[autotag]Song Yadong[/autotag] further elevated his status as one of the top prospects in the sport when he snapped [autotag]Marlon Vera[/autotag]’s win streak at UFC on ESPN 8.
The 22-year-old Yadong (16-4-1 MMA, 5-0-1 UFC) remained unbeaten through his octagon tenure by beating his most difficult to challenge to date with a unanimous decision victory over Vera (17-6-1 MMA, 9-5 UFC) after a gritty affair.
Yadong picked up 29-28 scorecards across the board, landing many powerful strikes over the 15 minutes and overcoming a late push from Vera.
The featherweight bout opened up the UFC on ESPN 8 main card at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. It aired on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.
The opening minutes of the first round were a feeling-out process, but not a tentative one. Both men exchanged punches and kicks while looking to find an effective range. Yadong landed well in his flurries, while Vera connected with a number of leg kicks. In the latter stages of the frame, the pair tied up and battled from clinch position against the fence.
Vera came out more aggressive to start the second. He continued to pile on leg kicks, and was also able to back Yadong up with his combination in the first few minutes. Yadong had a response, though, landing powerful hooks and counters on Vera. The rest of the round was closely contested as both men swung with bad intentions inside the pocket. Vera had the high point, however, blasting Yadong with a vicious knee. If there was a crowd, the exchanges would’ve certainly sent the fans into frenzy.
Vera opened the final round by charging Yadong with a knee, but instead he was tied up and pushed against the fence. Vera got a reversal and took the fight to the ground for the first time, but couldn’t keep control for long enough to rack up significant points. Yadong landed well the fight was up, but Vera scored a pair of takedowns in the final minute to close the fight out strong.
It went down to the wire, but ultimately Yadong got the win. Vera was frustrated by the decision, refusing to shake hands after the result was announced.
Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 8 results include:
- Song Yadong def. Marlon Vera via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Miguel Baeza def. Matt Brown via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 0:18
- Kevin Holland def. Anthony Hernandez via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:39
- Giga Chikadze def. Irwin Rivera via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
- Nate Landwehr def. Darren Elkins via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
- Cortney Casey def. Mara Romero Borella via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:36
- Rodrigo Nascimento def. Don’Tale Mayes via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:05
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