P. Munhoz (right) defeated J. Rivera (left) in the UFC Las Vegas 20. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Second Brazilian to enter the octagon in UFC Las Vegas 20, held this Saturday (27), in the United States, Peter Munhoz got the better of the score with Jimmie Ribera. In the repeat of the confrontation held in 2015, the Brazilian accepted the open fight and left the show with a triumph in the unanimous decision of the judges. The confrontation is one of the candidates for the 'Best Clash' bonus.
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A standout in the bantamweight category (up to 61,2kg), Pedro came under pressure for this weekend's clash. Coming from two consecutive defeats, something unprecedented in the São Paulo native's career, the Brazilian resumed his winning ways and is back in contention for a future title fight.
Five years after their first meeting, Munhoz managed to discount the defeat he suffered in 2015, when he lost in a split decision from the judges. After the triumph, the São Paulo native challenged the former category champion, TJ Dillashaw, who will return to active duty after serving a two-year suspension for doping.
With the negative result, Rivera was unable to achieve his second consecutive victory. The athlete was coming off a triumph over cody stmann, but now he has three setbacks in the last five fights.
The fight
In the opening seconds, Munhoz tried to surprise his opponent with a high kick. The attack stopped in Rivera's guard, who responded with a series of punches. Pedro launched a series of low kicks at the North American, who was trying to find distance. Almost halfway through the round, Pedro connected with a left cross that exploded in his opponent's face, but Jimmie was unfazed. The duel remained balanced, with the roosters exchanging attacks in the center of the octagon. Rivera surprised Munhoz with a right cross and the Brazilian returned the attack in kind. In the final minute, the São Paulo native knocked his opponent off balance with a low kick. The Brazilian insisted on the strategy, which started to bother the North American. Close to the end of the round, Jimmie surprised the Brazilian with a series of jabs and rights. Munhoz returned the attack, but there was no more time.
In the second stage, Pedro continued to insist on low kicks. Afterwards, the American took a takedown, but was almost caught in an ankle lock. Jimmie managed to get up and the duel was fought again in the center of the octagon. Two minutes later, Pedro tried to surround his opponent, who had swelling in his left leg. With another low kick, Munhoz once again unbalanced Rivera, who fell, but quickly got up. Although the North American showed danger in counterattacks, the Brazilians' attacks were more effective. In the final minute, the São Paulo native continued chasing his opponent, who was walking backwards, but the timer ran to zero.
The final round began with the athletes engaging in frank exchanges. While Jimmie tried to knock him out with crosses, the Brazilian responded with the same attacks. Rivera tried to close the distance to connect with the best blows, but the Brazilian remained focused. Close to the middle of the round, the North American surprised the São Paulo native with a clean uppercut to the face. Munhoz, however, continued moving forward and tried to prevent his opponent from progressing in the confrontation. After another low kick, Rivera limped across the Octagon. The Brazilian tried to take advantage of the good moment and surrounded his opponent. In the final minute, Jimmie connected a series of punches on the Brazilian. Pedro absorbed the attacks well and continued trying to nullify his rival's momentum. In the final seconds, the athletes started to exchange franks, but time ran out.
Ankalaev defeats Krylov and advances to light heavyweight
M. Ankalaev (right) defeated N. Krylov (left) in UFC Las Vegas 20. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
In the confrontation against the dangerous Nikita Krylov, Magomed Ankalayev got the better of it and confirmed the good phase of his career. Promising in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg.), the Russian was superior to the Ukrainian and took victory in a unanimous decision by the judges. The confrontation marked the co-main fight of the show.
Magomed's positive result, sixth in a row, will make the athlete take an important leap forward in the category led by Jan Blachowicz. Before the clash, the Russian was in 11th place in the rankings. Now, the fighter must occupy Nikita's eighth position.
Executioner of Johnny Walker in March 2020, the Ukrainian was unable to repeat the good performance he had against the Brazilian. With the defeat, the athlete completes three setbacks in the last five appearances.
Sheetara is penalized, but recovers and draws with De La Rosa
M. Sheetara (right) and M. De La Rosa (left) tied for the UFC Las Vegas 20. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
In a flyweight fight (up to 56,7kg), Mayra Sheetara starred in a moment of redemption in this weekend's show. In the confrontation against Mountain Rose, the Brazilian had to overcome the penalty suffered in the first round, which cost her a point. After 15 minutes of lots of action, the girl from Minas Gerais convinced the judges and ended up tying with her rival in the majority decision.
Mayra took to the octagon to confirm her good form and win her second consecutive victory. The Brazilian, however, had her plans frustrated after she was penalized for holding onto the bars when trying to prevent a fall. The result marked the first draw of the Brazilian's career.
Without the victory this Saturday, De La Rosa was unable to recover from the setback suffered to Viviane Araujo, in September 2020. The North American then completed a year without achieving a positive result with UFC gloves.
Alex Caceres defeats Kevin Croom in featherweight debut
A. Caceres (right) defeated K. Croom (left) in the UFC Las Vegas 20. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
In the fight that opened the main card, Alex Caceres He did well in his featherweight debut (up to 65,7kg). In the confrontation against Kevin Croom, the North American gave his rival no chance and dominated his opponent for three rounds. After 15 minutes, the combatant was declared the winner with a unanimous decision by the judges.
The positive result confirmed Caceres' good phase in MMA. The athlete completed four consecutive victories, something that had not happened since 2009.
Although he showed strength in the confrontation, Kevin ended up being a victim of his rival's quality in the grappling fight. Easy prey for Alex, Croom ended up getting tired during the fight and continues without winning in the UFC, in two commitments.
UFC Las Vegas 20 results
MAIN CARD
Heavyweight: Cyryl Gane derrotou Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the unanimous decision of the judges (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Light Heavyweight: Magomed Ankalayev derrotou Nikita Krylov in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Fly weight: Mountain Rose e Mayra Sheetara tied in the judges' majority decision (28-27, 28-28, 28-28)
Bantamweight: Peter Munhoz derrotou Jimmie rivera in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Feather weight: Alex Caceres derrotou Kevin Croom in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-26, 30-27, 30-26)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Lightweight: Thiago Moses derrotou Alexander Hernandez in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Bantamweight: Alexis Davis derrotou Sabina mazo in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-26, 30-27)
Bantamweight: Ronnie Lawrence derrotou Vince Cachero by technical knockout at 2m38s of R3
Light Heavyweight: dustin jacoby defeated Maxin Grishin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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