left in the round, O’Malley unintentionally poked the Brazilian in the left eye. Following confirmation from medical officials, referee Jason Herzog called the match. The fight ended in a no contest and as a disappointing opener for the main card
The final fight of the preliminary card featured lightweights Jalin “The Tarantula” Turner (13-5-0) and #14 ranked Brad “Quake “ Riddell (10-3-0). The lengthy Jalin Turner opened the fight using his reach advantage to hurt Riddell with an overhand right. After a flurry of punches, Turner took full mount over Riddell and sank in a guillotine, forcing Riddell to tap. Jalin Turner defeated Brad Riddell via submission at 0:45 of Round 1.
The third fight of the prelims pitted UFC legends Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone (36-17-0) against Jim “A-10 “ Miller ( 35-16). Both fighters entered this fight seeking the title of winningest fighter in the history of the UFC. The contest proved to be high-paced from the very start, with both fighters attempting submission attempts in the first round. In the second round, Miller would find an opening on Cerrone’s neck and cinched in the guillotine choke. Miller defeated Cerrone via submission at 3:28 of round 2. Following the contest, Donald Cerrone announced his retirement from the UFC.
The second fight of the prelims pitted welterweight prospect Ian Garry (10-0-0) against the durable Gabe Green (11-4-0). Garry scored another resounding win, adding to the hype train of the young fighter, who many say bears a strong resemblance to another, legendary, Irish martial artist. The undefeated self-proclaimed “future” of the UFC showcased his striking abilities from the opening bell, outlanding Green 113-78 throughout the contest. Ian Garry defeated Gabe Green via unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the fight 30-27.
In the prelim card opener, middleweight contender Dricus Du Plessis (17-2-0) scored an important win against #12 ranked Brad Tavares (19-7-0) In a bloody showcase of upper weight power, both fighters took large shots in the three-round matchup. Du Plessis however, landed the more dangerous shots, laying the damage on Tavares. Dricus Du Plessis defeated Brad Tavares via unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the fight 29-28.
