Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
Take a look inside Miguel Baeza’s submission of Takashi Sato at UFC on ESPN 18 in Las Vegas.
[jwplayer qjULi5O6-FLu19iir]
LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Miguel Baeza[/autotag] beat Takashi Sato with a second-round submission Saturday in the co-main event at UFC on ESPN 18 in Las Vegas.
Take a look inside the fight with Baeza, who stayed undefeated and picked up the first submission of his career.
UFC president Dana White heaped praise on Miguel Baeza after the undefeated welterweight prospect’s impressive win at UFC on ESPN 18.
UFC president Dana White heaped praise on Miguel Baeza after the undefeated welterweight prospect’s impressive win at UFC on ESPN 18.
A night of fantastic finishes led to four “Performance of the Night” bonuses, capped off with Anthony Smith’s main event submission.
Another Saturday, another UFC event, another $200,000 in post-fight bonuses.
UFC on ESPN 18 went down at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, a night in which the solid action inside the octagon made up for the lack of top-to-bottom star power going on.
This was one of those nights with more noteworthy individual performances than barnburner bouts. So the UFC awarded four, $50,000 “Performance of the Night” awards: [autotag]Anthony Smith[/autotag], [autotag]Miguel Baeza[/autotag], [autotag]Su Mudaerji[/autotag], and [autotag]Nate Maness[/autotag].
Without further ado, then, a look at UFC on ESPN 18’s bonus winners:
Miguel Baeza spoke to the media following Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 18 in Las Vegas.
Miguel Baeza spoke to the media following Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 18 in Las Vegas.
Check out our staff members’ picks for the UFC on ESPN 18 main card.
| Clark vs. Smith |
Parisian vs. Porter |
Baeza vs. Sato |
Algeo vs. Carlyle |
|
| MMA Junkie readers’ consensus picks 2020: 147-89 |
 Smith (67%) |
 Parisian (87%) |
 Baeza (73%) |
 Carlyle (75%) |
| Dan Tom @DanTomMMA 2020: 162-74 |
Smith |
Parisian |
Baeza |
 Algeo |
| Nolan King @mma_kings 2020: 157-79 |
 Clark |
Parisian |
 Sato |
Carlyle |
| Danny Segura @dannyseguratv 2020: 157-79 |
Smith |
Parisian |
Baeza |
Algeo |
| Farah Hannoun @Farah_Hannoun 2020: 156-80 |
Smith |
Parisian |
Sato |
Algeo |
| Simon Head @simonhead 2020: 153-83  2019 Champion* |
Smith |
Parisian |
Baeza |
Algeo |
| Mike Bohn @MikeBohnMMA 2020: 152-84 2014 Champion |
Smith |
Parisian |
Baeza |
Algeo |
| Dave Doyle @davedoylemma 2020: 151-85 |
Clark |
Parisian |
Sato |
Carlyle |
| Brian Garcia @thegoze 2020: 150-86 2017 Champion |
Smith |
Parisian |
Baeza |
Algeo |
| Simon Samano @SJSamano 2020: 149-87 |
Clark |
 Porter |
Baeza |
Algeo |
| Ken Hathaway @kenshathaway 2020: 148-88 2018 Champion |
Clark |
Parisian |
Baeza |
Algeo |
| George Garcia @MMAjunkieGeorge 2020: 148-88 |
Smith |
Parisian |
Baeza |
Carlyle |
| John Morgan @MMAjunkieJohn 2020: 147-89 |
Smith |
Parisian |
Baeza |
Algeo |
| Abbey Subhan @kammakaze 2020: 144-92 |
Smith |
Parisian |
Baeza |
Algeo |
| Matt Erickson @MMAjunkieMatt 2020: 88-148 |
Clark |
Porter |
Sato |
Algeo |
The UFC is back this week with a new main event after the previously scheduled headliner fell apart Friday.
UFC on ESPN 18 takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The event airs on ESPN2 and streams on ESPN+.
(Click here to open a PDF of the staff picks grid in a separate window.)
In the main event, [autotag]Devin Clark[/autotag] (12-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) meets former light heavyweight title challenger [autotag]Anthony Smith[/autotag] (33-16 MMA, 8-6 UFC). Smith is a slight favorite at -139, and he’s got a 9-5 picks lead from our 14 editors, writers, videographers and radio hosts have it right down the middle at 7-7.
That fight moved up with the previously scheduled main event between [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag] (14-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) and former title challenger [autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag] (24-7 MMA, 15-5 UFC) was scrapped after Blaydes tested positive for COVID-19.
Also on the main card, [autotag]Josh Parisian[/autotag] (13-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) takes on [autotag]Parker Porter[/autotag] (10-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC) at heavyweight. Parisian is the favorite at -233, and he’s got a big 12-2 lead in the picks.
[autotag]Miguel Baeza[/autotag] (9-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) is a -182 favorite against [autotag]Takashi Sato[/autotag] (16-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) at welterweight, and he’s got a significant 10-4 lead from our pickers.
And to open the main card, [autotag]Spike Carlyle[/autotag] (9-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) is a -176 favorite at featherweight against [autotag]Bill Algeo[/autotag] (13-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC), but it’s Algeo with a big 11-3 picks lead.
In the MMA Junkie reader consensus picks, Smith (67 percent), Parisian (87 percent), Baeza (73 percent) and Carlyle (75 percent) are the choices.
Check out all the picks above.
[vertical-gallery id=391998]
We want your predictions for Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 18 event in Las Vegas.
We want your predictions for Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 18 event in Las Vegas.
Our staff picks feature includes the consensus picks from MMA Junkie readers. Simply cast your vote for each bout below, and we’ll use the official tallies that are registered by Thursday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT).
Those MMA Junkie reader consensus picks will be part of the UFC on ESPN 18 event staff predictions we release Thursday ahead of the event. UFC on ESPN 18 takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The event airs on ESPN2 and streams on ESPN+.
Make your picks for the six main card fights below.
Miguel Baeza won’t be fighting this weekend, as his second opponent lined up for UFC on ESPN+ 36 has dropped out.
[autotag]Miguel Baeza[/autotag] won’t step in the cage this weekend.
The unbeaten welterweight prospect was scheduled to take on[autotag] Jeremiah Wells[/autotag] at Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 36 in Las Vegas, but the bout has been removed from the card. The fight was cancelled for undisclosed reasons. Baeza (9-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) announced the cancellation Thursday night, and MMA Junkie verified with Wells additionally.
The 28-year-old Baeza is one of the best prospects in the UFC’s 170-pound division. He was originally scheduled to fight Mikey Gall this weekend, but Gall withdrew from the fight last week due to injury.
[lawrence-related id=519886,553095]
Baeza last fought in May where he picked up a second-round technical knockout over veteran Matt Brown at UFC on ESPN 8. Prior to that, he stopped Hector Aldana in his UFC debut back in December.
Meanwhile, Wells (8-2-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) was stepping in on short notice to make his debut with the promotion.
[vertical-gallery id=520134]
Mickey Gall out of UFC on ESPN+ 36 after suferring an injury in training.
[autotag]Mickey Gall[/autotag] won’t fight next Saturday night.
The welterweight has been forced out his UFC on ESPN+ 36 bout against [autotag]Miguel Baeza[/autotag], which was set to go down at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Gall (6-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) announced on Instagram on Friday night that an injury sustained in training camp caused his withdrawal.
The UFC is currently seeking a replacement opponent for Baeza.
Gall last fought in June where he suffered a loss to Mike Perry at UFC on ESPN 12. The 28-year-old, who got much early career fame by beating former professional wrestler Phil “CM Punk” Brooks, has alternated wins and losses over his past six fights.
[lawrence-related id=550026,549592]
Meanwhile, Baeza (9-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) is undefeated in his professional MMA career. In his last bout, the MMA Masters product picked up a second-round TKO of Matt Brown at UFC on ESPN 8 in May.
UFC on ESPN+ 36 is set to be headlined by a grudge match between former champion Tyron Woodley and Colby Covington.
[vertical-gallery id=428472]
A welterweight fight between Miguel Baeza and Mickey Gall will go down in September.
A welterweight fight between [autotag]Miguel Baeza[/autotag] and [autotag]Mickey Gall[/autotag] will go down in September.
MMA Junkie verified with multiple people close to the situation that Baeza (9-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) and Gall (6-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) are set to fight on the UFC’s Sept. 19 event. The people requested anonyity because UFC officials have yet to make an announcement. MMA Fighting was first to report the news.
The Sept. 19 event takes place at UFC Apex in Las Vegas and is expected to air on ESPN or stream on ESPN+.
Baeza will attempt to add another notable name to his undefeated record with a win. The 28-year-old is coming off a second-round TKO of Matt Brown at UFC on ESPN 8 in May in what was his biggest win to date.
Gall, meanwhile, is coming off a high-profile loss to Mike Perry at UFC on ESPN 12 in June. The 28-year-old, who got much early career fame by beating former WWE star CM Punk, has alternated wins and losses over his past six fights.
The lineup for UFC’s Sept. 19 card now includes:
[vertical-gallery id=428472]
With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best knockouts from May 2020.
With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best knockouts from May 2020: Here are the five nominees, listed in chronological order, and winner of MMA Junkie’s “Knockout of the Month” award for May.
At the bottom of the post, let us know if we got it right by voting for your choice.
* * * *
Calvin Kattar def. Jeremy Stephens at UFC 249
[autotag]Calvin Kattar[/autotag] (21-4 MMA, 5-2 UFC) proved once again why he’s one of the top rising contenders to watch at featherweight when he made a mess of Jeremy Stephens (28-18 MMA, 15-17 UFC) with some brutal fight-ending strikes.
Kattar bided his time and connected with a punishing elbow that dropped Stephens to the canvas. He proceeded to jump on Stephens, connecting with follow up shots that split “Lil’ Heathen” open and set up the second-round stoppage.
Francis Ngannou def. Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 249
[autotag]Francis Ngannou[/autotag]’s (15-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) power may be unmatched in MMA. The heavyweight contender reminded every one of his power when he stopped Jairzinho Rozenstruik (10-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) quickly into their heavyweight bout.
Ngannou just needed just 20 seconds to put away Rozenstruik with a vicious knockout. Rozenstruik landed a few leg kicks that connected well on Ngannou. But shortly after that, Ngannou rushed Rozenstruik. Both began to throw, and just a couple seconds into their exchange, Ngannou floored Rozenstruik with a powerful left hook. He followed up with ground-and-pound, but it was clear Rozenstruik was already out.
Brian Kelleher def. Hunter Azure at UFC 249
[autotag]Brian Kelleher[/autotag]’s (21-10 MMA, 5-3 UFC) short-notice move up to the featherweight division paid off in spade when he flattened Hunter Azure (8-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) with a highlight-reel knockout.
After both men had their moments though more than a round, Kelleher landed a left hook that sent Azure crashing to the canvas. Azure was out on impact, but Kelleher landed crushing follow-up shot for good measure.
Miguel Baeza def. Matt Brown at UFC on ESPN 8
[autotag]Miguel Baeza[/autotag] (9-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) remained undefeated in his career and netted his biggest win to date when he stopped longtime welterweight veteran Matt Brown (22-16 MMA, 15-10 UFC) by knockout.
After surviving a scare from Brown’s offense in the first frame, Baeza managed to turn the tide and hurt his opponent in the closing moments. He stayed on Brown to start the second, landing more strikes that led to a knockdown and a finish of the fight.
Alistair Overeem def. Walt Harris at UFC on ESPN 8
[autotag]Alistair Overeem[/autotag] (46-18 MMA, 11-7 UFC) played the unfortunate villain in Walt Harris’ (13-8 MMA, 6-7 UFC) emotional comeback story when he rallied to win their heavyweight main event.
Overeem was compassionate to Harris’ journey back to the cage after the shocking murder of his stepdaughter this past fall, but promised it would be “all business” when fight night arrived. It was a wild back-and-forth fight, with both men knocking each other down. Overeem did it better, though, and picked up the stoppage win at the 3:00 mark of Round 2.
* * * *
[vertical-gallery id=517138]
Kattar earned arguably the biggest win of his career when he stopped Stephens in highlight-reel fashion.
In what was entirely a standup fight, Kattar find an opening to land a sickening elbow in the second round that dropped and stopped Stephens for the thrilling finish. The time of the stoppage was 2:42.
Stephens came out with his usual aggression, throwing hard punches and a crisp body kick at Kattar. He followed with a hard right hand, which aded up to a strong start for “Lil’ Heathen.” Kattar struggled to get into a groove, but landed some good leg kicks in between Stephens’ attacks. Both men settled into the fight, but Stephens was clearly leading the dance in the first round, although Kattar recovered some early lost ground.
[lawrence-related id=517558]
Both men showed visible damage from leg kicks going into the second round, and they started the frame by battering each other there some more. Stephens seemed to have the worse of it, but it didn’t stop him from pushing forward. Kattar gained confidence, though, and started to find his range a couple minutes into the round. He tagged Stephens with hooks and uppercuts, although Stephens showed his veteran savvy and didn’t allow himself to be flustered. He got too comfortable, though, because Kattar landed a massive right elbow that dropped Stephens. He swarmed with some punches, busting Stephens open with another elbow and forcing the fight to be called off at the 2:42 mark of Round 2.
“I’ve been learning as I’ve been going and I’ve been doing it with tough fights,” Kattar said in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. “I’m happy to be here and I feel like I’m just scratching these surface and there featherweights are in big trouble when I put it all together.”
[jwplayer l3VyvZgr-RbnemIYZ]
[opinary poll=”whats-your-knockout-of-the-month-pick-fo-6OADPm” customer=”mmajunkie”]
