R. Nelson (photo) recovered after two consecutive losses in the UFC. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
After two fights without giving any air of grace, in the defeats to Stipe Miocic e Daniel Cormier, the powerful right of Roy Nelson returned to perform in Abu Dhabi, this Friday (11), at UFC Fight Night 39. Unfortunately for the Brazilian fans, the victim was the legend Rodrigo Minotauro. The Brazilian, who was returning to the octagon after recovering from surgery on his left elbow, due to an injury suffered in June last year, was knocked out by the “fat boy” in the first round.
Just a minute into the first round, Minotauro, who had been dominating the center of the octagon until then, suffered knock down from Nelson. However, the Brazilian managed to recover from the blow quickly and got back on his feet. Even listening to the instructions of his corner, who insisted that Rodrigo remain calm, Minotauro ended up being hit by another powerful blow from Nelson that left him staggering. “Gordinho” felt the good moment and went after the Brazilian, finishing a fight with another one of his celebrities overheads right.
BUT: After knockout, Roy Nelson reveres Minotauro and is already talking about the belt
Guida overcomes Kawajiri and wins his second featherweight victory
In the evening's co-main event in Abu Dhabi, Clay guida and Tatsuya Kawajiri soon showed what they came for. In the first few seconds, Guida landed a direct hit on Kawajiri's face, who felt the blow. The Japanese attacked the North American's arm successively and came close to submitting him with an armbar.
The fight continued with Kawajiri insisting on submission attempts, but being successively frustrated by Guida who showed that his defensive game on the ground was up to date. With the advantage in all partials, Guida was declared the winner by unanimous decision of the judges, with a triple 30-27.
SEE TOO: Thales Leites shines in Abu Dhabi with lightning knockout over Trevor Smith
Ponzinibbio's executioner, LaFlare surpasses John Howard and remains undefeated
In the second fight of the main card, Ryan LaFlare used his wrestling well to contain John Howard's momentum in the first round, whose strong point is striking. The executioner of Santiago Ponzinibbio in Goiânia he moved between submission attempts and ground and pound strikes. At the end of the round, LaFlare landed a knee strike on Howard.
In the second round, after alternations in combat control, LaFlare landed another knee on Howard. This time, however, the attack was directly on the opponent's lower parts, who used almost the five minutes available for his recovery. Referee Leon Roberts chose not to deduct a point from Ryan, considering that the blow was unintentional.
In the last part, the strategies remained faithful to the athletes' main skills. While Ryan LaFlare insisted on takedowns and grappling, John Howard always tried to keep the fight standing, betting on his fists. In the end, even after a good leg lock attempt by Howard, the victory went to LaFlare, with the judges' unanimous decision.
READ: After headbutt, fight between Yahya and Bedford opens UFC Abu Dhabi with no-contest
Dariush shows determination, but is knocked out by Ramsey in the first round
After a preliminary card that did not raise public awareness, Ramsey Nijem and Beneil Dariush opened the night's main program in Abu Dhabi with an exciting fight. Both fighters started the fight with great desire and had a very open confrontation marked by striking in the first round.
With about two minutes left in the first half, Ramsey Nijem connected a great sequence on Dariush and came very close to ending the fight. Even semi-knocked out, the Iranian resisted his rival's attacks as long as he could. But not even Beneil's desire prevented him from suffering his first defeat in his career, with the referee's intervention after a new wave of blows applied by Nijem from mount.
LOOK: Yahya's opponent asks for a rematch on Twitter, but receives a barrage of criticism
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