While Saturday night’s main event provided the fans with a fight between two of the heavyweight division’s heaviest hitters, the rest of the main card fights featured a mix of veterans and a number of lesser-known prospects who were eager to impress. Here we recap the first three fights of the main card, which featured a nice mix of quick finishes and some great displays of grappling prowess.
James Vick vs. Jake Matthews
Official result: James Vick defeats Jake Matthews by submission (guillotine choke), 4:53 of round one
What was the high point of the fight?
This fight was short and sweet – Jake Matthews showed a lot of aggression early but it was the more composed Vick who ended up victorious. The high point of this fight was Vick’s takedown defense and his ability to get back to his feet immediately once taken down. This frustrated Matthews who showed his inexperience and went in sloppily, leaving his neck vulnerable for the guillotine choke.
Where do these two go from here?
James Vick extends his UFC winning streak to four and has really began to come into his own as a fighter since being knocked out by Michael Chiesa on TUF Live. Vick has shown some talent but with only 8 professional fights, the UFC would be best off bringing him through slowly. Expect him to appear almost exclusively on Fight Pass cards in the near future.
Jake Matthews has all the potential to be a star in the UFC, but last night he showed his inexperience and over-enthusiasm by recklessly putting his neck in danger for the choke with his sloppy takedown attempt. Expect him to come back better than ever and continue his rapid improvement as a fighter.
Watch now, later, or never?
Watch later. This fight was pretty fun while it lasted.
Sean O’Connell vs. Anthony Perosh
Official result: Sean O’Connell defeats Anthony Perosh by TKO (strikes), :56 of round one
What was the high point of the fight?
Sean O’Connell came out with all guns blazing against the experienced Perosh and used relentless aggression to circumvent the Australian veteran’s perceived technical superiority. O’Connell’s boxing was the high point of this fight and praise is deserved for the referee, who mercifully stopped Perosh from taking any unnecessary punishment.
Where do these two go from here?
Sean O’Connell looked decent last night but do not be under any illusions that he has the potential to penetrate the top 15 any time soon. A matchup with the winner of Marcos “Pezao” and Nikita Krylov would probably make the most sense for O’Connell at this point in his career.
Anthony Perosh has been a true pioneer for Australian MMA, but his time in the UFC may well have come to an end after suffering a finish so early against an unranked opponent.
Watch now, later, or never?
Now, this fight was over in a minute and it shows how a referee should act when an opponent is clearly out on his feet.
Robert Whittaker vs. Brad Tavares
Official result: Robert Whittaker defeats Brad Tavares by knockout (punches) :44 of round one
What was the high point of the fight?
Robert Whittaker showed why speed is often more important than power when it comes to the sweet science. The high point of this fight was Whittaker’s slick boxing, which he used to completely obliterate Brad Tavares within a minute.
During his UFC tenure Tavares has shown extreme durability, which makes the ease Whittaker dispatched him with even more impressive.
Where do these two go from here?
Coming into this fight Tavares was ranked in the top 15 in the UFC middleweight division, so with his stunning victory it seems likely that Whittaker has propelled himself into a ranking spot of his own. With that, he deserves a big name fight. With the UFC’s debut in Scotland fast approaching, rumor of Michael Bisping’s return to the UK has been spreading, Whittaker would make a game opponent for The Count.
Following his stint on The Ultimate Fighter, Tavares has shown immense growth as a fighter. His skill set has diversified but he has taken a lot of hard shots in the past 2 years, so it would probably make most sense for Tavares to sit out for a few months and rest up before returning at UFC Melbourne later on this year.
Watch now, later, or never?
Watch now, Whittaker’s boxing was a joy to behold and the finish was spectacular.
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