The Brazilian Rani Yaya entered the octagon as the favorite to face Tom Niimaki on the preliminary card of the TUF 18 Finale, an event that takes place tonight (30), in Las Vegas, in the United States. But with an efficient tactic, the Finn managed to nullify the Brazilian's game and break the Tupiniquim black belt's run of three wins.
The fight
As soon as the fight started, Rani went on the attack and tried to put her ground game into action. The Brazilian even got a good position and went for the guillotine, but the Finn managed to escape and stay on top. The Brasilia native also attempted two heel hook attacks, but they were well defended.
In the second half, Tom Niimaki was the one who sought the fall. Despite not attacking Yahya, he kept the duel in a favorable position for a long time. Without good actions in the partial, Rany tried a guillotine in the final moments, but it ended up being defended.
The final round marked the entire history of the duel. Balanced and with a lot of alternation in control of the dispute. Niinimaki started better, put him down and kept the Brazilian on his back on the ground. With little effectiveness, the duel returned to striking. In the second half it was Rani who looked for the takedown, tried to attack the neck, but preferred to go for elbows.
After 15 minutes, Tom Niimaki won over Rani Yaya in the judges' split decision (29×28, 28×29, 30×27).
Brazilian referee disqualifies Venezuelan
The last fight on the preliminary card ended in controversy. Akira Corassani and Maximo Blanco entered the octagon with the prospect of a great duel. However, the fight didn't go past the first round.
As soon as the duel began, Blanco placed his rival against the bars and began a series of blows. But the Venezuelan landed a powerful knee to Corassani's face, who had his knee on the ground, which is prohibited by the unified rules of MMA. Attended by doctors, Akira was unable to continue and the duel was ended prematurely.
As the Brazilian referee, Mario Yamazaki, considered that the blow was intentional, he disqualified Maximo Blanco and the victory went to the injured Akira Corassani.
Check out the results of the TUF 18 Finale preliminary card below:
Akira Corassani defeated Maximo Blanco by disqualification in R1;
Tom Niinimaki defeated Rani Yaya in the judges' split decision;
Jared Rosholt defeated Walter Harris via unanimous decision;
Sean Spencer defeated Drew dober in the unanimous decision of the judges;
Josh Sampo submitted Ryan Benoit with a rear naked choke in R1;
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