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UFC 276 Highlights: Alexander Volkanovski Makes His Case As Pound For Pound Best

MMA UFC
Ewan Ross Jul 3, 2022 12:31AM

After a string of excellent shows both on and off PPV, UFC 276 was the first underwhelming offering from the company in a while. While Alexander Volkanovski was able to showcase his greatness in the co-main event,

Israel Adesenya def. Jared Cannonier via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)

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In a relative snoozer of a main event, Israel Adesenya retained his middleweight title over challenger Jared Cannonier. The fight never really got out of second gear, as Adesenya was slick enough to keep Cannonier at range, and never really pushed his advantage beyond that. It wasn't a great fight, and the most exciting part was probably Adesenya's Undertaker tribute he did in his entrance. It was a cool entrance, but I don't mean that as a compliment.

Alexander Volkanovski def. Max Holloway via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

In the comain event, Alexander Volkanovski showed he's the number one pound for pound fighter in the world by absolutely dismantling his rival Max Holloway over five rounds. Volkanovski picked the former champion apart, including opening up a massive cut over Holloway's eye. There was never a second when Holloway was in this fight, and its not because he looked bad, its just because the champ is seemingly perfect. Post-fight Volkanovski expressed his interest in chasing the lightweight title, and a fight with Charles Oliveira. Bring it on.

Alex Pereira def. Sean Strickland via TKO (Punches) (Rd. 1 2:36)

Alex Pereira did his part to set up his trilogy fight with Israel Adesenya with a highlight reel first round stoppage of Sean Strickland. Pereira's short left hook he used to shut off Strickland showed the insane power he ha used to twice knockout the middleweight champion, and this fight will set up Izzy's next challenger if he gets the job done in the main event.

Bryan Barberena def. Robbie Lawler via TKO (Punches) (Rd. 2 4:47)

In an absolute barnburner, Bryan Barberena scored the biggest win of his career scoring a knockout over former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler in the second round. Barberena threw 140 strikes in the first round, and Lawler was hardly fighting at a slow pace. As Barberena seemed to start to slow he rocked Lawler and the stoppage came to save the MMA legend.

Sean O'Malley and Pedro Munhoz Fought To A No-Contest (Rd. 2 3:09)

In a highly disappointing bout, Sean O'Malley and Pedro Munhoz fought to a no-contest, after Munhoz couldn't see after a second round eye poke. From what we saw the fight was fairly even, with Munhoz peppering O'Malley with leg kicks, but O'Malley landing heavy shots when he had the opportunity. It was a let down.

Jalin Turner def. Brad Riddell via Submission (Guillotine Choke (Rd. 1 0:45)

Jalin Turner's 6'3 frame in the lightweight division is a major problem. He was able to reach out and rock Brad Riddell while Riddell was still at his icking range, then immediately wrap up the guillotine choke with his octapus-like arms. Turner has now won five straight, all by finish, and will take Riddell's rankings in the update on Monday morning. Turner is legit.

Jim Miller def. Donald Cerrone via Submission (Guillotine Chone) (Rd. 2 1:33)

The battle between two MMA legends saw Jim Miller continue his attempt to fight at UFC 300, while seeing Donald Cerrone call it a career after his sixth consecutive loss. With this win, Miller is now the UFC's all-time leader in wins.

Ian Garry def. Gabriel Green via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Ian Garry maintained his undefeated record and impressed against an increased level of competition from Gabriel Green. Garry's counterpunching accuracy is highly impressive, and he's showing he's a serious name on the rise in the welterweight division.

Dricus du Plesis def. Brad Tavares via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

In a ridiculous slobberknocker, Dricus du Plessis survived losing the first round to come back and bloody and rock Brad Tavares over the second and third round. Du Plessis is a mess technically, and nothing he does looks like it should worl, but he continues to get wins, and should be a ranked contender by Monday.

André Muniz def. Uriah Hall via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

André Muniz continued his under the radar march up the middlweight division with a safe professional victory over veteran Uriah Hall. Muniz secured takedowns in all the rounds and while Hall was able to stay safe, Muniz controlled and hunted for submissions to ride out the victory.

Maycee Barber def. Jessica Eye via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

In a really bad fight, Maycee Barber likely ended the UFC career of Jessica Eye with a clinch heavy decision victory. Barber rocked Eye through most of the first round causing a massive swelling over her eye, after that the fight was almost entirely contested in the clinch, and it was not very exciting. Post fight Jessica Eye announced her retirement.

Julija Stoliarenko def. Jessica-Rose Clark via Submission (Armbar) (Rd. 1 0:42)

In an action packed 40 seconds, Jessica-Rose Clark came out fast dropping bombs on Juljia Stoliarenko, but Stoliarenko managed to get a reactive takedown, and transitioned brilliantly into an armbar. Before Clark was able to tap, her arm either dislocated or broke. A banger of a fight to start the card.

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