UFC 263 is in the books, and it saw one title change hands, a champion with another dominant title defense, and some high drama brought on by the third five-round bout on the card.
In the main event, Israel Adesanya defended his title with an impressive shutout performance, going 50-45 in his rematch against Marvin Vettori. The co-main event also stole the show, with Brandon Moreno managing to choke out Deiveson Figueiredo after another entertaining contest between the two flyweights. He became the new flyweight champion and first title holder from Mexico.
Leon Edwards also had a very impressive showing picking apart Nate Diaz for over 24 minutes, up until the Stockton star landed a big shot that almost ended the fight. Diaz didn’t have enough time to complete the miracle comeback, but he once again provided some insane drama that he’s been known for, pouring on some offense until the final bell.
Here’s a quick twitter thread with a brief recap and analysis of the event, that’s fitting for people’s social media era attention spans:
CRAIG BADLY BREAKS HILL’S ARM
PROS: That was a really slick setup from overhook that he did twice, adjusting to get a nice far side armbar on the second attempt.
CONS: That should’ve been stopped earlier. Also, PLEASE TAP!! https://t.co/npLyXOBBJU
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) June 13, 2021
BELAL DEFENDS MAIA’S TAKEDOWNS
PROS: Nothing much really. Belal has great single leg defense.
CONS: Maia’s a legend, but he’s 43 and just couldn’t take him down and never adjusted. That could’ve been his last fight too.
Also, I don’t care what happens: https://t.co/Hr9CM3eNb1— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) June 13, 2021
EDWARDS SAVED BY THE BELL
CONS: Should’ve pounced, not showboated, but Diaz will be Diaz.
PROS: Diaz came close, but make no mistake, Edwards looked so good, and completely picked him apart. Diaz got his moment though, and it’s why he’ll always be a starhttps://t.co/LFoFS18mn2
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) June 13, 2021
MORENO SUBMITS FIGUEIREDO
CONS: Both are nice dudes, but unfortunately someone had to lose, and it’s the hairstylist sushi chef KO artist
PROS: Slick back take, nice body lock adjustment to stop Figgy’s scrambles. Mexico has their champ, & it’s this guy:https://t.co/rUwV3Dsn3i
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) June 13, 2021
ADESANYA SHUTS OUT VETTORI
CONS: Vettori didn’t even try for a finish while losing 5 rounds.
PROS: People might blame Izzy again, but like Costa, his varied attacks, feints left Vettori frozen & gunshy. No finish, but he made that look easy & effortlesshttps://t.co/DI6kUDVhOa
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) June 13, 2021
#UFC263 OVERALL
PROS: Great moment on Moreno’s win, and Figgy showing real class. Edwards probably gets his title shot, but Diaz’s last second magic also secured his aura and guaranteed more big fights.
CONS: Another event, another detached limb. Also: https://t.co/oI11k6HCUH
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) June 13, 2021
And that’s about it. For more social media musings, follow me on twitter over at @antontabuena, and of course you should do that for Bloody Elbow’s official twitter account as well.
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