T. Marreta (right) was defeated by A. Rakic (left) in the UFC 259. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
It was not this time. In the fight that opened the main card of UFC 259, held this Saturday (6), in Las Vegas (USA), Thiago Marreta tried, but couldn't overcome Aleksandar rakic. In a tense dispute, the Brazilian ended up falling victim to his rival's greater reach and left the Octagon defeated with a unanimous decision from the judges.
See too
The result turns on the warning signal for the Brazilian. When he entered the battlefield, Thiago needed to win to end a streak of two consecutive defeats.
Current number two in the light heavyweight rankings (up to 93kg), the Rio native is expected to lose his position to the Austrian and his dream of a new title fight has been postponed. The Brazilian's last victory came in February 2019, when Marreta brutalized the current division champion, Jan Blachowicz.
Considered a great promise of the group, Aleksandar, 29 years old, has become one of the elite of the category once and for all. Before, in fourth position, the fighter puts himself in a great position to fight for the title in the near future.
In the interview after the triumph, Rakic asked for a title shot. The athlete comes from two consecutive victories and has only one setback with the Ultimate gloves, in seven challenges.
The fight
The confrontation began with Marreta risking a low kick, which went empty. The Brazilian continued walking forward and threw a hook to the waistline, but the Austrian responded with an uppercut, which grazed the Rio de Janeiro native's face. The confrontation remained tense, with the combatants looking for the best moment to attack. After two minutes, Rakic risked a high kick, which stopped in the Brazilian's guard. With two minutes left, Thiago saved a shot from the belt and responded with a direct shot to his rival's face. The Austrian absorbed the attack well and the duel was once again played in the center of the Octagon. In the final seconds, Aleksandar landed a series of low kicks, but there was no more time.
In the second stage, the Austrian took the initiative, attacking the Brazilian's legs again. Thiago received a clean jab to the face and found it difficult to enter his opponent's range of action. Marreta risked a high kick, but the opponent defended well. Aleksandar continued to undermine the bases of the Rio de Janeiro native, who was unable to connect his best blows. Throughout the confrontation, Rakic continued to use his wingspan advantage and touched the Brazilian more frequently. Halfway through the round, Marreta tried a combination of punches, but the Austrian dodged and went into a grappling fight. On the bars, Aleksandar put pressure on the Fluminense, who tried to free himself with knees, but the Austrian remained 'glued'. Thiago managed to explode and attacked his opponent with a cross to the face. Rakic did not accuse the blow and the dispute took place again in the center of the octagon. Near the end of the round, the Austrian hit the Brazilian with a right 'bomb', but the timer ran to zero.
The last round began with Rakic again risking a high kick. Marreta defended and continued walking towards his opponent. The fighters exchanged kicks and then the Brazilian risked a takedown, which was defended by his opponent. Thiago tried to close the distance and threw low kicks to his rival's waistline. Aleksandar remained dangerous in his counterattacks and accurately returned the Fluminense's attacks. Near the final minute, Rakic looked for the Brazilian's legs, but ended up suffering hard elbows to the head. The Austrian gave up the position, but continued to press the Tupiniquim against the bars. Near the end of the dispute, Thiago managed to free himself, but there was no time for anything else.
UFC 259 results
MAIN CARD
Light Heavyweight: Jan Blachowicz derrotou Israel adesanya in the unanimous decision of the judges (49-45, 49-46, 49-45) – Title fight
Feather weight: Amanda nunes finished Megan anderson with an armbar at 2m03s of R1 – Title fight
Bantamweight: aljamain sterling derrotou Petr yan by disqualification (illegal knee) at 4m29s of R4 – Title fight
Lightweight: Islam makhachev finished Drew dober with a choke at 1m37s of R3
Light Heavyweight: Aleksandar rakic derrotou Thiago Marreta in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28,30-27, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantamweight: Dominick Cruz derrotou Casey kenney in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Bantamweight: Kyler Phillips derrotou song yadong in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Fly weight: Askar askarov derrotou Joseph Benavidez in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-26, 30-27)
Fly weight: Kai Kara France derrotou Rogerio Bontorin by technical knockout at 4m55s of R1
Fly weight: Tim Elliott derrotou Jordan Espinosa in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-25, 30-27)
Light Heavyweight: Kennedy Nzechukwu derrotou Carlos Ulberg by technical knockout 3m19s of R2
Welterweight Weight: Sean brady finished Jake matthews with a katagatame 3m28s from R3
Straw weight: Amanda lemos derrotou Livinha Souza by technical knockout at 3m39s of R1
Lightweight: Uros Medic derrotou Aalon Cruz by technical knockout at 1m40s of R1
Bantamweight: Trevin Jones derrotou mario bautista by technical knockout at 47s of R2
Comments