UFC in 2020: A ridiculously robust look at the stats, streaks, skids, and records

Check out a full recap of 2020’s most significant footnotes and milestones from the events, the fights and individual performances.

Now that the year has come to a close, and with a major assist from UFC research analyst and live statistics producers Michael Carroll, here are some of 2020’s most significant milestones from the events, the fights and individual performances.

MMA Junkie’s ‘Fight of the Month’ for July: A rematch between former champs delivers

With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best fights from July 2020.

With another action-packed month in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best fights from July 2020: Here are the five nominees, listed in chronological order, and winner of MMA Junkie’s “Fight of the Month” award for July.

At the bottom of the post, let us know if we got it right by voting on your choice.

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The Nominees

Rose Namajunas def. Jessica Andrade at UFC 251

[autotag]Rose Namajunas[/autotag] (9-4 MMA, 7-3 UFC) got the revenge she was looking for when she defeated fellow former UFC champion [autotag]Jessica Andrade[/autotag] (20-8 MMA, 11-6 UFC) in their anticipated rematch.

After Andrade took the strawweight title with a stunning slam knockout in May 2019, Namajunas emerged victorious in the rematch with a split decision win. She used superior footwork and striking to win the early portion of the fight, then resisted a late push from her Brazilian foe to secure the win.

Petr Yan def. Jose Aldo via punches at UFC 251

[autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag] (28-6 MMA, 10-5 UFC) had moments when it looked like he might become a two-division UFC champion. But in the end, [autotag]Petr Yan[/autotag] (15-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) may have brought about a changing of the guard in the lighter weight classes.

Yan became the UFC’s new bantamweight champion with a fifth-round TKO of former featherweight champ Aldo. Yan used pinpoint striking and a dangerous overall assault to overcome the moments where Aldo looked like he could successfully turn back the clock and began a new arena in the 135-pound division.

Mounir Lazzez def. Abdul Razak Alhassan at UFC on ESPN 13

[autotag]Abdul Razak Alhassan[/autotag] (10-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) proved that after two years away he’s still one of the most exciting welterweights on the UFC roster. Newcomer [autotag]Mounir Lazzez[/autotag] (9-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) just managed to shine a little brighter, though.

Lazzez made his UFC debut as a relative unknown, but did not leave that way after beating Alhassan by unanimous decision. The pair threw down for 15 minutes, with Lazzez standing up to the trademark power of Alhassan and taking over to claim his first octagon win in the “Fight of the Night.”

Rafael Fiziev def. Marc Diakiese at UFC on ESPN+ 30

[autotag]Rafael Fiziev[/autotag] (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) showed how different striking levels can be when he outworked a well respected standup artist in [autotag]Marc Diakiese[/autotag] (14-4 MMA, 5-4 UFC) over 15 minutes of lightweight action.

Fiziev was one step ahead of Diakiese in his unanimous decision win, using techniques that were just a touch more effective than what his opponent brought to the table. In the end, both men took home an extra $50,000 for “Fight of the Night.”

Mauricio Rua def. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC on ESPN 14

[autotag]Mauricio Rua[/autotag] (27-11-1 MMA, 11-9-1 UFC) left no doubt he’s superior to [autotag]Antonio Rogerio Nogueira[/autotag] (23-10 MMA, 6-7 UFC) when he made it 3-0 over his longtime rival in their trilogy fight.

After “Shogun” picked up wins in the first two meetings in 2005 and 2015, Rua made it a clean series sweep over Nogueira with a split decision victory. They slugged it out in classic fashion, and although it seemed Nogueira might slide out with a win, the judges once again saw it for Rua.

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The Winner: Namajunas vs. Andrade

The rematch between Namajunas and Andrade was well worth the wait – for both Namajunas and the viewers who got to witness a tremendous scrap.

In their first meeting, at UFC 237, Andrade took the strawweight belt from Namajunas via a memorable, second-round knockout slam.

Fourteen months later, the duo met again. Namajunas put together two stellar rounds, then showed great heart in withstanding a furious third-round onslaught.

Namajunas, competing for the first time since losing the title, eked out a split decision victor with the better end of two of three 29-28 scorecards.

Andrade make clear from the jump she planned on pushing a strong pace, using fast movement to dart in and out. Namajunas, however, didn’t need much time to figure out her range, and she began using a pinpoint jab, crisp straight hands, and solid counters on the occasion Andrade manage to break through.

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This continued for the better part of two rounds, but Andrade might have the heaviest hands at 115 pounds, and she threw them, like with a wicked body shot in the second, she landed.

And then Andrade turned it on in the third. Andrade threw everything but the kitchen sink at her foe, leaving Namajunas with her nose cut open and her left eye nearly swollen shut. Things looked bad when Andrade landed a strong throw to take her opponent to the mat.

But Namajunas got back to her feet, gritted her way through the onslaught, and got to the final horn to seal the win.

“She went into desperation and started really unloading and she caught me a couple times, obviously,” Namajunas said. “But I just stayed strong.”

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Video: Calvin Kattar and Dan Ige’s coaches come together to review UFC on ESPN 13 fight

Watch Tyson Chartier and Eric Nicksick talk about trying to outsmart each other before sharing a moment of mutual respect.

What happens when you bring two opposing MMA coaches together to talk about how they tried to outsmart each other? That’s what this is all about.

Earlier this month, UFC on ESPN 14 gave fans a main event that was both technical and grueling in its own way as [autotag]Calvin Kattar[/autotag] overcame a game [autotag]Dan Ige[/autotag] to win a unanimous decision.

The first three rounds were tightly contested, but Kattar had more gas left in the tank during the championship rounds and pulled away, with the judges awarding him scores of 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47.

On that morning in Abu Dhabi, Kattar had New England Cartel coach Tyson Chartier in his corner. Ige, meanwhile, competed in his first UFC headliner under the tutelage of Xtreme Couture’s Eric Nicksick.

MMA Junkie Radio host Brian “Goze” Garcia brought Chartier and Nicksick together to dissect the fight and pick each other’s brain on strategy throughout the five rounds. And by the end of it, they share a moment of mutual respect.

You can watch it all in the video above.

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UFC must invest in fighting talent of Middle East, North Africa | Opinion

With the UFC continuing to strengthen it’s ties with Abu Dhabi, it’s time they started looking at the talent in the region.

With the UFC continuing to strengthen its ties with Abu Dhabi, it’s time promotion officials started taking a closer look at the fighting talent in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

[autotag]Mounir Lazzez[/autotag], the first born-and-bred Arab fighter to ever get signed to the UFC, made his successful debut on July 15 with an impressive showing against the highly-touted Abdul Razak Alhassan.

But Lazzez’s signing was not a result of the UFC scouting talent from the region. It was a chance encounter, when a 17-year-old friend of Dana White’s son approached the UFC president with a highlight-reel video of Lazzez, urging White to sign him.

White contacted the matchmakers, who offered Lazzez (10-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) a main card spot on UFC on ESPN 13, but he was handed no favors when he was matched up with knockout artist Alhassan.

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Tunisia’s Lazzez is a decorated striker who trains out of Team Nogueira in Dubai. He has spent his entire MMA career fighting all across the region’s top promotions such as Desert Force, BRAVE CF and UAE Warriors.

He was able to display incredible standup skills, composure, cardio and fight IQ to contain Alhassan’s early barrage and take control of the contest. Right after the fight, Lazzez capitalized on his big win by calling out Mike Perry in the post-fight interview.

Lazzez’s win was instrumental for the region because it proved that there is high-level talent to be discovered. A lot of the region’s fighters have been chomping at the bit for their opportunity and Lazzez has given them that hope. His stunning performance put the region on the map.

The entire Middle East area is no stranger to hosting MMA events, with many fighters from all over the world having competed in Jordan, for instance, under the Cage Warriors, Desert Force and BRAVE CF banner.

The likes of former UFC-dual champ Conor McGregor, Sodiq Yusuff, Arnold Allen, Jack Hermansson and super prospect Khamzat Chimaev have all competed in Jordan in the past.

Jordan is also home to BRAVE CF’s welterweight champion Jarrah Al-Selawe, who’s won nine of his last 10 and is highly regarded as one of the best talents to ever come out of the region. Having recently turned 27, Al-Selawe is only just coming into his prime.

It’s just a matter of giving these fighters an opportunity, and with the UFC projected to return to Abu Dhabi at least one more time before the end of the year, it’s time matchmakers increased their scouting on fighters from the region.

If not a direct signing, doors should at least be opened in the form of “The Ultimate Fighter” or Dana White’s Contender Series, as many of the region’s top talents have moved their training over to the U.S.

White’s “Lookin’ for a Fight” is also another option, since fighters such as Chimaev, Amir Albazi, Khalid Taha and Ottman Azaitar all last competed for BRAVE CF in the Middle East, before getting signed to the UFC.

The region’s interest in the sport is at an all-time high, and there’s no better time for the UFC to tap into market and capitalize on signing some fighters because the talent is certainly there.

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Triple Take: Who had the most memorable moment over three UFC events in seven days?

After 36 UFC fights in eight days, which winner on “Fight Island” delivered the most memorable performance? Our MMA Junkie writers debate.

This past Saturday concluded a marathon of UFC action that included three events in seven days on “Fight Island” at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. From UFC 251 to UFC on ESPN 13 to UFC on ESPN+ 30, a total of 36 fights unfolded over from July 11 to July 18, and there’s a lot to digest from that time.

There were memorable performances delivered in championship bouts, matchups between contenders and fighters making their debuts. Which effort left the strongest lasting impression, though? MMA Junkie’s Farah Hannoun, John Morgan and Simon Head debate in the latest edition of Triple Take.

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Farah Hannoun: Deiveson Figueiredo

Deiveson Figueiredo

[autotag]Deiveson Figueiredo[/autotag]’s performance against Joseph Benavidez at UFC on ESPN+ 30 will go down as one of the most dominant championship wins in UFC history.

Few imagined Figueiredo (19-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) would be able to run through Benavidez like that, dropping him three times and becoming the first man to ever submit him. While Figueiredo did stop Benavidez in Round 2 of their first fight, it was a competitive battle where Benavidez was able to win the first round.

Though Benavidez has never won a UFC title, he’s been a staple in the 125-pound division, taking out just about every flyweight on the roster, including a decision win over former UFC dual-champ Henry Cejudo. But Figueiredo was a man on a mission that night and wanted to erase the notion that he only won the first fight because of an inadvertent head butt.

There are several 125-pounders chomping at the bit to get their crack at the title, but Figueiredo looked like an unstoppable force that may rule the division for a very long time.

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UFC on ESPN 13 reactions: Winning and losing fighters on social media

UFC on ESPN 13 winners and losers react on social media outlets such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Since the early days when the sport was anything but a mainstream endeavor, the MMA industry has thrived and survived through various websites, forums, and – perhaps most importantly – social-media platforms.

Fighters interact with fans, each other and many more through the likes of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, which helps outsiders get a deeper look into the minds of the athletes.

Following Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 13 in Abu Dhabi, several of the winning and losing fighters, along with their coaches, training partners or family members, took to social media to react to the event or share a message with supporters.

Check out some of those reactions.

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The defeated

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Absolutely devastated. I lost a decision. Anybody that has ever seen any one of my fights post ufc and ufc will know that wasn’t me in there tonight. Not one bit! I missed weight the cut absolutely fucked me! I felt great before the fight but after the first few mins and take downs I literally couldn’t move my arms or legs I was done. I’ve never missed weight before and I’ve never performed like that. It was embarrassing on my behalf and I’m sorry to any fans that watched. Hats off to Jarrad and his team. I’ll be back with a bang next time, back to normal and better prepared with nutrition side of it because that’s just cost me the fight I should of dominated. #ufc #health #living #keepgrinding #embracethegrind #peaceandlove ✌🏻️ #mma #thaiboxing #boxing #judo #bjj #fitness #grappling #striking #kickboxing #k1 #strengthandconditioning #fightgame #fightlife #lightweight #worldchampion #trainhardstayhumble #teamworkmakesdreamswork #ufc #scramble #nogi #liverpool #lifting #weights

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Now the dust has settle I’d like to firstly thank everyone at the @ufc for their unbelievable efforts on getting these events on in the middle of the worse pandemic to hit during our lifetimes. And giving us the opportunity and privilege to compete on #fightisland🌴 Absolute class job as always!! Congratulations to my opponent he fought a great fight getting the W. I came up short and it’s a tough pill to swallow I’m not going to lie, especially when I didn’t even get out of the starting block. But no excuses that’s how this game is sometimes your on top of of the world flying high and other times your lower than low. As a wise man once said to me “you’ll be going to an after party where there’s 50% of happy people and 50% of sad people.” However I’m not one to shy away from adversity, you can’t get through life without a few set backs. At this level the margins are just so close that anyone can beat anyone on that given day, one mistake and it’s a win or lose. I’m going to enjoy a week off with the mrs then back to the gym to keep improving the skill set for the next camp. Thank you to all my coaches and training partners, thank you to my family and friends and a massive thank you everyone on here for all the support and lovely messages. 🙏🏻

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This past 2 years has been tough and most energy and spiritual drench ever but I can’t use that as an excuse for my horrible performance on Wednesday. I should have watched my diet and trained well and took care of myself as an Athlete but I didn’t do any of those and that’s shame on me. I wanted to get In there so bad that I didn’t care how I look cuz the past 2 years I felt like I didn’t have any freedom as a human. All I can say is I’m sorry to all my family and dear friends and my true fans. Sorry to disappoint you all. But you will never see that pathetic Razak again. Ever!! To be the best you need to accept the fact that you’re not the best and have the will to strive to be better than anyone you face. Thank you all for your support!

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First of all thank you to the all at @ufc for moving heaven and earth for allowing us the opportunity to compete whilst in the middle of a pandemic on such an amazing stage. Second of all congratulations to Talia on getting the W! Tonight I came up short, and it’s a really tough place to be when you give everything to your craft. However I’m not one to shy away from a bit of adversity either, so At this level the margins are so close and tonight was talias night and not mine. I’ll let it hurt for a little bit, and I’ll be back in the gym on Monday to keep improving. Heads held high, I’ll still keep turning up and Improving with every camp! For the kind messages of support thank you. And to the not so kind, have a day off will ya. Gonna have a week off this, so I’ll catch you all soon 💙 No Rain No Flowers 💐 💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿💙

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The victorious

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Not many get to say that they travel the world doing what they live for a living, always grateful to be living the dream every day. We had a tough 10 days from start to finish, between being stuck in the hotel room isolating for 5 days, to sleeping through the day and training through the night, to adapting to the heat to opponent changes and everything else, but no excuses we got it done! I want to thank first my coaches @richard.shore @carlbopparker for getting me through the last 10 days from start to finish, they do more for me than I could ever thank them for. Also my coaches back home @thelockettman @somkiatchokkuea @greg_callow10 for all the hours of hard work they put into me year round! And also to my nutritionist John Williams of @proathletesupps for getting me in shape and always having my nutrition on point, everyone found the weigh cut tough on fight island but working with John helped me through it and got me to those scales on weight! I want to give a massive thanks to my girlfriend @kaydiedavies @alysshoree @lisashore68 , my family, friends and army of supporters for all the support you constantly give me outside of the gym and cage. I wouldn’t be able to do this without any of you, it is really overwhelming and humbling to see the support I receive each and every fight! I want to thank all my team mates for the last 7 weeks at @shoremixedmartialarts who have helped to get me fight ready in time for this fight especially under trying circumstances, and I can’t wait to return the favour! Special mention to my boy @brettjohnsmma who is going to smash it this weekend too🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 and also @scottyp102 @levi_batch for stepping in when and as I needed! Also a massive thank you to all my sponsors for their support for this fight and the London card that got cancelled – @leebatchelor5 B&B Garage, @tatamifightwear @weekendoffender @proathletesupps @djc_build @refuelnutrition @420cbdrange @subway_ukireland @candourtalent Davies Property Dev @hydro_protect @cardiffevolve @mathewmcc4rthy As far as what’s next, I’m gonna take a few days to rest with my loved ones and friends, then get back to work and see what next. The tank rolls on🔥

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Thanks for greetings❤️❤️ მადლობა გულშემატკივრობისთვის❤️ Спасибо всем за поздравления ❤️ Это важная победа для меня , я была голодна до побед 😈 всем кто помогал мне в моей подготовке! Всего за один месяц я смогла подготовиться в этот сложный для всего мира период @akhmat_mma @za.vismuradov_95 @corvoscombat ❤️❤️❤️ вы не представляете сколько труда пришлось вложить что бы уложиться в эти сроки teşekkür hocam @bdbicer Ахмат сила 💪🏻 отдельное спасибо Максу который остался после своего дебюта и помогал нам во многом @maxim_grishin_officially 👍🏻👍🏻

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50 geeeees baby 🤣

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Alhamdhulillah I did it. As I planned from day one that I’ll be in the UFC some day and show my skills and ability to the world,. Alhamdhulillah for this opportunity & success, all praise to God for enabling me to do what I love for a living. Thank you to my beautiful wife and son for being my motivation as always. Being away from them is always hard but that’s my motivation to get that win & make them proud. Thank you to my coaches @shaun.sully_ @zaidgerber @fitcoachfranky @tam_khan @radatarikhaubert and team mates #Milano @ramzi_yahia @moise.rimbon @anas_siraj_mounir @mahdi_hammouda_official @majdi1989 @aminmartialarts @omararrab @abdulmalik6399 #Chalid @shiihan #Victor @luc_judo_coach . For pushing me, working a strategy regularly and getting me used to the format with no fans cageside. We trained so hard that I was ready for anything in that cage. To all the sparring partners and fighters from across the region who came to help also. We united with other gyms and went as one team. I feel grateful that the whole country was behind me. Thank you so much to the amazing country of the UAE for allowing me to represent them on the biggest stage alongside my homeland of Tunisia. I did this for all of you. We put the uae on the map and inshallah we are here to stay. Thank you to all my sponsors @nvnmotorworks @proteinhouse1 @alzahrahospitaldubai @eyequartereyewear and my management team @mtkglobal for always looking after me and wanting the best for me. They are the best management team in the world. I’m very happy with the win but I am a professional and I still want to improve, I’ll be back training in a few days working on my mistakes with my head coach @shaun.sully_ and ready for the next challenge. God bless you all the support. I am Sorry I cannot reply to you all individually but I appreciate every message and post. Love you all Sniper

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@suzesuzeq has been a part of the @ufc for a while and takes care of staff and fighters. She is battling cancer. Please help and donate! The link is in my profile and hers as well. Thank you!! Posted @withregram • @suzesuzeq Hi guys , I made this video because I need your help. I have a battle in front of me – I will win – there is NO OTHER OPTION ! #fuckcancer 💕GOFUNDME Link in Bio ⬆️⬆️⬆️ 🙏🏽 thank you. Venmo: @suzesuzeq So update – my cancer has come back- and its decided to be stage four in multiple places throughout my body – however … I am #positive and certain I can beat this we are fighting this naturally and with #Homopathic base. I hope I have your blessing and love thru this fight I’m in! I know everyone has been going thru much struggle with covid and just life in general- so I #appreciate you all very much and any help or share you can give Im grateful! . ♥️♥️♥️ #weareallfighters #ufc #ilovemyjob #ilovemylife #blessed #gratitude #MBC #Stage4BreastCancer #BreastCancer #Thriver #YoungBreastCancer #Hope @thrivegang @rethinkbreastcancer @breastcancersupportfund #hapiness #Radicalremission #heal #healthylifestyle #positivethinking #positiveenergy #Prayer

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The Blue Corner is MMA Junkie’s blog space. We don’t take it overly serious, and neither should you. If you come complaining to us that something you read here is not hard-hitting news, expect to have the previous sentence repeated in ALL CAPS.

Tim Elliott wants to continue to be an opportunist after UFC on ESPN 13 win

Tim Elliott will continue to jump on every opportunity – even if not always to his benefit – after his win at UFC on ESPN 13.

ABU DHABI – [autotag]Tim Elliott[/autotag] takes pride in jumping on any opportunity that the UFC presents him. It hasn’t always worked out for the best, but he said he’s not going to change his ways after beating Ryan Benoit on Wednesday at UFC on ESPN 13.

Elliott (16-11-1 MMA, 5-9 UFC) picked up a unanimous decision victory over Benoit (10-7 MMA, 3-5 UFC) in the flyweight co-main event at Flash Forum at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. It was a competitive fight, but the judges ruled it in his favor, allowing Elliott to snap a three-fight losing skid.

Although it seemed like a do-or-die opportunity coming in, Elliott revealed pre-fight that he’d just signed a new UFC contract for more money and thought the promotion wanted him around due to his willingness to fight in all situations. He thinks he reinforced that notion by competing on pandemic-era fight cards in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi, and it’s his goal to keep that reputation alive, even if not always in his best interests.

“(I’m going to) train, keep getting better, sit around by the phone and wait for the UFC to call and take these opportunities,” Elliott told reporters, including MMA Junkie, post-fight at UFC on ESPN 13. “I’m an opportunistic guy. I’m lucky to be part of history when the COVID took over and I got to fight at the Apex and now I’m part of history fighting out here at ‘Fight Island.’ I’m never going to regret the losses that I take, but I knew if I didn’t take these opportunities I would regret that. That’s one way to get the UFC not to like to you is to not answer that call.

“They know when they ring my number I’m going to answer and I’m going to accept whatever they offer. Whatever pay they offer, whatever opponent they offer, whatever location they offer – I’m the guy that’s going to take what he gets and win, lose or draw I’m going to show up and make weight and I’m going to be a professional.”

UFC on ESPN 13 marked the first time since December 2017 that Elliott had his hand raised. It wasn’t a totally smooth night, though. He endured a third-round hand injury that hindered his offense. Moreover, some, including Benoit, think the decision went the wrong way.

Nevertheless, Elliott said he was happy with his performance and felt an absence of pressure that was familiar and comforting.

“I think I got in my element tonight,” Elliott said. “I got back to having fun. I haven’t had this much fun in fighting since the UFC cut me the first time and I got to go in Titan and I had three really good opponents in Titan and I just felt like I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. It was just so much fun.”

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Nerves Taila Santos had in UFC debut were gone in sweep of Molly McCann on ‘Fight Island’

Take a look inside Taila Santos’ win over Molly McCann at UFC on ESPN 13 in Abu Dhabi.

ABU DHABI – [autotag]Taila Santos[/autotag] beat Molly McCann with a unanimous decision Wednesday on the main card at UFC on ESPN 13 in Abu Dhabi.

Take a look inside the fight with Santos, who got back in the win column after suffering the first loss of her pro career after a 15-0 start.

Result: Taila Santos def. Molly McCann via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Updated records: Santos (16-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), McCann (10-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC)
Key stat: Santos narrowly won in the striking department, but landed five takedowns to sweep the judges’ scorecards.

Santos on the fight’s key moment

“I have my roots in muay Thai, but we expected her to come and try to take the fight to the ground. I train with the best grapplers, so I was ready for that. I started training with my father, so I know he is very happy right now.”

Santos on getting back in the win column

“I was really nervous in my first (UFC) fight, in my debut, and I feel like I just came in more focused and more confident (for this fight) and I was able to have a better performance.”

Santos on what she wants next

“I’m very happy to beat someone like Molly, who’s a very tough fighter and a ranked fighter. So I’m hoping to come out and face another one in the rankings (next).”

To hear more from Santos, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

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Liana Jojua has sights set on America after yet another armbar win at UFC on ESPN 13

Take a look inside Liana Jojua’s submission of Diana Belbita at UFC on ESPN 13 in Abu Dhabi.

ABU DHABI – [autotag]Liana Jojua[/autotag] beat Diana Belbita with a first-round submission Wednesday on the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN 13 in Abu Dhabi.

Take a look inside the fight with Jojua, who won for the sixth time in seven fights.

Result: Liana Jojua def. Diana Belbita via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 2:43
Updated records: Jojua (8-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Belbita (13-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Key stat: Jojua has five of her eight career wins by armbar.

Jojua on the fight’s key moment

“I feel very good. I’m very happy. This is a good day for me. I (thought about a) submission – not armbar, but any submission will do. But armbar is my favorite submission, and I (did it). I didn’t think I would make this in the first round. … but she took me down, and I finished.”

Jojua on making the short-notice drop to flyweight

“I’m very happy because I haven’t won in two years. It’s very hard for me. Now I’m very happy because this is perfect. This is my first UFC win and fight at the new (flyweight) weight. I felt very good, but the weight cut is very hard for me. It’s very crazy for me. But then I think it will become easier for me because it won’t be new for me, and only having one month for the fight was a little bit short notice.”

Jojua on what she wants next

“I don’t know when I want to fight next. I haven’t thought about it. I think I want to go to new camps, make a visa for America. I want to go to America and train there, and then I will think about fighting. Right now, it’s very hard for training. If I don’t change camps, it’s not good for me.”

To hear more from Jojua, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

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