After a week off, the UFC returned with a card that saw contenders emerge in the middleweight and flyweight divisons, and also featured a knockout of the year contender on the undercard. Check out those highlights and everything else after the jump.
Jared Cannonier def. Kelvin Gastelum via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
In a closely contested middleweight contender fight, Jared Cannonier emerged victorious over Kelvin Gastelum. Cannonier dropped Gastelum in the 2nd, tho Gastelum showed off his world-class chin by hopping right back to his feet, and essentially showing no ill effects. The fight wasn't exactly packed with top-level highlights, but it maintained a consistent pace throughout, and reliably had action. Good main event.
Mark Madsen def. Clay Guida via Split Decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)
In a matchup between two of the UFC's most accomplished wrestlers, of course we saw almost no wrestling what-so-ever, and instead got a mostly low-powered kickboxing affair between Clay Guida and Mark O. Madsen. This was a very close fight to score, because there wasn't a lot of signature moments, but in the end Madsen got the nod via split decision. Not exactly a thrilling affair.
Parker Porter def. Chase Sherman via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
In a pretty dull bout between unranked heavyweights Parker Porter came out on top. There wasn't many big action moments in the bout, and Porter larger won on workrate. An easily skippable fight.
Saidyokub Kakhramonov def. Trevin Jones via Technical Submission (D'Arce Choke) (Rd. 3 4:39)
Making his UFC debut on just four days notice, Saidyokub Kakhramonov made a highly impressive performance in defeating Trevin Jones. Kakhramonov displayed some impressive judo moves in the first round, and closed the fight out with an lethal d'arce choke to put Jones to sleep. While he did miss weight, you'd think he gets a bit of a pass for that considering he had to fly from Uzbekistan, and only had 4 days to prepare.
Vinc Pichel def. Austin Hubbard via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
In a fight that turned into a slobberknocker, Vinc Pichel emerged victorious over Austin Hubbard. While Pihel consistently got the edge, Hubbard accounted for himself very well, displayed a mighty chin, and kept coming til the final bell.
Alexandre Pantoja def. Brandon Royval via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (Rd. 2 1:46)
After an insane mile-a-minute first round that featured the type of grappling scrambles we've come to expect from the flyweight division, Alexandre Pantoja finally found the back of Brandon Royval at the early portions of the second round and get the finish. Royval threatened with a leg lock in the first, and accounted himself quite well in the losing effort. An excellent bout that is probably the early leader for Fight Of The Night. Post-fight Pantoja called out the champion Brandon Moreno in the kindest possible way imaginable.
Austin Lingo def. Luis Saldaña via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In a gusty performance from both men, Austin Lingo prevailed over Luis Saldaña. Saldaña looked amazing in the first, especially with his kicks, however, he injured his left foot at some point in the round, and once the second round came around Lingo started to take over. The damage Lingo survived early on, including the cuts make this win one he can be proud of.
Brian Kelleher def. Domingo Pilarte via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
In a professional workmanlike performance, Brian Kelleher rather easily defeated Domingo Pilarte. Kelleher secured an early takedown in each of the rounds and was able to stay in top position for most of the fight. Not the most exciting fight, but a very effective one. In the post-fight interview, Kelleher called out "Sugar" Sean O'Malley".
Josiane Nunes def. Bea Malecki via Knockout (Punch) (Rd. 1 3:58)
The fight between Josiane Nunes and Bea Malecki that looked like a mismatch based on size, and reach wound up with the opposite result. Malecki was over 7 inches taller and had as much of a reach advantage, but Nunes came out aggressive and flurried very impressively against Malecki who could do nothing but cover up. Late in the first round, as Malecki was starting to show the effects, Nunes caught her with a looping left hook that closed the fight. Great prelims thus far, all action.
William Knight def. Fabio Cherant via Knockout (Left Hook) (Rd. 1 3:58)
William Knight displayed shocking power by knocking out Fabio Cherant with one of the shortest left hooks you will ever see. How he was able to generate the power required to shut Cherant's lights out with a completely straight arm is baffling, and Knight is a name to watch going forward.
Ignacio Bahamondes def. Roosevelt Roberts via Knock Out (Spinning Wheel Kick) (Rd. 3 4:55)
A very good performance by Chile's Ignacio Bahamondes was capped off by a knockout of the year contender just seconds before the fight ended. Bahamondes pieced up Roosevelt Roberts over the course of the three-round fight, mixing up attacks to the head, legs, and especially the body. Instead of cruising to what likely would've been a safe decision victory, Bahamondes put an exclamation point on the fight with a spectacular spinning attack to get the finish. Wow.
Ramiz Brahimaj def. Sasha Palatnikov via Technical Submission (Rear Naked Choke) (Rd. 1 2:33)
Ramiz Brahimaj absolutely dominated Sasha Palatnikov with a brilliant display of grappling. Brahimaj came out aggressive and secured the takedown, quickly passed the guard, and took the back. While Palatnikov fought the choke for as long as possible, he eventually was put to sleep.
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