Thiago Santos defeated Jimi Manuwa via KO in Round 2
Two guys that can end the night quick.
🇬🇧 @PosterboyJM & 🔨 @TMarretaMMA open the PPV now! #UFC231 pic.twitter.com/qtKKLPN1Fj
— UFC (@ufc) December 9, 2018
The main card kicked off with both the light heavy weights engaging in a chaotic brawl which is undoubtedly ‘The Most Wildest Fight of the Year’. This was Thiago’s first fight in the light heavy weight division and standing on the other side to welcome him was Jimi Manuwa. The Brazilian’s game plan was simple – knock out Jimi as soon as he can to make a statement in this new division. Thiago was aware how Jimi would react in a clinch and quickly baited him in. Jimi Manuwa made the same error he did against Volkan and landed himself in big trouble as Thiago began landing heavy bombs that sent him wobbling. But this time Jimi managed to survive a bit longer but eventually got caught in the wild exchange.
🔨 🔨 🔨 🔨@TMarretaMMA #UFC231 pic.twitter.com/SoVr4v2WO0
— UFC (@ufc) December 9, 2018
Santos Knocks Out Manuwa in the 2nd Round #UFC231 pic.twitter.com/9bXUvkosd9
— He’s Hurt! (@CageSideCam) December 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/GIFSkull/status/1071607209715363841
Thiago Santos def. Jimi Manuwa via knockout #UFC231 pic.twitter.com/icK9JnFoD8
— Brawl in the Cage (@BrawlintheCage) December 9, 2018
The LHW division's newest nightmare.@TMarretaMMA #UFC231 pic.twitter.com/YlGMDCnG6R
— UFC (@ufc) December 9, 2018
Hakeem Dawodu defeated Kyle Bochniak via Split Decision
Canadian rising star, Hakeem Dawodu’s performance today should have earned him the unanimous decision victory, but the judges saw otherwise. Even Kyle’s corner men knew he was 0-2 when it came to rounds and had to finish Hakeem to win the fight. But Hakeem continued to put on a striking display as he controlled the fight with his ongoing pressure and slick fighting style. Kyle did manage to land some shots and attempted few take downs but every time fell short.
The PPV rolls on!
🇨🇦 @MeanHakeemKO battles 🇺🇸 @KyleBochniak next at #UFC231. pic.twitter.com/gLq30wyfxC
— UFC (@ufc) December 9, 2018
🇨🇦 @MeanHakeemKO takes the W in Toronto. #UFC231 pic.twitter.com/ij3L8sv9MA
— UFC (@ufc) December 9, 2018
Gunnar Nelson defeated Alex Oliveira via Submission in Round 2
Gunni returns.@GunniNelson is back and is making the walk to face Alex Oliveira on PPV. #UFC231 pic.twitter.com/89hNkOIdTj
— UFC (@ufc) December 9, 2018
With more than an year away from the octagon, Gunnar Nelson had to make a solid come back to the welterweight division and boy he made it in his classic gunny style. Oliveira was a good test for Gunnar Nelson, with his striking and good ground game. Gunnar wasted no time in trying to take Oliveira down, but a fence grab from the Brazilian was caught by the referee who had to warn him for his doing. Gunnar takes him to the ground but in the process gets reversed and finishes the round on top to win the round. Round 2 and Gunnar doesn’t display any signs of frustration as Oliveira tries to take him down to the ground. Gunnar makes it easy with his own takedown and starts hammering down punches & elbows as Oliveira is bloodied up. Gunnar gets the back and goes in for a choke but a gash of blood pours out and the referee had to step in to stop the fight as Oliveira taps in pain.
What a good first round by the both of them. Cowboy came back at the end with some good ground and pound!
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) December 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/GIFSkull/status/1071620432200003584
GUNNAR IS BACK.
Gruesome finish. #UFC231 pic.twitter.com/sRodGwCioL— Sanderson Show (@sandersonshow) December 9, 2018
He roars again!
Welcome back, @GunniNelson! #UFC231 pic.twitter.com/APn2XMPQWt
— UFC (@ufc) December 9, 2018
Valentina Shevchenko defeated Joanna Jedrzeczyk via Unanimous Decision
In the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko outclassed Joanna with her dominant performance to win the Flyweight Title. Both the flyweights exchanged heavy leather in the full five rounds, but it was Valentina who was outworking Joanna with her crisp striking. In her eleven take down attempts, Valentina landed five and controlled the fight on thr top trying to secure a back position. Valentina landed the best strike of the fight with a spinning side kick which landed in the mid section of Joanna and pushed her back. Joanna looks strong with her take down defense, and made quick adjustments against the cage. This was the fourth time both these former Muay Thai champions collided and all the decision continued to go in favour of Valentina for the fourth time.
Max Holloway defeated Brian Ortega via TKO in Round 4
