UFC returns to activities on May 9th. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook @ufc
I miss watching fights, don't you, my son? After almost two months without holding a card, due to the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19), Ultimate is ready to resume its calendar and will kick off next Saturday (9), with the UFC 249. To warm up your spirits while waiting for the show taking place in Florida (USA), we selected some great moments that took place in the company between 2019 and 2020.
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2019 was certainly a big year for Ultimate. With great performances, knockouts, symbolic belts created, icons emerging, title wins and losses, sports fans were able to enjoy true spectacles inside the Octagon. Our team, then, selected some of these moments for you to remember the most important thing that happened last season.
Johnny Walker: the meteoric start
J. Walker (photo) in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufcbrasil
The year 2019 was certainly a watershed in the career of Johnny Walker. The athlete, who began his career in Ultimate in November 2018, emerged as a phenomenon in the organization, achieving lightning knockouts in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg).
Almost three months after his debut, Walker was scheduled to face Justin Ledet, in February last year, and promoted a new show to Brazilian fans. The fighter knocked out his rival in just 15 seconds and officially entered the board's radar. Click here to see Walker's first Ultimate victory.
Just a month later, Johnny accepted the challenge of exchanging forces against Misha Cirkunov. The result? Another 'dance'. The Belfort Roxo fighter took no notice of his rival and emerged victorious with yet another knockout, this time in 38 seconds. Click here to see the Brazilian's knockout over Misha.
O 'hypingWalker's, however, ended up diminished in November, when the combatant was placed face to face with Corey anderson. With a lot of confidence, the Brazilian was unable to repeat his good performances and ended up falling victim to his rival's strength, losing his unbeaten record in the organization. Johnny lost again in March of this year, when he faced Nikita Krylov, UFC Brasilia. Now, the athlete is fighting to get back on track.
The 'Triple C' emerges
H. Cejudo and his two belts. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufc
Like it or not, Henry Cejudo He has proven that he is an elite athlete. The only Ultimate champion to hold an Olympic medal (in wrestling), the North American became number one in the flyweight division (up to 56,7kg) in August 2018, after defeating one of the legends of the category and the organization, Demetrious Johnson. After defending his title, Henry decided to move up a division and try to become another athlete to hold two belts simultaneously.
With the title of roosters (up to 61,2kg.) by TJ Dillashaw, after the former champion abdicated his position after being caught in an anti-doping test, Cejudo was left with the duty of trying to occupy his compatriot's position. The opponent: Marlon moraes.
Against the Brazilian, Cejudo showed why he is gaining respect in MMA. Against a great 'striker', Henry was not intimidated and fought on equal terms against the Friborg native in the main fight of the UFC 238. In the end, the North American ended up victorious by knockout in the third round and started using the nickname 'Triple C', in reference to the flyweight and bantamweight titles and the Olympic medal. Watch and remember Henry Cejudo's triumph over Marlon Moraes.
Masvidal and the knockout of the year over Askren
J. Masvidal (photo) in victory for the UFC Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufc
In July last year, Ultimate escalated into a curious clash from a technical point of view. A striker against a wrestler. Despite not starring in the UFC 239, Jorge masvidal and Ben Askren had one of the most anticipated fights on the card. At stake was a place at the top of the category and a chance to fight for the belt in the future.
The athletes promoted the fight very well. Askren opted for provocations, while Jorge just responded by saying that he would win brutally.
No sooner said than done. When the referee authorized the start of the fight, Jorge went after Ben and connected a knee of rare happiness in just 5 seconds. After the action, Askren was immediately knocked out, leading to a strong scene and, consequently, his opponent's victory. Click here to see the video of Masvidal's victory against Ben Askren.
Anderson x Adesanya: meeting of styles
A. Silva surprised with a high-level performance. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook ufcbrasil
In February last year, the Ultimate board promoted an interesting clash for fans. Thinking about the similarity of styles, the organization scheduled a fight between the legend Anderson Silva and the, until then, promise, Israel adesanya. Under the prerogative that the winner could compete for the middleweight belt (up to 83,9kg) in the next match, the Brazilian and the Nigerian then agreed to face each other.
Far from his peak, but with the respect he is entitled to, Silva is not easy prey for Adesanya. The middleweight legend, at times, threatened his opponent. Israel, however, managed to show why he would become champion of the category months later. With safe performance, the athlete managed to contain 'Spider's' actions and emerged victorious in the judges' unanimous decision after three rounds. See, here, the best moments of the fight between Anderson Silva x Adesanya.
Rodolfo Vieira debuts with victory
R. Vieira in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc_brasil
Without a Brazilian champion since the fateful defeat of Anderson Silva In 2013, the middleweight division gained new promise for the future. Multi-time jiu-jitsu champion and known as 'The Black Belt Hunter' has worked to maintain success in the transition from the 'gentle art' to MMA.
Undefeated in the new modality, Vieira received the opportunity to debut in Ultimate in August, at UFC Uruguay. Right away, the board selected the Rio native to face the dangerous Oskar Piechota. At the time, Rodolfo preferred to act in his comfort zone and had no difficulty submitting his rival in the second round. Click here and watch the finale of 'Black Belt Hunter'.
The Brazilian returned to the octagon in March this year and won again. Using his jiu-jitsu, Vieira hit Saparbek Safarov in the first round.
Borrachinha: on his way to the belt after victory over Romero
P. Borrachinha beat Y. Romero at UFC 241. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc_brasil
Definitely, after convincing performances in Ultimate, Paulo borrachinha has become a big name within the UFC. Undefeated in his career and always willing to face the best opponents, the Minas Gerais native got his passport to fight for the middleweight belt after a true war against Yoel romero, in August last year.
Considered one of the most feared athletes in the company, the Cuban does damage when it comes to playing, but Paulo showed determination to achieve another great victory in the judges' split decision. Click here and watch the best moments of the 'war' between Borrachinha and Romero.
Miocic and his return to the top after avenging defeat against DC
S. Miocic (photo) with the UFC belt. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @ufc_brasil
In 2018, Stipe Miocic went from heaven to hell in just six months. After defending his heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg.) against the dangerous Francis Ngannou, in January, the athlete would face the great challenge of facing the talented Daniel Cormier, coming from light heavyweight.
Known for his excellent wrestling, DC was a worthy challenger for a heavyweight title fight. Former champion of the lower division, Cormier dared and delivered a tough knockout to Miocic in the first round, ending a two-year reign.
Just over a year later, finally, the rematch. Aware that he could not make the same mistakes as in the past, Miocic showed more concentration in the rematch against Daniel. After being pressured in the initial rounds, Stipe showed intelligence and, in the middle of the fight, changed his strategy and, in the fourth round, managed to surprise his opponent, returning the knockout suffered in UFC 226. Click here to see the knockout imposed by Stipe Miocic on Daniel Cormier.
Khabib's return to the UFC
K. Nurmagomedov in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @ufc
In 2018, Khabib Nurmagomedov, together with Conor McGregor, starred in the most watched event in MMA history. At stake, in addition to the lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg), a rivalry that would go down in the history of the sport. In the confrontation against the Irishman, the Russian managed to keep his belt after dominating the 'Notório' for four rounds and submitting him, determining the victory.
Everything was fine, however, Nurmagomedov ended up letting his emotions get the better of him and, after beating Conor, he started a widespread confusion that earned him a 9-month suspension, in addition to a cash fine.
Without the champion removed, the UFC was left to create an interim belt, which was won by Dustin poirier in the confrontation against Max Holloway, in April. After winning the title, the 'Diamond' would then face Khabib in September to unify the belt.
After the suspension, Nurmagomedov returned to the Octagon to face Poirier for the position of absolute champion. In the main fight of UFC 242, the Russian didn't shy away from his characteristics and, with great confidence, beat the North American in his best style: dominating and submitting. Click here and see the champion's submission over Dustin Poirier.
Justin Gaethje's confirmation
J. Gaethje in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook @ufc
Justin gaethje is one of the athletes who can feel a sense of accomplishment in 2019. The North American, who was coming off a victory over James Vick in 2018, began to confirm his good form when he hit Edson Barboza, which was in great shape, in March.
After defeating the Brazilian, Ultimate chose Gaethje to face the dangerous and charismatic Donald Cerrone in the main fight of UFC Vancouver, In September. Against one of the company's most popular athletes, Justin simply ignored his rival's fame and scored a knockout in the first round. The triumph over 'Cowboy' definitively placed Gaethje in the lightweight elite and was extremely important for his name to be chosen to face Tony Ferguson next weekend for the division's interim belt. Click here and see Justin Gaethje's knockout over Donald Cerrone.
Israel Adesanya: the reality
I. Adesanya in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook @ufc
Talented, dancer, the 'new Anderson Silva'. These are some characteristics attributed to Israel adesanya. After defeating his great idol in the sport, in February, the Nigerian took a big step in his career after winning the division's interim belt when he beat Kelvin Gastelum in a big fight in April.
After the new triumph, it remained for Adesanya to confirm his place in the category by acting against the owner of the linear title at the time, Robert whittaker.
The confrontation was scheduled for October and marked the main fight of the UFC 243. Even though Israel was aware of the dangers of its rival, it was not intimidated and unleashed its game against a high-risk opponent. As the minutes passed, the Nigerian proved that he deserved to occupy the throne of the category and confirmed the fact by delivering a hard knockout to his rival in the second round. Click here and watch Adesanya's show about Whittaker.
The 'Toughest' in MMA
J. Masvidal receives the 'Toughest' belt. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook UFC
In November, Ultimate was going through a real nightmare when trying to confirm one of the most anticipated fights by mixed martial arts fans: 'Kamaru Usman x Colby covington'. After disagreements regarding the amount that would be paid to the athletes, the company decided to give up on the clash at the moment and promoted the meeting of two big names to headline the event. UFC 244, which took place in November.
Thinking about bringing the public, the company chose Jorge masvidal e Nate diaz for a clash of stars and even created a symbolic title that would be delivered by, nothing more, nothing less, than the Hollywood star, 'The Rock'.
With the 'Most Thick' belt at stake, the stage was set. With one of the most prestigious cards of the year, Masvidal and Diaz presented a confrontation between two fighters who are famous for their aggression.
In the fight, Jorge's strength ended up being superior and the combatant ended up winning after the fight was stopped on medical advice. Click here and see the best moments of the clash between Masvidal and Diaz.
After the triumph over Nate, Masvidal's name remains the favorite as the next challenger for the linear welterweight belt (up to 77kg.), which he belongs to Kamaru Usman.
The Rozenstruik 'tank'
J. Rozenstruik presenting for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @jairzinho.rozenstruik
In February last year, MMA fans were able to watch the debut of a giant among the heavyweights. With an undefeated record in the sport, the Surinamese Jairzinho Rozenstruik gave his calling card against Brazilian Júnior Albini. The confrontation did not last long. The Surinamese needed just over a round to show his strength against the Paraná native, knock him out, and prove that he was a name to watch.
It didn't take long for Rozenstruik to catch the attention of the organization's board of directors. After two more presentations and two new brutal knockouts, Jairzinho was selected to face one of the great icons of the category: alistair overeem.
Known worldwide, the Dutchman had to avoid his main characteristic, which is his striking, to avoid being caught by his rival in the main fight of UFC Washingt. Alistair's plan worked well, however, all it took was one oversight in the final seconds of the last round for Jairzinho to claim yet another victim.
After another knockout, the Dutchman starred in a strong scene, when he appeared with a disfigured lip after receiving a hard blow from the Surinamese. Click here for Jairzinho Rozenstruik's brutal knockout over Alistair Overeem.
Usman x Covington: the show
Usman (left) x Colby (right) Photo: Reproduction / YouTube @ufc
After frustrating Ultimate's plans and not performing in November, Kamaru Usman e Colby covington agreed on the salary bases and assumed the leading role in the UFC 245, in December. At stake, the welterweight title and a personal rivalry.
Known for his acidic and controversial statements, Covington promoted the confrontation as usual and, together with the champion, helped create great expectations for one of the most anticipated fights of the year.
Face to face, the athletes did not disappoint. There were almost five rounds of pure war and stand-up fighting. Known for being great athletes in grappling, the fighters deviated from their main characteristics and excited the public with a striking show.
With visible balance, Usman managed to stand out in the end, after supposedly breaking his rival's jaw and taking advantage of the good moment until he scored a knockout with just a few seconds left in the match. Click here to see Usman's knockout over Covington.
Amanda Nunes: the best in history
A. Nunes (photo) wants to continue making history in MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @amanda_leoa
Since winning the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg) at Ultiamte, Amanda nunes He has proven with each performance that he is here to make history in the sport. Undefeated for almost six years, the Brazilian has been collecting victims and marking her name as the best in history.
With two Ultimate belts (bantamweight and featherweight), the Brazilian made two belt defenses last year. With a great victory over the former champion of the category, Holly holm, Nunes would have a great challenge in UFC 245 against Germain de Randamie.
Amanda started with everything, but ended up relaxing and getting a few scares during the confrontation. After realizing a disadvantage in the stand-up fight, the Pojucana opted to act safely and used her jiu-jitsu to dominate her rival. After five rounds, the Brazilian had her fifth title defense. Click here and watch the best moments of the 'Lioness' victory over Germaine.
McGregor's return
McGregor added another knockout to his record. Photo: Reproduction / Instagram@UFC
Considered one of the biggest names in the history of current MMA, Conor McGregor won a star based not only on his ability to promote confrontations, but also on his quality to win them. Undefeated in Ultimate until his defeat to Khabib in October 2018, the athlete decided to step away from the sport in 2019, but guaranteed his return at the beginning of 2020.
As his opponent, Conor chose Donald Cerrone and the clash would mark the main fight of the UFC 246. The confrontation would not be worth the title or guarantee of titles. The Irishman even chose to fight in the welterweight division.
After much expectation about how the 'Notório' would perform, the athlete did not disappoint his fans. Unlike previous years, calmer and more respectful of his opponent, Conor took to the octagon like a great king returning to his throne.
McGregor's performance lived up to his history in the sport. The Irishman needed less than a minute to defeat the 'Cowboy' and achieve a great knockout. After the triumph, the 'Notório' preferred not to choose a next rival and left the future open as to whether he would return to the lightweight division, where he is a former champion, or continue at welterweight. Click here to watch Conor McGregor's show about 'Cowboy' Donald Cerrone.
The (almost) downfall of Jon Jones
Jones (left) faces Reyes (right). Photo: Reproduction / YouTube @ufc
Without a doubt, Jon Jones It's unanimous when it comes to regularity in MMA. Undefeated for more than 10 years, the athlete remains at the top of the light heavyweight division and sees opponents appear and disappear, while his hegemony remains intact.
In February of this year, however, 'Bones' almost tasted losing the title when he agreed to exchange forces against the promising Dominick reyes.
In a very balanced fight, Jon ended up being declared the winner with a unanimous decision by the judges, but the result ended up surprising many fans, members of the specialized press and even the president of the organization, Dana White.
Even if he remains champion of the category, 'Bones' reign is now more threatened than ever and the athlete needs to reinvent himself to remain number one. Click here to see the best moments between Jones and Reyes.
Deiveson: the uncrowned king
D. Figueiredo in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @daico_desdaguerra
Without a Brazilian male representative sporting a belt since 2017, Deiveson Figueiredo, today, he could be the Tupiniquim representative with a UFC title.
Responsible for fighting for the fly belt with Joseph Benavidez, the man from Pará ended up failing in his commitment to the scales and was prevented from taking the belt home, in case of victory.
In the confrontation, which marked the main fight of the UFC Norfolk, Figueiredo came in 'full' and gave the North American no chance in the confrontation. Deiveson, who had promised a show after breaking the division limit, fulfilled his agreement with the fans and defeated his rival with a brutal knockout in the second round.
As reported by Ultimate, even with the victory, the Brazilian was unable to keep the title. Click here and watch Deiveson Figueiredo's knockout over Benavidez.
The war between Zhang and Jedrzejczyk
J. Jedrzejczyk (left) and W. Zhang (right) had one of the most exciting fights in the UFC 248. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @UFCBrasil
In March this year, the Chinese Weili Zhang had the challenge of carrying out her first belt defense since becoming the organization's champion in August last year.
Ahead of her, the athlete would have an old acquaintance with her fans, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, who was already straw champion (up to 52,1kg.) in the past.
The meeting between the athletes marked the co-main fight of the UFC 248, but the two promoted a confrontation worthy of heading a card. For five rounds, the combatants put on a real show for the public in Las Vegas.
At the end of the fight, the straws left the octagon with their faces badly bruised. Weili showed that he has heart and that he deserves the position he currently finds himself in. Click here to see the best moments of the show between Zhang and Jedrzejczyk.
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