Faber (photo) controversially defeated Rivera. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
There was no shortage of activity on the UFC 181 preliminary card, held this Saturday night (6) in Las Vegas, in the United States. Knockouts, submissions, stories of overcoming and a controversy marked the attraction's first fights.
Main star of the preliminary card, Urijah faber he entered as the clear favorite for the fight against Francisco Rivera. However, the “California Kid” did not have an easy life and, despite coming away with the victory, he ended up not convincing the public present at the Mandalay Bay Events Center due to a controversy.
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Faber started the fight very aggressively, walking forward and working some blows, although without great efficiency. More defensively, Rivera tried to counterattack, including connecting good crosses at the end of the first round.
In the second period, however, came the great controversy. Faber poked Rivera in the eye, which he clearly felt. The referee of the fight, Mário Yamasaki, did not notice the move and let the fight continue, with Faber immediately applying a choke and making his opponent give up.
Although the replay Having clearly shown the illegal move, Faber's submission victory was confirmed. It was Faber's second consecutive victory via submission, now reaching 32 wins and seven losses in professional MMA. Rivera lost his second in a row, having been defeated by Takeya Mizugaki in May.
Anthony's brother, Sergio Pettis wins third UFC title
Pettis (photo) won his third in the UFC. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
Moments before Anthony Pettis making his first lightweight title defense, Sergio Pettis ensured that UFC 181 started on a positive note for the family. Younger brother from “Showtime”, Sergio, 21 years old, turned the fight around against Matt Hobar and emerged victorious in the fight valid for the bantamweight division.
The fight didn't start well for Pettis. In the opening seconds, the “Phenomenon” received a hard knockdown after Hobar connected with a left cross to the chin. Pettis apparently recovered quickly, but was on the bottom for a few moments as Hobar tried to capitalize on the momentum. Afterwards, Pettis managed to get up and little by little impose his game.
In the second round, it was Pettis's turn to start with everything. Agile, Anthony's brother managed to land hard blows, especially a strong shin kick, which caused Hobar to wobble. Pettis tried to end the fight aggressively, but Hobar survived and ended the round on top after taking a takedown.
With the fight clearly lasting one round for each side, the two athletes returned to the final period aware that five minutes would be decisive for the result. Due to the intense movement of the previous ten minutes, the final round started more warmly, with both connecting good blows although without great effectiveness. In the final minute, Hobar looked for a takedown, but was rejected by Pettis, and the fight ended with the young fighter defending himself.
Finally, two of the judges scored 29 to 28 for Pettis, with the other scoring 30 to 27 and making the unanimous decision. It was Pettis' third victory in four UFC fights, and his second in a row. His only setback in the octagon was in January, when he was submitted by Alex Caceres. Hobar suffered his second defeat in three fights in Ultimate, having also lost to Peter Munhoz in São Paulo, in May.
Samman wins knockout in exciting moment
Samman's knockout was one of the highlight moments of the preliminary card. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
The fight between Josh Samman and Eddie Gordon was one of the highlights of the preliminary card of UFC 181. Samman had been out of action for over a year and a half, as he suffered from depression after his girlfriend died in a car accident while exchanging text messages. text with fighter. Samman, who never forgave himself for what happened, returned to action against TUF 19 champion, Eddie Gordon, on what would have been his late girlfriend's birthday.
The fight didn't start easily for Samman, as Gordon managed to impose his game and stop his opponent, especially in the ground fight. However, in the second round, Samman delivered a sharp shin to Gordon's chin, who fell unconscious.
With this, Samman achieved his third consecutive triumph, expanding his professional MMA record to ten wins and two losses. Gordon, who was coming off a victory against Dhiego Lima in the TUF 19 decision, he suffered his second defeat, the first being by knockout.
Pennington erases rival in the event’s women’s fight
Evans-Smith was eliminated with a choke from Pennington. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
The only fight between women at the event ended in electrifying fashion. Rachel Pennington she had a close fight with Ashlee Evans-Smith, with a lot of movement both on the feet and on the ground. Being “delayed”, “Rocky” received a blow that opened a large cut on his forehead, but continued aggressively towards his rival.
In the final seconds of the first round, Pennington managed a tight choke, with Evans-Smith trying to survive. As soon as the bell sounded, Pennington left the position, but her opponent was already out of action and faced the ground.
Thus, Pennington achieved his fifth victory in professional MMA, against four defeats suffered, recovering from the setback against Jessica Andrade in March. Evans-Smith loses his unbeaten record in his UFC debut.
Check out the results of the UFC 181 preliminary card:
Urijah faber defeated Francisco Rivera via submission in R2;
Josh Samman defeated Eddie Gordon by knockout in R2;
Corey anderson defeated Justin Jones via unanimous decision;
Rachel Pennington defeated Ashlee Evans-Smith via submission in R1;
Sergio Pettis defeated Matt Hobar via unanimous decision;
Clay Collard defeated Alex White via unanimous decision;
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