UFC 259

After dominating Joseph Benavidez at UFC 259, what’s next for Askar Askarov?

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This past Saturday at UFC 259, we saw a pivotal flyweight matchup on the prelims. Former title challenger, Joseph Benavidez (28-8), took on rising contender, Askar Askarov (14-0-1). The fight was supposed to be a key test for Askarov.

Saturday night was the fourth fight inside the octagon for Askarov. The native of Dagestan had already been in there with some of the division’s elites. He fought to a draw with Brandon Moreno before defeating Tim Elliot and Alexandre Pantoja.

Benavidez is looked at as one of the best fighters in the history of the UFC to have never captured a title. Despite never becoming champion, Benavidez has fought for the flyweight title four times and was the second ranked contender in the division.

Going into UFC 259, I was expecting a good back-and-forth battle. However, it was anything but. From the opening bell, the fight was all Askar Askarov. From the striking to the grappling, the native of Dagestan dominated Joseph Benavidez.

I was very impressed with Askarov’s ability to control the distance on Saturday. Askarov is long so when he was striking, he did a great job of working his straight punches and jabs. When he wanted to grapple, he closed the distance beautifully. Askarov won all three rounds on all three scorecards at UFC 259.

What’s next for Askarov after UFC 259?

When the updated UFC rankings come out tomorrow, the only men in front of Askarov will be the champion Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno. As mentioned, Askarov has already fought Moreno to a very close draw back in 2019.

Moreno and Figueiredo will be rematching in June after they fought to a draw in December at UFC 256. In reality, Askarov should be next for the title, but he might have to take a fight in between if he wants to say active.

The matchup I would look at is the upcoming matchup between Alex Perez and Matt Schnell. Both are ranked inside the top seven and Perez is coming off of a title shot. Whoever wins that matchup would be a great next fight for Askarov.

If you’re looking at the rankings, Alexandre Pantoja (23-5) could be an option. However, as mentioned above, Askarov just defeated Pantoja last year. Hard to imagine the UFC would book that again. So the options for Askarov are wait for a title shot or meet the winner of Perez and Schnell if you ask me.

After successful title defense at UFC 259, what’s next for Jan Blachowicz?

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Corey Anderson

This past Saturday at UFC 259, light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz (28-8), welcomed Israel Adesanya (20-1) to light heavyweight. Adesanya was looking to become a two-division champion on Saturday night.

While Blachowicz was the defending champion, the majority of the attention was falling on Adesanya. Stylebender is on his way to being the biggest star in the sport and he was trying to accomplish something that only four others have done in the UFC.

Blachowicz had just become the light heavyweight champion back in September. Despite being the defending champion, most were counting Blachowicz out on Saturday night. Blachowicz is known for his famous Polish Power, but there was a lot to be concerned about going into UFC 259.

For one, Adesanya is arguably the best pure striker in the promotion. Adesanya was also supposed to have a massive speed advantage so one would think if the fight was standing, Blachowicz’s only chance was to land a big knockout shot.

However, the knockout shot never came on Saturday night. Instead, Blachowicz actually got the better of the striking for two of the first three rounds. He then transitioned to his grappling to secure the fourth and the fifth. In the end, it was a clear decision win for Blachowicz at UFC 259.

What’s next after UFC 259?

With the win on Saturday night, Blachowicz showed the world that his title run was no fluke. He fought arguably the biggest star in the sport and he beat him at his own game which is distance striking.

After the fight was over, Blachowicz said that he wanted to take a little time off before his next UFC title defense. That said, the next fight for him is already lined up. The number one contender in the division is Glover Teixeira (32-7).

What a turnaround Glover Teixeira has experienced inside the octagon. Back in 2018, Glover lost a decision to Corey Anderson. He was 2-3 in his previous five fights and he was getting ready to turn 40. However, that’s when he turned things around.

Glover Teixeira has now won five consecutive fights and finished four of them. Three of those wins came against top ten contenders at 205. In a way, Blachowicz and Teixeira have had very similar stretches.

Both men looked like their UFC careers were going to be over just a few years ago. Blachowicz was 2-4 and Teixeira was struggling. However, both men drastically turned things around. One is now the champion and the other is the number one contender. These two should clash in the late summer this year.

Is it time for Joseph Benavidez to retire after UFC 259?

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Joseph Benavidez, UFC

On the prelims this past Saturday at UFC 259, we saw a big matchup in the flyweight division. Top three contenders went head-to-head as Joseph Benavidez (28-8) took on the unbeaten Askar Askarov (14-0-1).

For Benavidez, he was looking to turn things around after a very rough 2020. Benavidez had two shots at the UFC flyweight title in 2020, but he was destroyed by Deiveson Figueiredo in both fights. This fight was supposed to be a bounce back opportunity.

On the flip side, Askar Askarov was looking to show that he’s worth all the hype. The Russian is being looked at as a potential future UFC champion, and he’s been sensational since making his octagon debut a couple of years ago.

I was expecting this fight to be extremely close, however, it was anything but. It was clear from the opening bell at UFC 259 that Askarov was the better fighter in there. From the striking exchanges to the grappling exchanges, Askarov was in full control.

I thought Benavidez would have a big speed advantage in this one, but the speed wasn’t there. Benavidez was swinging wild and didn’t seem to have that same explosion. Ultimately he lost all three rounds on all three scorecards at UFC 259.

Benavidez’s UFC future

After UFC 259, Dana White was asked if he needs to have a conversation with Benavidez about hanging it up. White quickly said that there was no need for that conversation yet, but many in the industry have wondered about Benavidez’s future.

At the end of the day, Joseph Benavidez will go down in history as one of the greatest fighters of all time to never win a title. He’s had several opportunities, but he’s always come up shot. Benavidez is 0-4 in the UFC alone in title fights.

He does look like he’s lost a step or at least he looked that way on Saturday night. However, I think it’s important to take a step back and look at his competition. While Benavidez has lost three fights in a row, it’s important to remember who his losses are to.

In his entire career, here are the losses for Benavidez: Dominick Cruz (Twice), Demetrious Johnson (Twice), Sergio Pettis, Deiveson Figueiredo (Twice), and Askar Askarov. All of those fighters have either been world champions or they’re at the top of the sport.

I don’t believe it’s time for Benavidez to retire from the UFC just yet. I think the promotion should give him someone lower in the rankings next to see if he can get back on the winning track. Maybe someone like a Tim Elliot. If he can’t win that kind of fight, it might be time for Joey B to hang it up for good.

What’s next for Israel Adesanya after his loss at UFC 259?

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This past Saturday at UFC 259, Israel Adesanya (20-1) moved up in attempt to become a two-division champion. Standing in his way was the man who became the king at 205 last year, Jan Blachowicz (28-8).

The fight didn’t go anything like I thought it would. For the first three rounds, it was a technical striking match. However, I figured Adesanya would have a much greater speed advantage than he had. I figured if they kickboxed at range, Adesanya would have the massive advantage.

He did not at UFC 259. Blachowicz held his own and in fact, all three judges gave the light heavyweight champion two of the first three rounds. The final two rounds were dominated by Blachowicz who switched to his wrestling.

Adesanya had no answer for the wrestling game of Blachowicz. Blachowicz successfully landed two takedowns in the fourth and fifth and the rest of both rounds found him on top of the UFC‘s middleweight champion.

In the end, all three judges gave four of the five rounds to Blachowicz. Israel Adesanya suffered his first career loss in the UFC and now will return to the middleweight division where he is still the champion.

What’s next after UFC 259?

As mentioned, following his failed attempt to become a two-division UFC champion, Adesanya will return to the division where he still holds the belt. Over the next two months, there are a lot of pivotal matchups in the middleweight division.

There are two fights in particular that I think will likely produce the next challenger for Adesanya. The first matchup is the fight between Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa. Whittaker is the former UFC middleweight champion and has only lost to Adesanya at 185 pounds.

Costa is still one of the top contenders in the division and his only career loss is to Adesanya. The other fight I have my eyes on is the Marvin Vettori – Darren Till matchup. Adesanya has been vocal that he’s always wanted to fight Darren Till.

Meanwhile, Marvin Vettori is surging and fought the UFC middleweight champion to a split decision not too long ago. I believe Adesanya’s next fight will come from one of these four men. However, before the year’s over, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Kevin Holland enter that mix.

UFC will make Yan – Sterling 2 as soon as possible per Dana White

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The only title that changed hands last night at UFC 259 was the bantamweight title. Former champion, Petr Yan (15-2) was disqualified in the fourth round and Aljamain Sterling (20-3) became the UFC bantamweight champion.

It was the first time in the history of the promotion that a title has changed hands due to a disqualification. In the first round, Sterling was smothering with his pressure on Yan. However, Yan landed a massive shot and dropped Sterling late in the first.

From that moment on, Petr Yan seemed to be in complete control at UFC 259. At least, that’s what I was seeing. In the fourth round, Aljamain Sterling was clearly starting to break. Yan was doing some serious damage and you got the feeling that the fight wouldn’t last much longer.

Late in the fourth round, Sterling went for a sloppy takedown. Yan pushed Sterling’s head straight to the mat and Sterling stayed low to avoid a knee to the head. Yan looked over to his corner for advice and one of his cornermen said he was good to throw a knee.

The former UFC champion threw a huge knee that landed flush on Sterling. Sterling was hurt badly and after a few minutes, the referee called a stop to the action. Because the ref had warned Yan a little before the knee, the fight was ruled a DQ due to the intentional knee.

UFC’s Plans

Dana White was asked in the post-fight press conference what the plan was. He stated that the UFC matchmakers are going to meet on Tuesday and they will get the rematch between the two men booked as soon as possible.

White also acknowledged that he believed Yan was well on his way to winning the fight. However, the decision to knee was baffling to him. Sterling was cleared at the hospital and Yan came out of the fight with no injuries.

With that, the UFC will likely book the rematch in the early summer. I could see June being the targeted timeline for this matchup. Of course, we will likely find out more this week, but I expect this rematch to be booked as soon as possible.

Jan Blachowicz grinds out decision over Israel Adesanya at UFC 259

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Corey Anderson

In the main event of UFC 259, we had the light heavyweight title fight that people have been talking about for months. Middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya (20-0), was moving up to challenge the champion, Jan Blachowicz (27-8).

There might not be a bigger superstar in the UFC right now than Israel Adesanya. The Last Stylebender has everything you’re looking for in a star. He’s a champion, he’s undefeated, he’s flashy, and he’s extremely charismatic.

The man is also incredibly slick when he’s in the cage. Adesanya has risen through and cleaned out the UFC‘s middleweight division on his way to being champion. Having gone through the middleweights, Adesanya was looking for a new challenge which is where Jan Blachowicz enters the picture.

Blachowicz is truly a remarkable fighter. Just a few years ago, Blachowicz was 2-4 in the UFC. He looked like he was going to get cut, however, that’s when he turned his career around. With a new focus, Blachowicz has gone 8-1 in his last night fights.

The culmination for Blachowicz came at UFC 253 when he fought Dominick Reyes. Many considered Reyes to be the uncrowned champion and Blachowicz went out there and knocked him out. Blachowicz was looking to show the world that his Polish Power can stop even the best of strikers.

UFC 259 Recap

Round 1

The UFC 259 main event opened with a leg kick from Adesanya. Blachowicz tried a couple of leg kicks of his own, but Adesanya slides out of the way. Blachowicz pushed forward trying to close the distance.

Adesanya was patient just trying to get the timing down. A couple of nice kicks land for Adesanya. Blachowicz pushes forward with big shots, but nothing lands. Two minutes in and nothing significant has landed for either champion.

Blachowicz again tries to close the distance, but can’t land. Adesanya throws a headkick that gets blocked. A nice jab to the body lands for Blachowicz. A big headkick is thrown by Blachowicz, but Adesanya blocks it. However, it was powerful.

A nice 1-2 lands for Adesanya. This is a very high level chess match in the first round. A good body kick lands for Blachowicz. A good front kick lands for Adesanya. Blachowicz pushes forward and lands a nice body kick. Round one comes to a close and I’m not sure which UFC champion takes the first. I lean Adesanya.

Round 2

The second round at UFC 259 started and both men were still feeling the other out. A nice body kick lands for Blachowicz to start the striking. The pace appears to be picking up a little her in the second.

Blachowicz is landing more, but he’s a little out of range. A nice check left hooks lands for Blachowicz. A nice stiff left lands for Adesanya and Blachowicz storms forward with big shots. A powerful jab lands for Blachowicz.

Jab to the body lands for Blachowicz, and now Adesanya is opening up a little. Adesanya moving forward with more pressure here in the second. A nice low kick lands for Adesanya. The two men come together in a clinch and Blachowicz tries for a takedown.

However, Adesanya defends well and they stay standing. Blachowicz pushes forward trying to land bombs, but nothing big lands. A nice body kick and left straight lands for Adesanya. One minute left in this round and it’s up for grabs.

Stiff jab lands for Adesanya and Blachowicz blitzes again. Good body kick lands for Blachowicz. A couple of nice low kicks land for Adesanya. Good jab and leg kick lands for Adesanya. Round two comes to a close and I think it’s 1-1 at UFC 259.

Round 3

Third round opens with immediate pressure from the UFC middleweight champion. Blachowicz starts the striking with a leg kick. Adesanya comes in and Blachowicz blitzes to back him off. A good left hook lands for Blachowicz.

A mad scramble and a stinging shot rocks Blachowicz. Adesanya is almost fighting mad now and he’s touching Blachowicz more here in the third. A nice jab lands for Adesanya. Blachowicz forces a clinch and pushes Adesanya against the fence.

Adesanya breaks the clinch and immediately throws a big leg kick. Both men trade power jabs. Adesanya’s speed was allowing him to get the better of the striking here in the third. Another round of nice shots from the UFC’s middleweight champion find their target.

Blachowicz lands a body kick off of another blitz. A very stiff jab lands for Blachowicz. Adesanya lands a jab, but Blachowicz counters with a big left hook. Blachowicz forces a clinch briefly, but Adesanya breaks it. Round three is in the books, and this fight is razor close. I lean 2-1 Adesanya at UFC 259.

Round 4

The UFC light heavyweight champion opens the fourth with pressure and immediately looks for a takedown. However, Adesanya defended well and kept the fight against the fence. A nice right hand lands for Blachowicz off the break.

Another big shot lands for Blachowicz. The fourth round is going well for Jan Blachowicz. A powerful leg kick lands for Adesanya, but Blachowicz lands a massive body kick to counter. A beautiful counter right lands for Adesanya.

Adesanya starts opening up with his striking and Blachowicz lands a takedown. They are in the middle of the cage and Blachowicz is heavy with the pressure. Adesanya was looking for ways out, but Blachowicz was too much with his top pressure.

A couple of nice hammer fists land for Jan Blachowicz. Blachowicz passes into side control and he was just riding him here in the fourth round. A dominant fourth round for Jan Blachowicz and it’s 2-2 in my opinion at UFC 259.

Round 5

Entering the final round and whoever wins this round will be the UFC light heavyweight champion. Both men trade leg kicks to open the striking. Blachowicz was breathing very heavy in the fifth round, but Adesanya looked tired too.

A nice lead right hand lands for Adesanya. Blachowicz tries to push forward, but his speed wasn’t there at all. A big jab lands for Blachowicz. However, Adesanya counters well with a couple of shots.

A big overhand right lands for Adesanya. Blachowicz lands a nice kick, but Adesanya counters with a big 1-2. Beautiful spinning back kick lands for Adesanya. A big takedown attempt and Blachowicz gets Adesanya down.

If Adesanya can’t get up, this is going to be the fight. Adesanya has no answer on the ground and he’s just letting Blachowicz control him on the ground. We’re into the final minute and Blachowicz is just riding him. The round comes to a close and Jan Blachowicz should take this one and remain UFC light heavyweight champion.

Jan Blachowicz def. Israel Adesanya by Split Decision (49-46, 49-45, 49-45)

Amanda Nunes demolishes Megan Anderson in one at UFC 259

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In the co-main event of UFC 259, we saw the return of the greatest women’s mixed martial artist of all time. Two-division champion, Amanda Nunes (20-4) was back to defend her featherweight title against top contender, Megan Anderson (11-4).

This was Nunes’ first fight since she became a mother in late 2020. The last time we saw Nunes was at UFC 250 when she completely destroyed Felicia Spencer over the course of five rounds.

Nunes has won eleven fights in a row leading up to UFC 259. Every person the promotion has put in front of her, outside of Valentina Shevchenko, she’s destroyed. She was the massive betting favorite in tonight’s co-main event.

Megan Anderson is the former featherweight champion in Invicta. When she made her UFC debut a couple of years ago, people were thinking of her as a potential champion. However, she’s only gone 3-2 in five fights so far with the UFC.

Her two losses have come against Holly Holm and Felicia Spencer. Both of those opponents were dominated by Nunes which is why Anderson was nearly a +800 underdog on some sites heading into tonight’s fight.

UFC 259 Recap

Round 1

The UFC 259 co-main event opened and the champion had a big smile on her face. The two touch gloves and Anderson started moving forward. A good low kick lands for Nunes to start her striking.

Anderson was switching stances and Nunes lands a massive overhand right. Another massive right hand lands and Anderson is wobbled badly. Nunes pushes forward and drops Megan Anderson with a big shot.

The UFC champion was beating Anderson badly here in the first. Nunes locks up a triangle choke and this one is over. Anderson taps and Nunes retains her featherweight championship.

Amanda Nunes def. Megan Anderson by Submission (Triangle Armbar) – Round 1

Aljamain Sterling wins by DQ to become champion at UFC 259

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The first of three title fights tonight at UFC 259 was the bantamweight title fight between Petr Yan (15-1) and Aljamain Sterling (19-3). These two were originally supposed  to fight back in December, but the fight got delayed.

Tonight was the first title defense for Petr Yan. Yan won the bantamweight title back at UFC 251 when he stopped Jose Aldo. Since making his debut with the UFC back in 2018, Yan has been perfect going 7-0.

While it’s been relatively smooth sailing for Yan so far, tonight was going to be his toughest test. There is no questioning that the top contender in the UFC‘s bantamweight division is Aljamain Sterling.

Sterling has strung together five consecutive wins to earn this title shot tonight. None of the wins were as impressive as his victory over fellow top contender Cory Sandhagen. Those two met back at UFC 250.

The fight was supposed to be incredibly even, however, it didn’t appear that way. Sterling was able to get Sandhagen to the ground quickly and submit him within 90 seconds. He was going to be the biggest test Petr Yan has seen in the UFC so far.

UFC 259 Recap

Round 1

The UFC bantamweight title fight opened with immediate pressure from Sterling. Sterling opens with a couple of nice kicks to the body. A nice jab lands for Sterling and Yan looked very composed early on.

Yan had his guard high just trying to time Sterling. Another nice body kick lands for Sterling. Yan’s body was really red from the kicks of Sterling. Sterling was pushing forward with a ton of pressure here in the first.

A nice combination lands for Sterling. Yan catches a kick and throws Sterling to the ground, but lets him up. Sterling goes right back to the pressure. A flying knee lands for Aljamain Sterling, but it didn’t seem to hurt Yan.

First big takedown attempt for Sterling and he gets Yan down. However, Yan gets right back up. Yan separates and lands a massive combination that floors Sterling. Sterling is wobbling around, but goes right back to the pressure.

The UFC champion floors Sterling with a leg kick. Sterling gets back up, but his facial expression has changed. Yan is smiling at Sterling in the final minute. Sterling tries to grapple and Yan slams him down. Good start for Sterling, but the UFC champ takes the first round.

Round 2

The UFC champ wanted to get right back to the action in the second round. Sterling opens the striking with a body kick. A nice jab lands from Sterling and he tries to takedown the champ. Yan defended well and threw Sterling to the ground.

Yan was smiling at Sterling and lets him up. Sterling goes right back to the pressure. A couple of nice body shots lands for Sterling and he shoots in for another takedown. However, he couldn’t get Petr Yan down here in the second.

While Yan defended well, Sterling wouldn’t give up on the takedown attempt. Sterling tries a trip and still can’t get Yan down. Yan separates, but Sterling gave him no room to breathe. Sterling went right back to the takedown attempt against the fence.

One minute left in the round and these two were just along the fence. A nice knee lands for Petr Yan and Sterling tries hard for the takedown, but Yan separates. Again, Sterling goes right back to the pressure. With ten seconds left, the UFC champion lands his own takedown. With the pressure, I lean Sterling in round two.

Round 3

The third round opens with again, more pressure from Sterling. However, he did seem slower in the third round. A couple of nice jabs land for Aljamain Sterling. Yan pushes forward and lands a nasty hook to the body.

The UFC champ started opening up here in the third. Yan was pressuring Sterling more in the third and lands some big shots. The pace was significantly slower for Sterling her in the third round. A sloppy takedown attempt from Sterling is easily defended by Yan.

Yan was walking Sterling down here in the third. A nice 1-2 lands for Yan and he uses a clinch to just throw the challenger to the ground. Yan lets him back up and the UFC champ went right back to work. However, Sterling was able to use a takedown attempt to hold Yan against the fence.

Sterling looked exhausted here in the third round. The two come together again and Yan just throws Sterling to the ground. Sterling gets back up and tries for more takedowns, but they were very sloppy. Clear third round for the UFC bantamweight champion.

Round 4

Petr Yan looked much fresher in between rounds here at UFC 259. Sterling opens the fourth round with a body kick. Yan grabs the leg of Sterling and he throws the challenger back to the ground.

However, he didn’t follow him to the ground. Instead, the UFC champ went to work with kicks to the legs. A big knee to the body lands for Yan as Sterling gets up. A big combination lands for Yan, but that forces Sterling to push forward.

A couple of nice hooks to the body land for Aljamain Sterling. A stiff straight left hand from Yan backs off Sterling. A huge body kick lands for the UFC champion and he’s turning it up. However, Sterling shoots for another takedown to stop the pressure.

Yan immediately turns Sterling around and separates. Halfway through the round and Sterling looks like he’s moving in slow motion. Another body kick lands for Yan. The champ lands a big left hand. Both men were looking fatigued here in the fourth at UFC 259.

A huge left straight hurts Sterling. Sterling was starting to walk away from Petr Yan. Sterling then started shooting for takedowns out of desperation. A huge combination lands for Yan and Sterling keeps plotting forward.

A big illegal knee lands for Petr Yan and Sterling is hurt on the mat. This one looks like it’s going to be over. Aljamain Sterling is going to be the new UFC champion by disqualification.

Aljamain Sterling def. Petr Yan by Disqualification (Illegal Knee)

Islam Makhachev dominates and taps Drew Dober at UFC 259

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The second fight on the PPV main card at UFC 259 was a pivotal lightweight matchup between two of the division’s brightest prospects. Islam Makhachev (18-1) was set to take on Drew Dober (23-9).

Originally, Makhachev was supposed to fight former UFC lightweight champion, Rafael Dos Anjos, late in the year last year. However, Makhachev had to pull out of the fight and got booked against Dober tonight.

Makhachev is being looked at as Khabib 2.0. The current lightweight champion is a main training partner and lifelong friend of Makhachev. Both grew up in Dagestan together and Makhachev is the entire package.

He has that incredible wrestling base, however, his striking is also at a high level. This fight wasn’t going to be easy, but many were looking at this as a showcase. The guy looking to play spoiler was Drew Dober.

Quietly, Dober has been a force in the lightweight division over the past few years. The only man to have beaten him in the UFC since 2017 is Beneil Dariush. Dober had the power and the grappling to make this a tough test for Islam Makhachev.

UFC 259 Recap

Round 1

The UFC 259 lightweight contest opened with a touch of the gloves. Dober opens the striking with a very good low kick. Makhachev lands a nice lead uppercut to start his striking. Another powerful leg kick lands for Drew Dober.

Makhachev shoots in for his first takedown and he gets ahold of Dober on a single leg. A nice trip from the single leg leads to a beautiful takedown for Islam Makhachev. Makhachev was being very deliberate on the ground while trying to pass in half guard.

The top control and pressure was very impressive for Makhachev. Halfway through the round and Dober was staying patient on the bottom. Makhachev is able to transition to the mount and Dober was looking to get it back to half guard.

Dober was able to get it back to half guard, but Makhachev almost immediately passed to side control. Makhachev went back to the mount, but Dober exploded in a scramble. Makhachev gets his back and goes for an armbar. It’s close, but the round comes to a close. Great opening round at UFC 259 for Makhachev.

Round 2

Entering the second round at UFC 259 and it’s clear that Dober needs to keep this fight standing. Dober opens the second with pressure and looks for a 1-2. Makhachev dives on a leg, but Dober defended the first takedown.

Makhachev pushed Dober against the fence and immediately used a trip to slam Dober to the ground. Dober was trying to scramble, but Makhachev’s top control kept him in place. Dober got his back to the fence and tried to wall walk to get up.

However, Makhachev was doing a good job of pulling Dober away from the fence and stayed on top. Makhachev ties up Dober’s legs and starts peppering him with shots. Makhachev attempted to transition to mount, but Dober defended well.

Dober was able to get Makhachev back to guard, but that’s the best that he could do. Makhachev landed some massive shots from the guard to end the second round. This easily could be a 10-8 round for Makhachev at UFC 259.

Round 3

Entering the final round at UFC 259 and Dober needed a miracle to win this one. The final round opens with immediate pressure from Dober. Dober looked for his big left hand, but he threw it right into a clinch with Makhachev.

Makhachev had a firm grip on Dober and he slammed Dober to the ground. Dober was desperately trying to force a scramble, but Makhachev remained composed while holding his top control.

Makhachev locks up an arm triangle and it’s in deep. Dober had nothing left to defend it and he taps. Complete and total domination from Islam Makhachev.

Islam Makhachev def. Drew Dober by Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) – Round 3

Aleksandar Rakic earns a decision over Thiago Santos at UFC 259

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Kicking off the PPV main card of UFC 259 was a light heavyweight contest between two top four contenders. Former title challenger, Thiago Santos (21-8) was taking on the rising contender, Aleksandar Rakic (13-2).

For Thiago Santos, he was looking to snap a two-fight losing streak. At UFC 239, Santos got his shot at Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title. Early on in the fight, Santos tore most of the ligaments in his knee.

Somehow, Santos was able to will his way through the fight and fight Jones to a split decision. It would be more than a year before Santos returned. Just a few months ago, Santos returned against Glover Teixeira.

Santos dropped Teixeira a few times in the fight, but didn’t look the same and ultimately was finished in that fight. He had a very tall order this evening in trying to end the losing streak. Many consider Aleksandar Rakic to be a future champion.

It’s hard to find a weakness when examining the overall game of Aleksandar Rakic. He’s good on the feet, good on the ground, and he’s one of the biggest guys in the division. The only slip up he’s had in his UFC career thus far was a split decision to Volkan Oezdemir. A win over Santos would put him in title contention.

UFC 259 Recap

Round 1

The UFC 259 main card opener started with a touch of the gloves. Rakic opened with pressure while Santos was circling on the outside. Good low kick from Santos opens up the striking.

Santos moves forward with his own pressure, but Rakic lands some counters that backs him off. Both men were just looking to time the other early on. Powerful leg kick lands for Thiago Santos.

Rakic throws a high kick that was blocked, but it was powerful and got Santos’ attention. Santos was remaining patient on the outside while Rakic was plotting forward cautiously. Santos steps forward with a big body kick and a left hand.

Rakic then lands a couple of really powerful leg kicks. Another kick lands for Rakic. It was clear that both men really respected the power of the other in the first. A nice jab lands for Rakic. Body kick lands for Santos. Two nice body kicks lands for Rakic. Round one ends and I think it’s 1-0 Rakic at UFC 259.

Round 2

The second round of the UFC 259 light heavyweight contest started with more pressure from Rakic. Santos was a little more in his base to start the second and he was looking for power shots. A nice leg kick from Santos opens the striking.

Santos tries to push forward with a superman jab, but it doesn’t land. Rakic went right back with the pressure and tried to land a lead uppercut. A good leg kick lands for Rakic. Santos lands a good jab to the body of Rakic.

Thiago Santos didn’t seem to have much explosion in there tonight. He tries to push forward, but Rakic catches him and presses him against the fence. Rakic was landing some decent body shots in the clinch, but nothing significant.

One minute left in the round and there was virtually no action in this one. Rakic lands a nice counter 1-2 just before the round ends. The UFC 259 main card opener wasn’t the most thrilling fight to start, but Rakic has won the first two rounds on my scorecard.

Round 3

Entering the final round at UFC 259 and Santos needs a finish in this one. Rakic opens the striking with a switch kick that was blocked by Santos. Both men exchange leg kicks and the action was already picking up in the third.

Santos then shoots in for a surprising takedown and Rakic defended and pushed Santos against the fence. They separate and Santos lands a body kick. A nice leg kick lands for Santos. Santos then lands a massive body kick on Rakic.

Rakic lands a leg kick and he tries to close the distance behind his jab. A 1-2 lands for Rakic, but Santos counters with a powerful leg kick. Halfway through the round and Santos lands a stiff jab on Rakic.

Another powerful body kick lands for Thiago Santos. Rakic was pressuring Santos, but wasn’t throwing much. A takedown attempt from Rakic, but Santos was defending well. Good shots along the fence land for Thiago Santos, but Rakic was staying on him.

One minute left and Santos needs to separate. However, Rakic was doing well staying heavy along the fence. The two separate with thirty seconds left in the round. However, neither man landed anything in the final thirty seconds and this one ends. Should be a decision win for Rakic at UFC 259.

Aleksandar Rakic def. Thiago Santos by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)