Ilia Topuria taps out Bryce Mitchell at UFC 282

Featherweights Bryce Mitchell and Ilia Topuria kicked off the UFC 282 main card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Both men entered the octagon undefeated and ranked. Mitchell was ranked No. 9 in the 145-pound division while Topuria was ranked No. 14. When it was all said and done, Topuria left the cage with his undefeated record intact.

Mitchell employed a kick-heavy offense in the early going. Topuria answered with a combination and a heavy calf kick. The kick caused Mitchell to change stances. Topuria’s right hands landed regularly. Mitchell looked to get the fight to the ground, but Topuria defended the attempt.

Midway through the opening round, Mitchell nearly took Topuria down but Topuria immediately got back to his feet. After absorbing a few more right hands, Mitchell put Topuria on his back. It was the first time Topuria had been taken down in his career.

Topuria connected with a left hand to start the second frame. Mitchell’s striking started to land, but moments later he was dropped by a right hand. Topuria followed Mitchell to the ground and moved to side control. Mitchell rolled and stood but Topuria continued to apply pressure. He landed an uppercut and gained top position on the ground. Mitchell tried to stand but Topuria applied a head and arm choke. Mitchell was forced to tap out.

“I knew that I was better than him on the ground and standup, anywhere,” Topuria said following the submission win. “I knew that I was better than him on the ground and I showed it to everyone.”