José Aldo dominates Ricardo Lamas and keeps UFC featherweight belt

Aldo (pictured) successfully defended his UFC belt for the sixth time. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

José Aldo He successfully achieved his sixth defense of the UFC featherweight belt in the early hours of this Sunday (2), in Newark, in the North American state of New Jersey.

The Brazilian managed to dominate his opponent, Ricardo Lamas, during practically the entire fight, nullifying the North American's takedown game and working good combinations on his feet. In the end, Aldo was named winner in a unanimous decision by the judges, defending his title once again. Lamas, in turn, suffered his third defeat in his career, the first within the UFC.

HOW THE FIGHT WAS:

The fight started with a lot of study on the part of both fighters. Aldo didn't throw any punches in the first minute of the fight, while Lamas worked some kicks, which were blocked by the Brazilian. At one point, Aldo caught a shot from Lamas and went for it, but to no avail. Lamas ended the round evading Aldo's attacks, without even attempting a takedown in the first five minutes of action.

In the second period, Aldo showed more aggression, working a good sequence of punches followed by low kicks. Still not looking for a ground fight, Lamas also tried to attack, but the Brazilian, attentive, defended. Little by little, Aldo released his powerful low kicks more and more, which Lamas felt.

Aldo started the third round in control of the situation, repeating the scenario seen in previous periods. Lamas finally tried to take the fight to the ground, but the Brazilian defended without much difficulty. More low kicks landed on the North American, who looked uncomfortable.

Lamas tried again to take the fight to the ground at the beginning of the fourth round. He even lifted the Brazilian against the railing, but was unable to complete the fall. However, it was Aldo who took the North American to the ground, who was desperately trying to get up. Lamas tried to use the butterfly guard to destabilize his opponent, but Aldo took advantage and went to mount. The challenger turned and turned his back on Aldo, who went for the rear naked choke. Lamas escaped and tried again to take down Aldo – and, again, without success.

In the final five minutes, Lamas sought to recover from the losses of the previous fourth rounds, distributing kicks to the Brazilian. Aldo, however, pinned his opponent against the fence and worked, timidly, on the ground and pound. Once again Lamas tried to use the butterfly guard, and again Aldo went for mount. Lamas managed to explode and, for the first time, fall on top of the Brazilian, who was holding his opponent close to his body. Lamas tried to work strikes, especially elbows, but Aldo didn't seem to feel it. Lamas finished the fight on top, but I already knew he hadn't done enough to become champion.

All judges scored four rounds in favor of the Brazilian, against one in favor of Lamas.

MAIN CARD:

Featherweight (up to 66 kg): José Aldo defeated Ricardo Lamas by unanimous decision of the judges (49 x 46, 49 x 46 and 49 x 46);

Heavy weight (up to 120 kg): alistair overeem derrotou Frank mir in the unanimous decision of the judges (30 x 27, 30 x 27, 30 x 27);

Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Ali Bagautinov defeated John lineker in the unanimous decision of the judges (29 x 28, 29 x 28 and 29 x 28);

Lightweight (up to 70 kg):  Abel Trujillo knocked out Jamie Varner in R2;

PRELIMINARY CARD:

Light weight (up to 70 kg): Alan Nuguette derrotou John makdessi in the unanimous decision of the judges (29 x 28, 29 x 28 and 30 x 27);

Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Chris Cariaso defeated Danny Martinez by unanimous decision (29 x 28, 29 x 28 and 29 x 28);

Middleweight (up to 84 kg): Nick Catone defeated Tom Watson by split decision (29 x 28, 28 x 29 and 30 x 27);

Light weight (up to 70 kg): To the fifth derrotou Kevin Lee in the unanimous decision of the judges (29 x 28, 29 x 28 and 28 x 27);

Middleweight (up to 84 kg): Clint Hester defeated Andy Enz by unanimous decision (30 x 27, 30 x 27 and 30 x 26);

Lightweight (up to 70 kg): Rashid Magomedov defeated Tony Martin by unanimous decision (29 x 28, 29 x 28 and 29 x 28);

Welterweight (up to 77 kg): Neil Magny defeated Gasan Umalatov via unanimous decision (29 x 28, 30 x 27 and 30 x 27).