UFC 320 began with some controversy in the women’s flyweight division.
Fight night is upon us as the UFC touches down in Las Vegas for a championship double-header.
In the UFC 320 main event, former champion Alex Pereira tries to regain his light heavyweight title in a rematch against champion Magomed Ankalaev.
Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili defends his title for the third time this year against Cory Sandhagen in the co-main event of the evening.
The first fight of the night took place between Veronica Hardy and ‘The Ultimate Fighter 30’ finalist Brogan Walker, which reminded the commentators of a viral UFC moment from nearly a decade ago.
Alistair Overeem mentioned after Veronica Hardy claimed UFC 320 opponent tapped out
Hardy, wife of former UFC title challenger Dan Hardy, nearly finished Walker in the opening round.
Hardy attempted an armbar submission in the closing seconds of round 1. Walker looked like she was in a tight spot but the American was saved by the bell.
After the round was over, Hardy protested to the referee, claiming Walker had tapped out to the submission.
Jason Herzog asked officials cageside to review the replay to see if Walker had tapped.
“She didn’t tap,” UFC commentator Daniel Cormier said while watching the replay.
“I don’t see a tap,” Joe Rogan replied.
“Remember Alistair vs. Stipe?” Rogan referenced the 2016 heavyweight title fight between Stipe Miocic and Alistair Overeem.
“[Overeem] was convinced Stipe tapped,” Rogan added.
The fight continued after the near-finish. Walker and Hardy fought all three rounds, with Hardy securing the win by unanimous decision.
Alistair Overeem claimed he ‘clearly felt a tap’ in Stipe Miocic fight
MMA legend Overeem almost dethroned then champion Stipe Miocic with a guillotine submission in their heavyweight title fight at UFC 203 in 2016.
Miocic ultimately escaped the submission and TKO’ed Overeem in the first round.
In his post-fight interview, Overeem claimed he felt Miocic tap out.
“I got him in a guillotine choke and I clearly felt the tap,” Overeem told Joe Rogan.
“The referee didn’t see it, the ref didn’t jump in,” Overeem added.
“In my opinion, he tapped and it’s a bummer,” said Overeem.
Upon watching the replay, Rogan pointed out to Overeem he didn’t see any tap from Miocic. Overeem was booed by the Cleveland crowd during his post-fight interview.