Pedro Munhoz defeated Cody Garbrandt via TKOin Round 1
The bantamweight bout between the former champion Cody and #9 ranked Pedro opened up the main card of today’s UFC 235 event. Cody was the heavvy favourite but Pedro Munhoz with his electrifying performance snatched away the title of the ‘knockout artist’ from Cody as he knocked out the former champion at 4:51 secs in the first round. After a slow start, both the bantamweights exchanged punches which soon escalated into a wild brawl where emotions took over and it looked like neither of the fighters was willing to back down. Pedro took some nasty shots on his chin, but withstood them while landing his own right hook that dropped Cody. With this win, Pedro extends his win streak to 3 and calls out for a title fight. Cody loses his third fight in a row for the first time in his career and needs to rethink his fight approach after this tough loss.
PEDRO MUNHOZ!!!
The Brazilian finishes the former champ in round 1!! #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/e0FKoojxAY
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
The beginning of the end ..
What a performance for @PedroMunhozMMA! #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/niD45H0yTm
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
Weili Zhang def. Tecia Torres via Unanimous Decision
After her third UFC fight, Weili Zhang picked up the biggest win of her MMA career tonight. Zhang initially kept her distance as she landed kicks from her long range and chopping Tecia’s legs whenever she found an opening. Tecia looked to close the distance and rough up the Chinese contender but got caught in the process with Zhang’s punches. Zhang got Tecia’s attention when she began attempting take downs, but Torres scrambled up to her feet. Tecia scores her own take down but it was too late as Zhang had already advanced in judges scorecard with her striking and take downs. Zhang continues her win streak to 19-1 and sends a statement to the strawweight division to remember her name.
Mid scramble, Zhang catches Torres' back! #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/nVAoBtJGmd
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
Close fight!
How do you have it through 2 rounds? #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/Lb5ugMlqdD
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
BIG win for 🇨🇳 Weili Zhang in the strawweight division! #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/Z3q0BQmdrb
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
Ben Askren defeated Robbie Lawler via Submission in Round 1
The much anticipated and long awaited UFC debut of Funky Ben Askren didn’t start off the way he wanted. Instead, he faced a high volume punishment from the former welterweight champion Robbiw Lawler. Askren went straight for the take down but got picked up and slammed by Lawler who unleashed the fiercest ground and pound Askren has ever faced. Askren managed to survive the initial onslaught and got hold of Lawler in the clinch and then transitioned into the bulldog choke position. Lawler was motionless for couple of seconds and his right hand dropped like he was out, which the referee took as a sign to stop the fight.
Kamaru Usman defeated Tyron Woodley via Unanimous Decision
The welterweight title fight between the NCAA Division II wrestling champion Usman and Division I All-American Woodley turned out to be a one sided contest with the challenger besting the champion. It was Usman’s night as the Nigerian put on valiant effort and controlled more than 17 minutes of the five round fight. Usman set the pace of the fight early on with his takedown but ended in a guillotine choke that was not tight enough. Usman soon took over and began landing heavy shots from the top and kept busy for most of the first round. Usman continued to score 10-8 round with his constant pressure and takedowns. Even in dire situations Usman never stepped back and landed 19 punches when he was caught in a standing guillotine choke. Woodley looked hesitant the entire fight and struggled to engage with the Nigerian Nightmare.
Here we go! #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/iV7rkfn908
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
HARD elbow by Usman lands, followed by a HUGE takedown! @Usman84Kg is putting the pressure on here in round 2! #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/cwiBtpPFH4
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
Hellbows in round 2@Usman84Kg #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/ZUK0w2N5cK
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
Throwing the kitchen sink in round 4!!
Back-and-forth they go!! #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/fk0JsZKb8i
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
Another huge take down from Usman.
Total domination from the Nigerian Nightmare! @Usman84Kg #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/LH6tCbT5R7
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
Dominant.#UFC235 pic.twitter.com/IciURhwWVK
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
#AndNew UFC welterweight champion of the world.@Usman84Kg #UFC235 | @TrifectaSystem pic.twitter.com/dZlW6PWtE7
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
Jon Jones defeated Anthony Smith via Unanimous Decision
The main event turned out to be a lopsided performance and at times with its slow pace made the crowd react with boos. But Jones successfully defended his 205-pound crown as he out-struck the #3 ranked Anthony Smith for 25 minutes. Even after being deducted two-points in the fourth round for an illegal knee to a downed Smith, Jones earned 48-44 48-44 48-44. In the opening round both the light heavyweights kept measuring up and hesitant to exchange. As the fight progressed, Jones began to display some of his signature moves. Jones had multiple chances to end the fight but it seemed like he was unable to find that rhythm to stop Smith. This might not have been an exciting fight but it still continues to raise Jones’ stock. Smith snaps his three fight win streak and should get back to the drawing board to figure out his next move.
Spinning back kick lands early in round 1 by @JonnyBones #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/8I3oH5JaoT
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
The champ is cut!@LionheartASmith lands a right hand that cuts Jones! #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/oULJtwfAQr
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
I am very impressed @USMAN84kg , my congratulations.
Аlso congratulations @zabeast_mma Zabit and Usman is another level in mma.— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) March 3, 2019
Dominance, yet again. @JonnyBones #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/Ge3RCPLhkc
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
#AndStill LHW champion of the world | @JonnyBones #UFC235 @TrifectaSystem pic.twitter.com/ArrJH8DdeL
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019