UFC 257 got off to an exciting start with a quality round of prelim fights including Arman Tsaryukan defeating Matt Frevola on extremely short notice and Julianna Pena declaring herself as a contender for Amanada Nunes bantamweight title.
Take a look below at all the great highlights from the UFC 257 preliminary card.
Arman Tsarukyan def Matt Frevola via Decision (unanimous) (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Despite taking the fight on less than 48 hours notice, Arman Tsarukyan fought a very complete fight and showed off his well-rounded game to defeat Matt Frevola via shutout unanimous victory.
A frenetic end to RD 1 -- Tune in on @ESPN to catch the final ten!
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021
[ #UFC257 #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/nspjmsmx4y
Back-to-back-to-back!
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021
----Arman Tsarukyan is headed home with another win.
[ #UFC257 #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/Zfec7xDJ7H
Brad Tavares def. Antonio Carlos Jr. via Decision (unanimous) (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Hawaiian Brad Tavares rode impressive takedown defense and a diverse striking mix to his first victory inside the octagon since 2018 over Brazilian Antonio Carlos Jr.
Hawaii is claiming Fight Island this time!
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021
-- @BradTavares with a massive shot to close RD 2.
[ #UFC257 #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/RiXwyAFWVq
Julianna Pena def. Sara McMann via Submission via rear-naked choke (3:39, R3)
After likely losing the first two rounds, to Sara McMann, Julianna Pena rallied in the third to secure the submission victory. McMann used her wrestling and positional dominance over the first two rounds to force Pena into a desperate situation in the third round. After securing a wonderful trip takedown, Pena used her impressive grappling to secure the RNC finish.
The Venezuelan Vixen!
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021
---- @VenezuelanVixen secures the RNC on Fight Island.
[ #UFC257 LIVE on @ESPN #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/pLrxbJaahS
"Quit ducking."
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021
---- @VenezuelanVixen with a huge callout for 135! #UFC257 pic.twitter.com/zfk0G43v2k
Marcin Prachnio def. Khalil Rountree Jr. via Decision (unanimous) (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In a highly competitive light heavyweight bout, Marcin Prachnio emerged with a controversial decision over Khalil Rountree Jr. Despite clearly losing the 2nd round after being knocked down with a stiff straight left hand, Prachnio rode a consistent active approach to get the edge from the judges.
Just launching --s in RD 2!
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021
[ #UFC257 LIVE on @ESPN #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/uhJimxvcPD
On the hunt! Khalil Rountree is throwing SERIOUS power --
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021
[ #UFC257 LIVE on @ESPN #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/Jn6qduipbS
-- CORNER CAM --
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021
Marcin Prachnio is ready to start releasing the fire. #UFC257 pic.twitter.com/ZMedbaneBJ
Swinging for the bleachers --
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021
[ #UFC257 LIVE on @ESPN #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/nmX1VyUUPh
Welcome to the win column! --
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021
-- How did you score it?
[ #UFC257 LIVE on @ESPN #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/0VS8tca3Ff
Movsar Evloev def. Nik Lentz via Decision (split) (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Russia's Movsar Evloev battled through a dangerous looking guillotine choke threat from Nik Lentz in the first round to battle back and take a split decision victory. Throughout Lentz, repeatedly attempted to reapply the guillotine, but Evloev's consistent standup approach led to him taking the decision.
HOW DID EVLOEV ESCAPE? --
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021
[ #UFC257 #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/imnmWQ73Mi
More than a prospect ---- @MovsarUFC gets the nod on two scorecards for the SD.
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021
[ -- Action moves to @ESPN next ] pic.twitter.com/cgIBVlehjT
Amir Albazi def. Zhalgas Zhumagulov via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Iraqi-Swedish Flyweight contender Amir Albazi showed off his elite grappling, and effective striking, dominating the Kazakh Zhalgas Zhumagulov after dropping a competitive 1st round. A fun competitive flyweight bout to get the PPV started.
The Prince!
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021
-- @AmirAlbazi opens #UFC257 with a decision win.
[ #UFC257 #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/NCzYt0HlbU
UFC 257 takes place at Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island in Abu Dhabi on January 23. The pay-per-view card is headlined by Poirier vs. McGregor 2. Keep up with Fightful for all your fight night coverage.
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