T. Marreta (left) was surpassed by M. Ankalaev (right) in the UFC Las Vegas 50. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Thiago Marreta tried, but didn't take it. In the confrontation that could confirm his recovery in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg.) of Ultimate, the Brazilian was unable to do enough to overcome Magomed Ankalayev. In the main fight UFC Las Vegas 50, held this Saturday (12), the Tupiniquim athlete had good moments, but ended up succumbing to his opponent's greater precision and strategy. After five rounds, the Russian was declared the winner with a unanimous decision by the judges.
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Pressured for a positive result, Marreta finds himself struggling again in the under-93kg division. Now, the former challenger for the group's belt has accumulated four defeats in the last five fights. In addition to the new stumble, the Brazilian should lose fifth place to his rival in the category led by Glover Teixeira.
Obedient in the strategy outlined for the UFC Las Vegas 50, Ankalaev made Ultimate's bet on his talent worthwhile. The triumph over the Tupiniquim made the Russian reach the mark of eight consecutive victories. The fighter can now reach the top 5 in the division.
The fight
The confrontation began with the athletes studying each other in the center of the Octagon. Ankalaev launched the first blow, with a low kick, and the Brazilian responded in kind. After almost two minutes, Thiago shook when he received a cross from the Russian. The Brazilian kicked, but ended up receiving another clean cross to the chin. Magomed bet on the counterattack and hit the Tupiniquim after his attacks. In the final minute, the clash remained tense, and the athletes were looking for the best moment to attack. The first stage ended with the athletes exchanging kicks near the bars.
In the second stage, Thiago took the initiative with kicks to his rival's knee. The Brazilian tried to free himself, but the Russian continued to be dangerous in his responses. The Tupiniquim started to grow in the clash, launching kicks at the base and in the region of the Russian's head. Ankalaev, however, was not intimidated and tried to surround Marreta close to the bars. In the final minute, Magomed connected with a cross and a shot at the Brazilian's waistline. Marreta responded with a right cross. The clash continued to gain tension, with the fighters looking for the knockout. In the final seconds, Thiago managed to shake his opponent with a clean cross. The Brazilian went forward and tried to take advantage of the good moment, but there was no more time.
The third round started with Marreta throwing a low kick. Magomed responded with a cross. The Brazilian tried to undermine his opponent's base, but Ankalaev continued walking forward. Halfway through the round, the athletes started to engage in frank exchanges and sought the knockout. In the final minute, Marreta risked a direct shot, but ended up being surprised by his opponent with a cross, but the timer ran to zero.
In the fourth round, Thiago went up and shook his opponent with a flying knee. Ankalaev recovered and returned the attack with two straight shots. Marreta responded with a direct shot and tried to get away from the bars. Almost halfway through the round, the fighters exchanged crosses, but did not attack. With two minutes left before the end of the stage, Magomed tried to surround his opponent, but Thiago continued to launch dangerous attacks. In the final minute, the Russian went to the clinch and started trying to take the Brazilian. Against the bars, Marreta protected himself, but ended up being knocked down. On top, Ankalaev threw elbows with ground and pound. In a disadvantageous position, the Tupiniquim team ended up saved by the bell.
The last round began with Ankalaev launching the first attack, with a kick to the Brazilian's knee. Muppet responded in kind. Thiago risked a combination of straight and cross, but the second blow ended up going empty. Halfway through the stage, the Russian entered the clinch and pressed Thiago against the bars. In the final minute, the Tupiniquim team remained under pressure from their rival and were unable to break free. The clash continued with the athletes in a 'grappling fight', until the bell sounded.
UFC Las Vegas 50 results
MAIN CARD
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Magomed Ankalayev derrotou Thiago Marreta in the unanimous decision of the judges (49-46, 49-46,48-47)
Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): song yadong derrotou Marlon moraes by knockout at 2m06s of R1
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Sodiq Yusuf derrotou Alex Caceres in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Khalil rountree derrotou Karl Robertson by technical knockout at 25s. from R2
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Drew dober derrotou terrance mckinney by technical knockout at 3m17s of R1
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Alex Poatán derrotou Bruno Blindado in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Matthew Semelsberger derrotou AJ Fletcher in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): JJ Aldrich derrotou Gillian robertson in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Javid Basharat derrotou Trevin Jones in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Damon Jackson finished Kamuela Kirk with a katagatame 4m42s from R2
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Miranda maverick finished Sabina mazo with a rear naked choke at 2m15s of R2
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Cody Brundage finished Dalcha Lungiambula with a guillotine 3m41s from R1
Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Guido cannetti derrotou Kris moutinho by technical knockout at 2m07s of R1
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Azamat Murzakanov derrotou Tafon Nchukwi by technical knockout at 44 seconds. from R3
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