UFC on ABC 2 was not quite as memorable as its network television predecessor, but the event had its moments and even a confusing badminton and pickleball call-out. Here’s a rundown of the night’s biggest winners, losers, and bonus check recipients.
Winners: Grapplers delight and contention statements
Without a doubt, Marvin Vettori and MacKenzie Dern were the big winners in an event that was heavy on grappling and judge’s decisions. In setting a middleweight takedown record, Vettori made a loud statement for title fight consideration. Some may downplay his performance as just following a victory blueprint laid out three weeks ago by Derek Brunson in his own wrestling-based win over Kevin Holland. It surely was, but “The Italian Dream” dominated and pummeled his American foe at times in a way few before have done.
Vettori’s evolution as a striker, under the tutelage of Rafael Cordiero at Kings MMA, has turned the 27-year-old into a dangerous grappler who needs to be respected on the feet. He is simply not the same fighter that lost to Israel Adesanya three years ago. Considering the public beef between that two since that clash, a rematch for “The Last Stylebender’s” title is an easy sell to fans. However, Robert Whittaker could put the kibosh on that narrative by putting in an impressive performance in Saturday’s headliner against former title contender Kelvin Gastelum. Either way, the UFC’s 185-pound title picture will get it’s clarity by Sunday morning.
In her “Battle of the Mom’s” submission win yesterday of Nina Nunes, Dern put the strawweight division on notice. Since becoming a mom a few years back, the Brazilian has been on a tear. Winning four straight, and taking home limbs in the first round of three of those victories. In beating the fifth-ranked fighter in the division, a bout with another top-five foe makes sense for the popular Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion. However, third and fourth-ranked contenders Yan Xiaonon and Carla Esparza are already booked for a matchup against each other in May. Would this open the door for a major opportunity against long-time strawweight queen, and second-ranked star Joanna Jędrzejczyk? It’s a pairing that could easily headline a fight night card or co-main on a pay-per-view. The promotion has some interesting options for the fasting rising Brazilian.
Some other notable winners deserving of a shout are Julian Marquez for an impressive submission win over 50-fight veteran Sam Alvey, and the follow-up callout of NFL stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes to a game of bad minton. “The Cuban Missile Crisis” is starting to master creating a social media storm following his wins. Although they can be cringy at times, getting an NFL champion and MVP to answer you on Twitter, after pop-star Miley Cyrus did the same after his last win, shows he is clearly doing something right.
Two other big winners were Daniel Rodriquez and former KSW two-division champion Mateusz Gamrot. Over three rounds “D-Rod” took promotional problem child Mike Perry to his California kickboxing class in an absolute drubbing. As for Gamrot, he deserves praise for a filthy two-piece knockout of Scott Holtzman, which is no easy feat. Both bounced back with highlight wins following setbacks in their previous Octagon endeavors.
Losers: Job insecurity amigos
Far and away, Holland lost the most on Saturday. After a year to remember in 2020, his five-fight winning streak last year has been flipped to a two-fight skid in 2021. Granted, his setbacks have come to elite competition in the division, however his momentum has been completely derailed. His attempt at instant redemption–by tying the record for quickest turnaround in main event spots–has turned into a nightmare 21 days bookended by 10 rounds of being out wrestled badly. “Trailblazer” is still a talented and entertaining middleweight, but the rest of this year will be about picking up the ground he’s lost over the last month and dedicating his forthcoming training to close up his grappling deficiencies.
The next week could be tense times for three losing fighters at UFC on ABC 2. Alvey, Jordan Griffin, and Yorgan De Castro should be worried if Saturday was their last appearances in the Octagon for a while.
After winning a Dana White’s Contender Series contract in 2018, Griffin is now 1-4 in the UFC. He was never finished in those losses, but it will be a hard case to make that he deserves a sixth opportunity. De Castro is another DWCS alum who impressed with a first-round blasting of Justin Tafa in his 2019 UFC debut. Since then, he has lost three straight, with Saturday in the UFC Apex being the first time he was put to sleep during his career. As a fighter with a fan-friendly story, the native of Cape Verde may get another chance.
“Smile’N” Sam is in a serious rough spot right now. The 21-fight UFC vet is 0-5-1 in his last six, and has not won since June of 2018. Being a few weeks away from turning 35, and a return to middleweight not bringing the results he wanted, Alvey’s Octagon run may be at an end. However, with a style and personality fans adore, if he does choose to continue his career, promotions like Bellator, ONE Championship and the Professional Fighters League would welcome him with open arms.
Dollars, dollars, dollars
Following the events at UFC on ABC 2, four fighters were handed US $50,000 bonus checks. Check out those competitors who scored some well earned green backs below.
Performance Bonus: MacKenzie Dern
Performance Bonus: Mateusz Gamrot
Fight of the Night: Julian Marguez vs. Sam Alvey
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