Alexander Volkanovski defeated Chad Mendes via TKO in Round 2
The first fight of the main event has set the benchmark high for the fights to come as both the featherweights engaged in a war to establish their foothold in the division. Volkanovski is more relaxed and composed as he blocks and counters every attack from Mendes. The former title contender looks more active but is spending more energy than required. A quick takedown in the first round, sets the pace for Mendes but Volkanovski gets back up and lands a kick followed by a three punch combination.
With both fighters now in close range, Mendes stuns Volkanovski with a short right hand and drops him with another punch. Mendes scores another takedown but Volkanovski is not willing to stay down. His elbow and follow up punches bring down Mendes against the cage as he tries to cover up. The referee steps in to stop the fight at 4:14 secs. Volkanovski is now on a sixteen fight win streak as he picked up his sixth win inside the Octagon against a top 5 contender.
Speaking to Joe Rogan during the post fight interview, Volkanovski said “I just want to shoot up these ranks, I said it from the start, even though I knew he was one of the toughest guys in the division, I knew this is a fight I wanted, he’s a great fight but I’m Alexander the Great.” He went ahead and respectfully called out the current champion Max Holloway. I’m one of the most powerful guys in this division and I’m put together better than anyone in his division,” Volkanovski said.
OH Mendes rocks Volkanovski here in round 2! #UFC232 pic.twitter.com/PgjeqJX2JX
— UFC (@ufc) December 30, 2018
VOLKANOVSKI HAS ARRIVED!!!#UFC232 pic.twitter.com/f874DKcP2e
— UFC (@ufc) December 30, 2018
Corey Anderson defeated Ilir Latifi via Unanimous Decision
“In the second round, everyone knows I can keep going,” Anderson said. “I went back to my corner after the round and they said ‘give me the Corey we know,’ and that’s what I did.”
Corey Anderson has now won three fights in a row this year, all coming via unanimous decision.
Quick 1-2 from @LatifiMMA backs Anderson up! #UFC232 pic.twitter.com/Xg9oToh1x2
— UFC (@ufc) December 30, 2018
Fun back-and-forth fight!
How'd you score it? #UFC232 pic.twitter.com/fHtd3REAWJ
— UFC (@ufc) December 30, 2018
HUGE win for @CoreyA_MMA!#UFC232 pic.twitter.com/eT5koFgVZW
— UFC (@ufc) December 30, 2018
Michael Chiesa defeated Carlos Condit via Submission in Round 2
Moving up a weight class from light weight and facing one of the most feared strikers as your first opponent didn’t bother Chiesa a bit. Confident in his high level grappling, Chiesa put on a show and got the best of welterweight debut. He quickly took Condit to the ground and was fending off an armbar attempt from the natural born killer. For a moment they get back up but the Maverick takes Condit down again. In the second round, Condit resorts to combining kicks to his arsenal but gets caught and taken down. From there on it just took Chiesa 56 seconds to submit Condit via Kimura using only his single hand.
“I just showed I’m hands down a top-15 fighter, this is where I belong, no matter what weight class I’m in I’m a top contender.” Chiesa said.
Chiesa picks up his 11th submission win and makes a mark in the welterweight division. While Condit has lost five in a row.
Talking about the submission, Chiesa said “I do that a lot in the gym, I’m a really tough competitor, now I have a chance to show it without the weight cuts.”
Amanda Nunes defeated Cristiane Justino via KO in Round 1
OH MY GOD AMANDA NUNES!!!!!!!#UFC232 pic.twitter.com/EzyAhUYeSR
— UFC (@ufc) December 30, 2018
THE BADDEST WOMAN ON THE PLANET!!!@Amanda_Leoa #UFC232 pic.twitter.com/miyNd7xBwb
— UFC (@ufc) December 30, 2018
The Greatest FEMALE FIGHTER OF ALL TIME!#UFC232 pic.twitter.com/moQXDRrLdx
— UFC (@ufc) December 30, 2018
Jon Jones defeated Alexander Gustafsson via TKO in Round 3
The rematch between two of the top light heavyweights didn’t go the distance this time as Jon Jones proved again why he is the best light heavyweight by stopping Gustafsson in the third round via punches. The first two rounds were clearly controlled by the former champion with leg kicks and strikes that got Gustafsson’s attention who was struggling to get his rhythm on track. The take down from Jones finally came in the third round and he quickly went from half guard position to the side control to drop an elbow. Gustafsson now locked up in a half neslon position unable to escape had to cover from the nine big shots on to the side of his head. The referee had to step in to stop the fight as Gustafsson was unable to defend.
“The first time I fought Alexander, I stayed in his punching range, and the main difference is I was aware of how far away I was at all times,” Jones said.
Remarking on DC, Jones said “Man, I know there’s a guy who’s been calling himself champ-champ, I mean, what guy just gives up his belt because somebody else made it home. Daddy’s home, DC. Prove to the fans you’re a champ-champ. Come get a taste. I’m here. Get your belt back. It will be waiting right here.”
Lead elbow lands from @JonnyBones in round 1! #UFC232 pic.twitter.com/iEnromj4vv
— UFC (@ufc) December 30, 2018
Jones gets the takedown in round 3, and starts landing those short elbows! #UFC232 pic.twitter.com/P0wQpABwYr
— UFC (@ufc) December 30, 2018
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