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UFC 279 Highlights: Nate Diaz Departs The UFC After Submiting Tony Ferguson

MMA UFC
Ewan Ross Sep 8, 2022 11:16PM

UFC 279 was an odd card to reflect its odd build up that saw the cad nearly fall apart the day before. The main event was one of the stranger fights you'll see as neither man seemed to be taking it all that seriously, but all in all it wound up being a decently enjoyable night of fights. Check all the highlights out after the jump.

Nate Diaz def. Tony Ferguson via Submission (Guillotine Choke) (Rd. 4 2:52)

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In a very weird and awkward bout, Nate Diaz snatched a guillotine on Tony Ferguson in the fourth round. Both fighters looked like shells of themselves, and there were plenty of antics throughout. It was a blast to watch, while being weird as hell.

Khamzat Chimaev def. Kevin Holland via Submission (D'arce Choke) (Rd. 1 2:13)

Khamzat Chimaev absolutely blew the doors off Kevin Holland, taking him down in the first 5 seconds and hunting a submission relentlessly til he got it. An incredibly dominant performance, and there's only one thing that can stop his title aspirations and that's the scale.

Daniel Rodriguez def. Li Jingliang via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

In a very close fight that could've gone either way saw Daniel Rodriguez get the split decision victory over Li Jingliang. Rodriguez largely fought behind his jab, while Jingliang varied his attack and chewed up DRod's body and legs. The fight never had any key moments, and there was not much to separate these two men.

Irene Aldana def. Macy Chaisson via KO (Body Kick) (Rd. 3 2:21)

In an awesome fight, Irene Aldana survived a very tough second round to get a highlight reel upkick liver shot to get the knockout. The first fight of this saw Aldana dominate and threaten an armbar (including even a potential tap). Chaisson bounced back and threatened as much in the second, before a never before seen upkick to the liver absolutely shut down Chaisson. Really great fight.

Johnny Walker def. Ion Cutelaba via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (Rd. 1 4:37)

Johnny Walker fought through some early adversity and rallied late in the first round to get the submission victory. Though Walker got away with some blatant fence grabs, he was able to get outfrom the bottom after Cutelaba tried for an ill-advised arm-bar attempt. From there, Walker hunted for the sub after taking the back.

Julian Erosa def. Hakeem Dawodu via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Julian Erosa came out strong and took the fight to Hakeem Dawodu in the first two rounds and got off to an overwhelming lead, and was able to safely win the third to get the decision victory.

Jailton Almeida def. Anton Turkalj via Submission (Read-Naked Choke) (Rd. 1 4:27)

In a shutout performance, Jailton Almeida blew out Anton Turkalj to move to 3-0. Almeida got a high amplitude takedown early in the first, and showed patience on the ground progressing until he got the finish near the end of the round. The man looks like a very legitimate threat in both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions.

Denis Tiuliulin def. Jamie Pickett via TKO (Ground and Pound) (Rd. 2 (4:52)

In a foul filled fight, Denis Tiuliulin came out on top over Jamie Pickett. Tiuliulin kicked Pickett low on two occassions which led to a point deduction. Afterthe point was deducted, Tiuliulin came out like a fire had been lit under him, and was able to overwhelm the compromised Pickett.

Chris Barnett def. Jake Collier via TKO (Ground and Pound) (Rd. 2 2:24)

In a spectacular fight, Chris "Huggy Bear" Barnett scored a comeback victory over Jake Collier. Collier dropped Barnett with a shot that cut his eye, and likely broke his orbital bone. However, Barnett survived, and started landing shots of his own. In the second round, Barnett stuffed a takedown and got the finishwith ground and pound. A truly awesome fight, and Barnett is one of the best characters in the UFC, spectacular.

Norma Dumont def. Michelle Wolf via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

In a complete mismatch, Norma Dumont wiped the floor with Michelle Wolf. While Dumont looked pretty solid, Wolf didn't look anywhere close to UFC calibre, and I don't know why she was in the company, since she only had one career fight coming in. Weird booking.

Alateng Heili def. Chad Anheliger via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

In a good showing, Alateng Heili got the decision over Chad Anheliger. Heili showed a well rounded game,

Elise Reed def. Melissa Martinez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

In a competitive bout, Elise Reed got the not over UFC debutant Melissa Martinez. Reed scored a knockdown in the first round, and then was able to grind out the 3rd round to do enough to win the decision.

Yohan Lainesse def. Darian Weeks via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

In a competitive fight that never got out of second gear, Yohan Lainesse got the decision over Darian Weeks. Not a terrible fight, but hardly one with any standout moments.

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