Ferguson is the interim lightweight champion (Photo: Reproduction/Twitter UFCBrasil)
It took ten consecutive victories in the category considered the most competitive of all, but Tony Ferguson He finally managed to achieve the first of his goals in the lightweight division: the interim belt. With a dominant performance, El Cucuy finished Kevin Lee with a triangle at Xm of the third round in the main fight of UFC 216, in the early hours of this Sunday (08), in Las Vegas (USA), and took the title home, guaranteeing his place in the select group of Ultimate champions. The feat, however, does not guarantee him as the next opponent of Conor McGregor, since the Irishman, current holder of the linear belt in the 70kg division, remains with an undefined future.
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“It's incredible! It was exactly how I wanted. I wanted him to come up, spend all his energy and have no way of escaping the submission”, declared Ferguson, still in the octagon, before challenging McGregor.
“Where are you, McNuggets? If one***! I'm going to beat you up! Come and try to take the belt from me!” shouted the new champion.
At 33 years old, Tony reached the impressive mark of ten victories in a row and defended an unbeaten run that has lasted more than five years. Winner of TUF 13, he has 13 positive results and only one negative result in the franchise. Lee, in turn, broke a series of five good results and suffered his third defeat in 12 duels at home.
The fight
The fight started with a lot of study on both sides, with Tony connecting good blows. The atmosphere 'warmed up' with a strong kick of Kevin Lee, which shook Ferguson. Lee went all out, but was surprised by a cross from Tony, which hit home. Lee applied the takedown, but Ferguson quickly applied a triangle on his rival, who managed to defend himself and fell into guard. Kevin, on top, went to the north-south position, swept to half guard and quickly went to mount. Lee began to deliver a barrage of blows to Ferguson, who was saved by the bell.
Ferguson returned for the second round more active, connecting ball blows on Lee, who was unable to respond. Ferguson began to grow in the fight and hit Lee with some ease, dictating the pace with jabs that exploded in his rival's face. Lee managed to respond with a strong left kick, which stopped in the guard of El Cucuy, who remained superior until the end of the round.
Tony returned, connecting with a kick on the belt line, but was surprised by Lee, who delivered a nice takedown. From below, Ferguson began to put pressure on Lee's neck, who gave up the position. The fight remained standing and more studious, with few blows. Kevin then took the fight to the ground again, but fell into Ferguson's armbar. With a lot of technique, Lee managed to defend himself and get out of position, remaining in his rival's guard. Ferguson, once again, applied a fair triangle to Lee, who, this time, was unable to defend himself and gave up.
UFC 216
MAIN CARD
Lightweight: Tony Ferguson derrotou Kevin Lee by submission (triangle) at 4m02s of R3
Fly weight: Demetrious Johnson defeated Ray Borg by submission (armbar) at 3:15 of R5
Heavyweight: Fabricio Werdum derrotou Walt Harris by submission (armbar) at 1m05 of R1
Fly weight: Mara Romero Borella defeated Kalindra Faria via submission (thronehold) at 2m52s of R1
Lightweight: Beneil Dariush tied with Evan dunham in the majority decision of the judges (29×27, 28×28, 28×28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantamweight: cody stmann defeated Tom Duquesnoy via split decision (29×28, 28×29, 30×27)
Lightweight: Lando Vannatta drew with Bobby Green in the judges' decision (29×27, 27×29, 28×28)
Straw weight: Poliana Botelho defeated Pear Gonzales by unanimous decision of the judges (30×27, 30×27, 30×27)
Fly weight: Matt schnell defeated Marco Beltrán by unanimous decision of the judges (30×27, 29×28, 30×27)
Flyweight: John Moraga defeated Magomed Bibulatov by TKO at 1:38 of R1
Average weight: Brad Tavares derrotou Thales leites by unanimous decision of the judges (30×26, 30×26, 30×27)
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