The UFC returned to Florida this weekend as Josh Emmett looked to get back in the win column. The undefeated Ilia Topuria stood in his way at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville. Read below as we recap the main card.
Brendan Allen vs Bruno Silva
The number thirteen-ranked Allen opens up the main card as the heavy favorite against the Brazilian. Marc Goddard gets us underway.
Round 1
A head kick from Allen lands in the opening minute. A right elbow from the clinch lands flush on Silva’s face, but he seems unaffected. It appears a cut has opened up on Bruno Silva somewhere as blood can be seen on Allen’s forearm.
Silva lands a couple of nice shots which wobbles Allen, but then Allen connects with a counter – we have a slugfest on our hands! Great uppercut by Silva but Allen counters once more and floors the Brazilian. He’s now trying to finish the fight, but Silva hangs on as we enter the final minute. Allen secures a rear naked choke, and Silva taps.
Brendan Allen wins via first-round submission.
In his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, Allen declares that he wants to fight for the title in 2024 and calls out Jared Cannonier.
David Onama vs Gabriel Santos
Onama (10-2) has finished all his ten wins but is still the underdog with the bookmakers against the 10-1 Santos. Very impressive records from both men.
Round 1
Santos connects with a right hand early on, and Onama’s head buckles backward. Santos attempts a takedown but it backfires as Onama ends up in the dominant position on the ground. Not much comes of it, and the action returns to the feet.
Santos almost lands an armbar twice, but Onama’s agility gets him out of danger on both occasions. Onama then has success with landing knees from the clinch. A close first round which ends with Santos securing a takedown.
Round 2
More success with the takedowns from Santos but Onama manages to gain a dominant position. He lands a couple of nice elbows from the top position.
We go back to the feet and Santos throws a kick as Onama dips his head, but luckily for the latter, it connects with his body. Onama is really mixing up his striking, then…. Bam! Amongst the concoction of strikes, he lands an uppercut and knocks out Santos!
David Onama wins via second-round knockout and gives it the Israel Adesanya celebration of shooting darts at the man he has just beat.
Justin Tafa vs. Austen Lane
12-3 Austen Lane used to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars and fights in Duval County tonight against Justin Tafa, who has legitimate knockout power and is on a six-fight win streak.
Round 1
A bad eye poke from Lane was unintentional; Tafa’s eye is bleeding. Really unfortunate for both men. The doctor takes a look, and it seems like Tafa can’t see, but he’s going to take more of the five-minute allowance. The fight cannot continue.
Final result: No contest via accidental eye poke
Amanda Ribas Vs. Maycee Barber
An intriguing matchup in the women’s flyweight division as number nine takes on number eleven in the co-main event.
Round 1
Great footwork by both women. Ribas lands a flying right hand and Barber counters. They clinch against the cage and Barber lands a string elbow, drawing blood from her opponent.
We go to the ground; Ribas eats a lot of shots as she tries for a leg lock. Barber lands a lot of significant strikes from the top position as the buzzer sounds to end round one.
Round 2
Both women are now bleeding heavily. Ribas connects with a left hand. Great start to the round as both land hard blows on one another.
Huge high kick from Barber. They both swing for the bleachers. A right hand by Barber causes Ribss to back up, and then a second one lands!
The BJJ and Judo black belt, Ribas, shoots for the single leg but Barber establishes position and rains down blows on the Brazilian. Keith Peterson stops the fight!
Maycee Barber wins via TKO in round two.
Ilia Topuria Vs. Josh Emmett
Topuria has submitted fighters with a wrestling background and has impressive striking skills despite having a reach disadvantage in his recent fights. Emmett has recent wins over Dan Ige and Calvin Kattar and looks to make it six wins from his last seven bouts.
Round 1
Emmett presses forward immediately, throwing bombs, but Topuria blocks them well.
Left hook from Emmett, but he eats one in return. Topuria lands a couple of big headshots. If the fight continues this way, we won’t see the full five rounds. Both men are reading range well; several hooks narrowly miss by both.
Round 2
Emmett is deceivingly explosive. Whenever he looks to be slowing down, he seems to throw a loaded right hand. Topuria is pressing the action this round. Emmett seems happy with that, as he looks more comfortable countering.
Topuria drops Emmett! He gets back up, but for the next twenty or so seconds, Topuria picks his shots. Just as Emmett composes himself, he eats a big right hand! He’s glad to see the buzzer, which ends the round. Topuria is on cloud nine.
Round 3
Emmett is in this fight more than the commentators are giving him credit for. He is definitely behind on the cards, and Topuria has been brilliant, but Emmett still has heart and is throwing with some power.
Emmett is looking for the knockout, as he has to, but Topuria’s boxing is far superior as we enter past the halfway mark.
Round 4
Topuria looks almost as fresh as round one. Emmett is covered in blood but continues to press forward and eats a strong jab. Brilliant fight.
The left hook lands, and Emmett is dropped. Ground and pound from Topuria, but Emmett miraculously escapes, stands up, and presses forwards! Remarkable heart from the man from Phoenix, Arizona. Emmett is dropped again but survives a boring masterclass from the Spaniard.
Round 5
Emmett lands big! Topuria steps back but composes himself and continues to press. The final round follows a similar pattern to the previous four; Topuria dominates, but Emmett is still in with a shout provided he can land one of these haymakers. Unfortunately for him, he isn’t able to.
Topuria wins via unanimous decision.
Main Card Results
Ilia Topuria def. Josh Emmett via unanimous decision
Maycee Barber def. Amanda Ribas via TKO
Justin Tafa Vs. Austen Lane – no contest (accidental eye poke from Lane)
David Onama def. Gabriel Santos via KO
Brendan Allen def. Bruno Silva via submission.
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