.png)
The UFC went to one of the world's gambling hot spots this Saturday in Atlantic City NJ. This was a card filled with talent, future prospects, and possible title holders. This was a great way to close out one more week of waiting for that legendary UFC 300 Card that we all are excited about.
The first fight on the main card was between Chidi Njokuani and Rhys McKee. These two were both looking to make a name for themselves as this was each of their first main card appearances. Unfortunately, this wasn't the most entertaining fight, as the fans of Atlantic City will gladly vocalize. The first round started off with good heavy low kicks from both with a lot of clinching against the cage and not much else. The second round was more of the same with a little bit more of a focus on boxing and clinch battles. The final round had some good thai boxing aspects with some knees and elbows being brought into the equation. The fight went to the scorecards and the judges scored 29-28 Mckee and the other two 30-27 Njokuani. Not an entertaining fight but a win nevertheless.
The next fight was a Featherweight bout between Kyle Nelson and Bill Algeo. This fight was another featured fight with some new names in there. The first round started with a lot of huge exchanges with both landing good strikes. It was a matter of time before someone landed a big shot, and it was Nelson. Nelson connected right on the ear and wobbled Algeo badly and didn't let up. He finished the fight on the feet and the referee had seen enough. Nelson wins by TKO.
The next fight was a Middleweight fight between Nursulton Ruziboev and Sedriques Dumas. This was a full-on war throughout the entire fight. The first punch thrown was a huge counter right hand. Ruziboev was landing good counter right hands. Eventually, there may have been an eye poke and that got a reaction from Dumas. Ruziboev saw this and took advantage and finished the fight. There was some controversy but it landed on a TKO for Ruziboev.
The last fight before the Co-Main Event was Chris Weidman vs Bruno Silva. The fight, ironically, started with Weidman throwing many kicks low and high and Weidman's famous wrestling pressure. The second round had more striking from Silva with good punches, kicks, and clinching. The third round was all Weidman, he was showing he had good movement, and it was only a matter of time until he connected big. A huge left hand knocked down Silva. A few more ground-and-pound shots and the fight was over.
The Co-Main Event was between local favorite Vicente Luque and Joaquim Buckley. Buckley was waiting for this opportunity to get into the top 15 and Luque was his way. The first round started with each of their strengths showing, Buckley's kicks and Luque's punches. They were trading shots and counters with a last-minute takedown attempt to finish the round strong but it didn't get through. The second round had good blitzes from Buckley and kept Luque on the back foot. Luque shot for a takedown and pulled guard, Buckley countered and kept him in a dangerous position. Ground and pound followed and the referee had seen enough.
The main event was between Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot. This fight was going to be followed by a title shot by the winner. The first round was starting aggressively from Blanchfield with a really tight guillotine attempt that almost finished the fight. The second round was full of not committing to strikes or takedown with lots of body locks around them. The third round was more of the same with Fiorot keeping the judges in her favor. They had very good exchanges in the fifth round and had many close strikes. The fight went to the scorecards and Fiorot won unanimously. There were many moments for either of them to finish. Fiorot will likely get her title shot soon enough.
Next weekend is Chris Curtis Vs. Brendan Allen. Another fight that we are all looking forward to. Thank you for reading and make sure you check out the Punchline this Tuesday.
Komen