Jai Herbert
Division: Lightweight
Result: Francisco Trinaldo def. Jai Herbert via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:30
Record: (10-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Grade: C+
Former Cage Warriors lightweight champion [autotag]Jai Herbert[/autotag] faced a serious test of his mettle in the first round against evergreen veteran Francisco Trinaldo, but showed impressive composure to ride out the Brazilian’s early pressure, before showing his striking acumen in fine style. But, ultimately, the British newcomer fell victim to “Massaranduba’s” power as he was caught by a colossal third-round shot that deprived him of a memorable debut victory.
After a tricky opening round that saw him on the defensive as Trinaldo threatened with submissions, Herbert came out in Round 2 and instantly dropped his man with a fastball right hand. The Brit then showed his confidence in his own grappling as he followed the Brazilian to the mat and took his back in search of a rear-naked choke submission. Once the action returned to the feet, Herbert stung Trinaldo with multiple straight shots and connected with some solid knees up the middle as he lit up “Massaranduba” with strikes.
It set things up perfectly for a crucial final round, and it looked like Herbert was sticking and moving his way to a decision victory when Trinaldo connected with a huge right hook that knocked him out from the moment it landed. Despite his stiff backward fall to the canvas, referee Herb Dean inexplicably didn’t call the fight and, even though Trinaldo clearly stopped to allow the official to step in, the fight continued as the barely-conscious Brit received four unnecessary strikes before the fight was finally called.
It meant Herbert’s UFC career started with a TKO defeat, but his performance against one of the toughest operators in the lightweight division offers a ton of promise for what’s to come as “The Black Country Banger” looks to bounce back in his next appearance.
Next up: A talented newcomer endures a nightmare debut.