In the second fight of the event, Bantamweight Mitch Gagnon showed Walel Watson that a big reach advantage doesn’t mean much if you can’t use it. After dropping him with an explosive lead hook, Mitch Gagnon submitted Walel Watson with a rear naked choke in only 1:09. Watson came out clearly trying to keep Gagnon back with his jab and straight punches. Mitch was undeterred and countered with a big left hook that dropped Walel. He tried to follow up with ground and pound to finish but took Watson’s back instead to look for the choke. The Gazelle made him work for it, but the end was inevitable.
Mitch Gagnon entered the Octagon after being outworked and submitted by Bryan Caraway at UFC 149 in his promotional debut. He’s now 1-1 in the UFC (9-2 Overall). Walel Watson was coming off two consecutive decision losses and really needed a win here. He’s now dropped to 1-3 as a UFC fighter (9-5 Overall).
What was the high point of the fight?
Gagnon’s lead left hook that started the finish. After that, Mitch did a great job of attacking for the finish, but it was the hook that let it all happen.
Where do they go from here?
Mitch Gagnon’s got a much needed win here. It’s very rare that a new fighter will get a third chance after losing their first two bouts. So, this submission secured the Bantamweight’s position on the UFC roster. He’s not out of the deep waters yet, however, and he’ll need to follow this up with another win to feel safe. Someone like T.J. Dillashaw would be a good match to see who’s ready to start moving up the ranks.
While this fight saved Gagnon’s UFC spot, it probably did the opposite for Walel Watson. After an impressive first round TKO over Joseph Sandoval in his UFC debut, Watson has given up all three fights he’s had since then. While some fighters have been given a final chance after 3 losses, Watson doesn’t have the star power or style to think he’d be an exception to the rule.
Watch it now, later, or never?
Watch it now. Gagnon didn’t answer any of the questions left by Carraway concerning his gas tank, but he showed a violent early storm and great killer instinct.
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