The UFC 254 main card, co-main event and down, did not disappoint with a Fight of the night contender, courtesy of Robert Whittaker and Jared Cannonier, and four finishes.
Whittaker and Cannonier went back-and-forth in a three-round battle that may assign the next UFC middleweight title challenger. The likes of Magomed Ankalaev and Alexander Volkov turned in impressive finishes further down the card. Take a look below for some of the UFC 254 main card highlights.
Robert Whittaker (no. 1) def. Jared Cannonier (no. 2) by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Whittaker showed off the skills that earned him a UFC middleweight title and multiple title defenses. He and Cannonier engaged in a competitive fight. The first two saw the middleweights exchanging stirkes; meanwhile, the third featured a big knock down by Whittaker and a near comeback from his opponent.
High level striking in this one!
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
Who took round 1️⃣ on your card? pic.twitter.com/P81Rh8nTS5
WHITTAKER CLIPS HIM!
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
This #UFC254 co-main ------ pic.twitter.com/wF3921nmX3
---- The Reaper by UD!
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
Fight Island has been good to @RobWhittakerMMA!
[ #UFC254 main event is next on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/QRo69oxI0h ] pic.twitter.com/ThfIKwLKZk
Alexander Volkov (no. 7) def. Walt Harris (no. 10) by TKO via strikes (1:15, R2)
Volkov and Harris turned in an exciting dance led primarily by the Russian. The finish came in round two after Volkov landed an expertly placed front kick to the mid-section. The impact elicited an audible groan from Harris who was TKOed shortly after.
Highly ranked HWTs! --
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
---- @AlexDragoVolkov faces off against ---- @TheBigTicket205 NOW!
[ #UFC254 on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/QRo69og6BH #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/wDNCcJbvtp
Landing HEAVY punches!
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
Exciting action through one at #UFC254. pic.twitter.com/q87UHqNNmL
---- Drago!@AlexDragoVolkov with a perfectly placed kick to get the finish!
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
[ #UFC254 on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/jNicTlj3d4 ] pic.twitter.com/z47q8mVWqB
Phil Hawes def. Jacob Malkoun by KO via strikes (0:18, R1)
"Hawes got paws!" UFC fighter Belal Muhammad put it perfectly. It took only 18 seconds for the cool, calm and crushing power of Hawes to separate Malkoun from conciousness.
-- WENT TO WORK --
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
An incredible debut for @PhillipHawes5!
[ #UFC254 on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/QRo69oxI0h ] pic.twitter.com/WotQqCABnO
Middleweights take center stage --
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
---- Malkoun vs ---- @PhillipHawes5 continue our main card on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/QRo69og6BH.
[ #UFC254 #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/k8c9IhkZPp
Lauren Murphy (no. 5) def. Liliya Shakirova by submission via rear-naked choke (3:31, R2)
Murphy took the fight to Shakriova, taking the back and finishing her midway through round two. During her post-fight interview, Murphy made her plea for a UFC title shot.
Is luck on her side? --
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
---- @LaurenMurphyMMA welcomes UFC newcomer Shakirova on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/QRo69og6BH.
[ #UFC254 #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/AuGa1D1NLu
Make it 4️⃣ in a row!
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
-- @LaurenMurphyMMA stating her case at the top of the division!
[ #UFC254 continues on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/QRo69oxI0h ] pic.twitter.com/sQaMvT75C8
Magomed Ankalaev (no. 11) def. Ion Cutelaba by KO via strikes (4:19, R1)
Ankalaev put any doubt to rest by separating Cutelaba from conciousness in the closing minute of round one on the UFC 254 main card opener.
The rematch we’ve all been waiting for --
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
It’s ---- @AnkalaevM vs ---- @ICutelaba to start the #UFC254 main card!
[ On ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/QRo69og6BH ] pic.twitter.com/ueIvMTZKzw
NO CONTROVERSY THIS TIME AROUND!
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
---- @AnkalaevM with the finish at #UFC254 pic.twitter.com/cKmR3FnVTd
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