After a run of phenomenally exciting cards, UFC Vegas 43 was an absolute stinker, featuring just a single finish, and a bunch of fights that were dull on paper, and owrse in practice. Check out all the the "highlights" after the jump.
Ketlen Vieira def. Miesha Tate via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
In an appropriately dull fight, atop an incredibly dull card, Ketlen Vieira outstruck Miesha Tate over five rounds. Tate was clearly outgunned at range, and made no attempt to get the fight into a different phase, so the fight just slipped away from her as it progressed. Not a good fight at all, highlighted by some incredibly poor commentary from Daniel Cormier.
Sean Brady def. Michael Chiesa via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In a close competitive bout, Sean Brady continued his undefeated run, by out grappling Michael Chiesa. Chiesa was doing quite well in the standing portions of the fight, and busting up Brady's nose. However, Brady's grappling was just too much, as he got repeated takedowns, and got to Chiesa's back in each round. A very solid win, that launches Brady into the top 10.
We CAN’T WAIT for this one --
— UFC (@ufc) November 21, 2021
---- @MikeMav22 vs ---- @SeanBradyMMA up RIGHT NOW!
[ #UFCVegas43 Main Card LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/j0UGRgQZfv
Beautiful takedown by @SeanBradyMMA --
— UFC (@ufc) November 21, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Main Card LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/dJ60ZuklF5
Strikes are starting to fly in the second --
— UFC (@ufc) November 21, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Main Card LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/L9oa6Th2KH
------ ---------------- blitzes forward --
— UFC (@ufc) November 21, 2021
[ @MikeMav22 #UFCVegas43 Main Card LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/O5qMaNNybx
Emptying the gas tank
— UFC (@ufc) November 21, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Main Card LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/DLQmF4bZQP
The biggest win of @SeanBradyMMA's career --
— UFC (@ufc) November 21, 2021
[#UFCVegas43 Main Card LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/IB8LOcDxbc
Taila Santos def. Joanne Wood via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (Rd 1 4:41)
This card finally has a finish! Taila Santos dropped Joanne Wood midway through the first, with a heavy overhand right hand, and followed up with some ground and pound before finding the choke near the end of the first stanza.
Ranked flyweights keep it moving --
— UFC (@ufc) November 21, 2021
-------------- @DRKneevil and ---- Taila Santos make their walk NOW!
[ #UFCVegas43 is LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/6Ugjb7XZIu
The newlywed Joanne Wood making her way down the aisle for the second time!
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) November 21, 2021
-------------- @DrKneevil comes out swinging next! #UFCVegas43 pic.twitter.com/IEYT6AUCNE
Sits her DOWN --
— UFC (@ufc) November 21, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 is LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/F3jAgQ3TDp
A new contender EMERGES --
— UFC (@ufc) November 21, 2021
---- Taila Santos with the first-RD finish!
[ #UFCVegas43 is LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/xpOgNXp7mY
Keep the name Taila Santos on your radar --
— UFC (@ufc) November 21, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 is LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/guvACLn68k
Rani Yahya def Kyung Ho Kang via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Rani Yahya utilized his decades of MMA experience to out craft Kyung Ho Kang in a fight where he seemed massively outgunned on the feet. Yahya seemed hurt in each round, and was knocked down in the first and third rounds. However, Kang followed him to the ground, and had no prayer hanging with the Brazilian grappling ace once the fight hit the mat.
Looking to keep the action going --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
---- @RaniYahya_MMA vs ---- Kyung Ho Kang UP NOW!
[ #UFCVegas43 Main Card LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/lQRomxkYPs
Mr. Perfect stepping up the pressure --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Main Card LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/al7tZ1hijW
Finding a home for that right hand --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Main Card LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/5CqNmN9pCf
29-28 across the board gives @RaniYahya_MMA the UD victory --
— UFC (@ufc) November 21, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Main Card LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/lSfgS3ipvI
Adrian Yanez def. Davey Grant via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 27-30)
In an excellent back and forth bout, Adrian Yanez busted up Davey Grant's face, and used his action standup style he's come to be known for to out pace his British opponent. On a card that badly needed some action, both these men came to fight, and this was an excellent bout. The 30-27 Grant scorecard is an egregiously bad card, no chance Grant won every round.
Opening the main card in the bantamweight division --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
-------------- @DaveyGrantMMA vs ---- @YanezMMA
[ #UFCVegas43 is LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/zgAMpBCwDW
Wasting NO time to get things underway
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
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Yanez finding his flow --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ @YanezMMA #UFCVegas43 is LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/owBN0YvxQE
Hittin' the TARGET --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
-------------- @DaveyGrantMMA providing no let up towards the end of the 2nd!
[ #UFCVegas43 is LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/K6bbaoeaWU
We've got a barn burner on our hands --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 is LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/7appEzcj9c
WHAT A FIGHT --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
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Extends his win streak to 8️⃣!
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
---- @YanezMMA locks the win via SD at #UFCVegas43 after going the distance.
[ The Main Card is LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/K2kWnVm8Rg
Pat Sabatini def. Tucker Lutz via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
In a brilliant display of grappling, Pat Sabatini completely outclassed Tucker Lutz getting him to the ground with ease, and gaining back control for long stretch of each round. Sabatini is a next level grappler, and one to watch. Tho Sabatini looked impressive, there was still not finish, and this card is absolutely crying out for one.
Someone's winning streak must come to an end --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
---- @PatSabatini145 vs ---- @TopGunTuck closes out the #UFCVegas43 prelims NOW!
[ LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/0SxNdlZNrB
-- @PatSabatini145 threatening with the early submission attempt.
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/uWEjqvcGQT
Flow state on the floor for @PatSabatini145 --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/KTmNzhz80j
Philly's finest takes the UD --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ @PatSabatini145 #UFCVegas43 LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/tC4jqNujuR
Rafa Garcia def. Natan Levy via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In yet another grinding and fairly dull bout on this card, Rafa Garcia defeated Natan Levy. Levy seemed like he was throwing with more power, but Garcia's relentless grappling was able to control the majority of the bout. A finish would be very nice to see on this card.
Statements are ready to be made --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
---- Rafa Garcia vs ---- @Levy_Natan
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Rv2AWVemfj
Sound on for that one ----@Levy_Natan with a heavy body kick in the first!
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/PEXNRgRo5m
Heavy output from both guys right out the gates
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/O7zr4W2sBh
Back in the win column after a hard-fought battle --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
---- Rafa Garcia notches his first UFC victory inside the Octagon!
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/N7ckBcCCYw
Loopy Godinez def. Loma Lookboonmee via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In a classic striker vs grappler matchup, Loopy Godinez was able to consistently score takedowns on Loma Lookboonmee and get the decision victory. This was Godinez' third fight in the last 42 days, and she expressed interest in getting back in there as quick as possible. With that type of activity level, she'll become a UFC favorite very quickly.
The #UFCVegas43 prelim action continues LIVE on @ESPNPlus with ---- @LomaLookboonmee vs ---- @LoopyGodinez -- pic.twitter.com/LaW2tou84a
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
3rd walk to the Octagon in 43 days for @LoopyGodinez, a new Modern UFC record --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/ADeov6YzXE
Countered the counter.
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/VAbaOZjn5P
Takedown: secured
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ @LoopyGodinez #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/lqnpVw9w9L
Sounds like @LoopyGodinez is gonna need to take a week off --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/x4y1dAgrLL
Bouncing back with a wire-to-wire victory --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ @LoopyGodinez #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/BGDDhyCwgk
Cody Durden def. Aoriqileng via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In a high paced flyweight bout, Cody Durden got the decision over China's Aoriqileng. Durden came out hot in the first round, and looked like he was in danger of burning his gas tank, but was able to fight back in the 3rd and get a key takedown to secure the decision.
Flyweights take the stage NEXT --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
---- @Cody_Durden goes head-to-head with ---- Aoriqileng!
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/7jv7eL1keD
Nothing less than what we expected from these two ----
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/bLHkfYHHKJ
POWER SHOTS in the final seconds of RD 2 ----
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/hPuIvz5Oca
Goes the distance to secure the UD victory --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ @Cody_Durden #UFCVegas43 Prelims Continue LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/skj7ArgOqq
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke def. Sean Soriano via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In another pretty dull fight, Shayilan Nuerdanbieke largely dominated Sean Soriano in the grappling sequences that dominated the fight. Soriano was able to impressively sprawl in the first round, but after that Nuerdanbieke was able to get the takedowns and control the fight. The highlight was a big back suplex that Nuerdanbieke hit, but aside from that a real snooze.
On the hunt for UFC win #1 --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
---- Shayilan Nuerdanbieke vs ---- @SSorianoMMA happens NOW!
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/1erbbHElbz
Beautiful jab by @SSorianoMMA --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/iqxtaFiUbM
We've got a back and forth battle on the ground --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/JRBPQj5h56
One way ticket to Suplex City
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/zMklWbtC0m
UFC win #1 secured for The Wolverine --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/KTCmNv2uZb
Luana Pinheiro def. Sam Hughes via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
In a very dull fight to start the card off, Luana Pinheiro won a decision over Sam Hughes. Pinheiro came out well in the first notably hitting two high amplitude Judo throws, and some heavy blitzing attacks. However she seemed to tire as the fight progressed, and Sam Hughes just wasn't able to apply enough pressure in the third. Quite dull.
The #UFCVegas43 action kicks off with a collision at 115 --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
---- @LuPinheiroMMA vs ---- @SamHughesMMA
[ Prelims are LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/ccfOQjmapi
What a blitz to kick things off from @LuPinheiroMMA --
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims are LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Ih7D1sTYyL
Came out firing ------
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
---- @LuPinheiroMMA putting the pressure on at the end of the 2nd!
[ #UFCVegas43 Prelims are LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/axXx7xLq0K
Make that --------------------------- --@LuPinheiroMMA with a dominant performance in our first bout of #UFCVegas43!
— UFC (@ufc) November 20, 2021
[ Prelims are LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/dZsZVCXDxE
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