Aaron Riley was the more creative and dynamic striker mixing his kicks with punching combinations. He established solid head movement and avoided many of Ferguson’s punches early on. However, Tony Ferguson soon found a home for his uppercut, almost finishing the fight midway through the first when Riley took several unanswered strikes. Riley stayed in the fight but he was showing the effects of the punching power that Tony Ferguson possesses. He survived the round but in the minute break he immediately told his corner that he suffered a broken jaw.
With the win, Tony Ferguson is now 2-0 in the UFC as the latest Ultimate Fighter winner. Ferguson looked impressive with his punching power and aggressiveness in his strikes. He is the most impressive TUF winner in recent memory and picked up a win over an established veteran. For Aaron Riley, he’s had jaw issues since having his jaw broken by Spencer Fisher. It was his first fight of 2011 and it is unlikely he’ll return anytime soon. At 30 years old and 44 fights under his belt, the wear and tear of keeping such an exhausting schedule could finally be catching up to him.
This fight was also the first finish since the opening two fights and definitely pumped up the crowd for the main card of the evening. Kid Nate is providing instant analysis over at MMA Nation, see what he had to say about this fight.