UFC 259 – Blachowicz Vs Adesanya
In the headline event, it was Jan Blachowicz who came out victorious over Israel Adesanya, and in so retaining his Light Heavyweight title. Amanda Nunes was more commanding than ever in her match up with Megan Anderson – walking away with a submission victory in the very first round. The only problem for the massively likeable Nunes, is who she faces next – she has literally defeated everyone. It may be time for others to consider a change of weight class because Nunes herself says she is going nowhere! Most controversial bout of the night was the Bantamweight title match up between Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling – with Sterling taking the title as he was unable to continue following an eye poke from Yan, resulting in a DQ for Yan. In fairness to Sterling he said that wasn’t the way he would want to take the title, but some did question the extent of his injuries leading to the end of the fight
UFC Vegas 21– Edwards VS Muhammad
In what will go down as a pretty disappointing card, the top of the bill fight between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad at Welterweight ended as a No-Contest due to Muhammad being unable to continue following an eye poke in the second round. Before the stoppage Edwards was considered to be ahead on most scorecards. Earlier on the card, at 185 lbs, Eryk Anders and Darren Stewart faced off, but it came to an end in the first round due to an illegal knee from Anders on Stewart whilst he was considered to be a downed opponent so was recorded as a No Contest. A bright spot was Angela Hlll and Ashley Yoders back and forth battle, but Hill’s class and experience shone through for her to take the unanimous decision.
UFC Vegas 22 Brunson Vs Holland
Proving what difficult times the UFC has to work in at the moment this card lost three fights at short notice – first the match up between Johnny Eduardo and Anthony Birchak was cancelled due to visa issues from Eduardo, then the lightweight co-main event between Gregor Gillespie and Brad Riddell was removed from the card due to Covid 19 protocols – it is likely to be shifted to a forthcoming card Lastly the match up between Julija Stoliarenko and Julia Avila in the bantamweight division was pulled when Stoliarenko collapsed twice during the weight ins. She has subsequently said her problem was that she made weight too early, meaning that she was at her dehydrated limit for too long, resulting in her collapses. So, to the fights! The main event featured Derek Brunson and Kevin Holland in a relatively uneventful fight. It was Brunson who came away with the victory by a unanimous decision. Whilst Holland is very entertaining with his talking and chatting right through the fight, many have questioned just how successful he can be if he continues to demonstrate this behaviour. Notable mention must go to Tai Tuivasa who knocked out Harry Hunsucker within the first minute of the first round. On the flip side Grant Dawson managed to secure a victory in the very last second on the third round with a knockout over Leonardo Santos
