UFC 198: Miocic knocks out Werdum in the first round and shuts down the stadium in Curitiba

Miocic is the new heavyweight champion. Photo: Disclosure/UFC

The atmosphere was festive. The performance of the Brazilians in the first fights of UFC 198, in Curitiba (PR), had left the fans excited, and the main star of the night, Fabricio Werdum, seemed willing to give a gran finale to the public. But, at the end of the event, the atmosphere was one of sadness in the Arena da Baixada, as Stipe Miocic, challenging for the heavyweight title, won the belt with a classic knockout.

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Werdum appeared very calm during the event. Entering with the song “Theme of Victory”, famous for playing on television during Brazilian Formula 1 victories, the champion paid homage to Ayrton Senna with a flag on his back. Miocic, on the other hand, was obviously widely booed by the fans.

The beginning of the fight had a lot of study on both sides. Werdum bet on some kicks, both to the leg and the body, and even landed some good direct shots on Miocic. The challenger tried to respond, but seemed more cautious.

Around the middle of the first round, Werdum cornered Miocic in the big box and attacked with hand strikes, in a clumsy manner. A surgical counter-puncher, the North-American of Croatian descent landed a straight right on Werdum's chin, who was already knocked out. The heavyweight belt had a new owner.

“I would like to thank the fans in Curitiba. I know you weren't rooting for me, but you're the ones who put on the show. Thank you very much! Cleveland, we did it! We are world champions”, celebrated Miocic, with the belt already attached to his body.

Werdum, in turn, adopted a humble speech. “I have to admit that Miocic was better than me today. I'll do everything to get back here. I’m going to come back with everything and win the belt again,” he said.

Now, Brazil has only one UFC belt: Rafael dos Anjos, in the lightweight category. In the coming months, two Brazilians will have the opportunity to win titles: in July, Amanda nunes challenges Miesha Tate for the women's bantamweight title, and Claudia Gadelha magpie Joanna Jedrzejczyk among the straws.

Complete UFC 198 results:

MAIN CARD

Stipe Miocic knocked out Fabricio Werdum (punch) at 2min47s of R1

Ronaldo Jacare derrotou Vitor belfort by technical knockout (punches) at 4:38 of R1

Chris Cyborg knocked out Leslie Smith with punches 1min21s of R1

Mauritius Shogun derrotou Corey anderson in the judges' split decision

Bryan barberena derrotou Warlley alves in the unanimous decision of the judges

PRELIMINARY CARD

Demian Maia submitted Matt Brown with a rear naked choke at 4:31 of R3

Thiago Marreta knocked out Nate Marquardt with punches at 3:39 of R1

Francisco Massaranduba defeated Yancy Medeiros via unanimous decision by the judges

John lineker derrotou Rob font in the unanimous decision of the judges

Rogério Minotouro knocked out Patrick Cummins with punches at 4:52 of R1

Serginho Moraes tied with Luan chagas in the judges' split decision

Renato Moicano derrotou Zubaira Tukhugov in the judges' split decision