A very dull UFC Vegas 28 fight card was saved by a fight of the year contender between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Miguel Baeza. Check out the highlights, and everything else from UFC Vegas 28 including Ponzinibbio vs. Baeza and a big knockout by Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the main event below.
UFC Fight Night Vegas 28 Highlights:
Jairzinho Rozenstruik def. Augusto Sakai via Technical Knockout (Punches) (Rd 1 4:59)
Right near the end of an extremely cagey, and frankly boring, first round, Jairzinho Rozenstruik landed a little baby left hook which dropped Sakai, and after a short flurry of ground and pound it was called off. Interestingly the stoppage occurred at 4:59 of the 1st round, which is the second time Rozenstruik has done that.
---- Vamo Brasil!
— UFC (@ufc) June 6, 2021
[ #UFCVegas28 LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/bG3LK73Viy
---- Suriname stand up for your ‘Bigi Boy!’
— UFC (@ufc) June 6, 2021
[ #UFCVegas28 LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/B7dL2ppNO1
This Octagon is about to rumble -- #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/55SnZdFF99
— UFC (@ufc) June 6, 2021
ONE. PUNCH. POWER. --
— UFC (@ufc) June 6, 2021
---- @JairRozenstruik with the finish right before the bell! #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/EZ9gNiX63G
BIGI BOY! --@JairRozenstruik shows once again his power is scary. #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/yTUMvg0kmP
— UFC (@ufc) June 6, 2021
Marcin Tybura def. Walt Harris via Technical Knockout (Punches) (Rd. 1 4:06)
Walt Harris came out firing and attempted to overwhelm Marcin Tybura and get him out of the fight early. However, Tybura was able to weather Harris' flurries and secured a takedown. After that, he worked an effective grappling game, took the back, and pounded Harris out from the dominant position.
The HWT showcase starts NOW! --
— UFC (@ufc) June 6, 2021
-- First up is @TheBigTicket205 vs @MarcinTybura.
[ #UFCVegas28 LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/opeSUcqkVl
Make it 5️⃣ in a row for @MarcinTybura. #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/olEDC9ULuq
— UFC (@ufc) June 6, 2021
Roman Dolidze def. Laureano Starapoli via Unaniamous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
In an absolutely horrendous fight, Roman Dolidze hugged Laureano Starapoli for basically 15 minutes. Dolidze showed no urgency to deal even a little bit of damage, and Starapoli didn't have the ability to get out of the positions. This fight was extremely bad.
The action continues on @ESPNPlus --
— UFC (@ufc) June 6, 2021
---- @RomanDolidzeUFC and ---- @Pepi_Laureano enter the #UFCVegas28 stage. pic.twitter.com/7GoJebxCl2
In complete control --
— UFC (@ufc) June 6, 2021
---- @RomanDolidzeUFC was always in position to secure the win. #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/4lkHJmhCLo
Santiago Ponzinibbio def. Miguel Baeza via Unaniamous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In absolute barnburner, Santiago Ponzinibbio got his career back on track, digging deep after a rough first round, to storm back and defeat Miguel Baeza via decision. Baeza dominated the first round with an array of leg kicks and top-notch distance management. Ponzinibbio stormed back in the last two rounds, and showed an immense amount of grit. The third round is a round of the year contender, and an absolute barn-burner. Outstanding stuff.
Who will update their highlight reel? --
— UFC (@ufc) June 6, 2021
-- Power punchers @SPonzinibbioMMA and @Thunder92Baeza meet NOW!
[ #UFCVegas28 LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/cEpDgIsPE4
Turning it up --@SPonzinibbioMMA responds strongly in RD 2️⃣. #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/dHslfyTHw2
— UFC (@ufc) June 6, 2021
Shot for shot --
— UFC (@ufc) June 6, 2021
These two are looking for the finish -- #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/qaHCaFdFMR
Fight of the night? Month? Year? --
— UFC (@ufc) June 6, 2021
-- What a way to end this scrap! #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/4eCJCePUHi
Gregory Rodriguez def. Dusko Todorovic via Unaniamous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
With the action finally picking up after a very bleak undercard, Brazil's Gregory Rodriguez made a very impressive UFC debut, utilizing power strikes and well-timed takedowns to edge the decision over Serbia's Dusko Todorovic. Rodriguez looked very strong, though Todorovic was in it the whole time. Best fight of the night that inexplicably has no highlights readily available, if you can find the whole fight its the only one thus far that's probably worth your time.
Thunder -- Robocop --@Todorovic_UFC vs @Gregory_MMA is NEXT on @ESPNPlus. #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/uaEtVg3JSC
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
Robocop means business --
— UFC (@ufc) June 6, 2021
---- @Gregory_MMA is going home with the win. #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/PWG9zNcnUK
Montana de la Rosa def. Ariane Lipski via Technical Knockout (Punches) (Rd. 2 4:27)
It took Montana de la Rosa about half the first round to get the fight to the ground, but from there it was simply one-way traffic, as she completely dominated the grappling portions of the fight, cut Lipski up, and finished the fight from mount in the second round.
Flyweight contenders open the main card --
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
Who you got between @MontanaMarie211 & @Ariane_Lipski?
⁰⁰[ #UFCVegas28 LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/WfkQ7Do5hj
Vicious GnP --@MontanaMarie211 is a problem on the ground!
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
[ #UFCVgeas28 continues on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/8l609dxDrG
Flyweights beware -- @MontanaMarie211 is back in a big way. #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/Pq5wgU3Wbv
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
Ilir Latifi def. Tanner Boser via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 27-29)
Sweden's Ilir Latifi used his grinding wrestling to secure a split decision over Canada's Tanner Boser. The biggest moment of the fight came from a punch to Latifi's eye that initially appeared to be yet another eye poke on this card, but was ruled a punch, and nearly led to Boser closing the fight in the second round. However when he couldn't get the finish, Latifi controlled almost the entire third round from top position.
What happens when a bulldozer meets a sledgehammer? --
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
-- @BulldozerBoser and @LatifiMMA answer the age old question NOW!
[ #UFCVegas28 LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Du0HANW3ze
Razor thin --
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
----@LatifiMMA takes this one by SD. #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/a7wvG9YNls
Muslim Salikhov def. Francisco Trinaldo via Unaniamous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
In a hard-hitting standup fight, Russia's Muslim Salikhov showed off his impressive traditional striking base to land a wide variety of impressive strikes against Trinaldo. Despite pushing 42 years old, Trinaldo acquitted himself quite well, and his chin remains top notch.
Welterweights with something to prove --
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
We have @MassarandubaMMA vs Salikhov on @ESPNPlus next at #UFCVegas28. pic.twitter.com/sygg6bduK8
Set him down! --
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
Salikhov has no problem letting his hands go. #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/cmGYwpu8mM
Nonstop action from the jump
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
---- Salikhov shows up and shows out for the UD. #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/aM8IWU74To
Kamuela Kirk def. Makwan Amirkhani via Unaniamous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
In a back and forth bout, the debuting Kamuela Kirk showed off-impressive submission game off his back, as well as a crafty striking game to edge out Finnish veteran Makwan Amirkhani. The triangle-armbar that Kirk threatened with at the end of the second round was incredibly close, and I'm shocked Amirkhani got out of it.
UFC Veteran welcomes the newcomer --
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
-- @MakwanAmirkhani and @TheJawaiian are set to face-off.
[ #UFCVegas28 LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/FYwmVaBVXI
HOW DID HE NOT TAP??!?! --#UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/weWf9Yfc5v
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
15 minutes of hard work --@TheJawaiian gets his hand raised #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/575M0Cu0L7
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
Mason Jones Fights To A No-Contest vs. Alan Patrick (Accidental Eye Poke) (Rd. 2 2:14)
Wales' Mason Jones looked outstanding in the first round, dealing hefty damage to Brazil's Alan Patrick, cutting his eye, and getting close to a stoppage. However two minutes into the second round, Jones unintentionally poked Patrick in the eye, and Patrick decided he couldn't continue. As a result, the fight goes to a no-contest. Shame too, because Jones looked absolutely outstanding in the time we did see, and he would've cruised to a victory without the foul.
Are you watching #UFCVegas28? --
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
@AlanNuguette vs Jones is next on @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/oHiTlu4TCx
UNLOADING! --@MasonJones1995 is coming out aggressive. #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/unqmeaVnCO
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
After an accidental eye poke this one goes down as a no contest. #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/yS1UlJqaU0
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
Manon Fiorot def. Tabatha Ricci via Technical Knockout (Punches) (Rd. 2 2:00)
On incredibly short notice, Brazil's Tabatha Ricci filled in and was totally outgunned and outsized against France's Manon Fiorot. While Ricci was game and did her best, but giving up six inches in reach and height, Fiorot treated her like a sparring partner, and disposed of her midway through the second round.
‘The Beast’ welcomes ‘BB Shark’ to the Octagon!
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
---- @ManonFiorot_MMA & ---- @TabathaRicci square off at #UFCVegas28. pic.twitter.com/gfJTmtUfL6
Bringing the heat --@ManonFiorot_MMA proves to be too much! #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/P9KOzEVeYZ
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
Sean Woodson def. Youssef Zalal via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
In a boring grind of a fight, Sean Woodson edged the decision against Morocco's Youssef Zalal. Woodson consistently stuffed Zalal's takedowns and managed to threaten with a couple of submissions. Aside from that, not much happened.
Looking to light up the featherweight division --
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
It’s @SeanWoodsonMMA vs @MoroccanDevil45 NEXT!
[ #UFCVegas28 LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/qluX8A66Sn
Short time!
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
Zalal defends the guillotine as we head into RD 3️⃣. #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/qg5BbTOgum
Back-and-forth for 15 minutes!
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
-- @SeanWoodsonMMA takes it by SD. #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/Kme6MlTzLU
Claudio Puelles def. Jordan Leavitt via Unaniamous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Not a thrilling fight to start the card, that Puelles dominated through some slick grappling, but never looked close to a finish, or even look like he was really hunting for one.
We are underway on @ESPNPlus --
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
-- @ClaxMMA vs @JoJo_MonkeyKing gets the #UFCVegas28 action started! pic.twitter.com/8Dnv8u5Nrk
-- By UD!@ClaxMMA makes it 3️⃣ in a row inside the Octagon. #UFCVegas28 pic.twitter.com/7oMg5LbyfG
— UFC (@ufc) June 5, 2021
UFC Vegas 28 Bonuses
In among the easiest calls of all time, Santiago Ponzinibbio and Miguel Baeza were awarded Fight of the Night, the card wasn't exactly stocked with barnburner, but this fight was a worthy FOTN on any card, and a lowkey contender for Fight of the Year.
When it comes to the performance bonuses those went to Rozenstruik for his buzzer-beating knockout in the main event, and to Marcin Tybura for his comeback victory in the co-main event.
#UFCVegas28
— Jed I. Goodman (@jedigoodman) June 6, 2021
FOTN: Ponzinibbio/Baeza
POTN: Rozenstruik/Tybura pic.twitter.com/cT5fGSuaka
Pros React To Rozenstruik vs. Sakai
In the main event, Jairzinho bounced back from his loss to Cyril Gane and scored a buzzer-beating knockout. See what his fellow UFC fighters had to say about his impressive stoppage.
That was early stop call , 1 second left WTF Another present
— Big Ben Rothwell (@RothwellFighter) June 6, 2021
I just wanted to see another round I guess ----. Looked like Sakai was sitting up and trying to defend.
— Big Ben Rothwell (@RothwellFighter) June 6, 2021
That heavyweight power ------ #UFCVegas28
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) June 6, 2021
I always root for @JairRozenstruik cuz he knocked out overeem in the main event, after i won my ufc debut in dc.. m. He also followed me that day and we have been tight ever since -- -- #UFCVegas28
— Billy Q (@BillyQMMA) June 6, 2021
The power!!
— Vinc Pichel (@FromHellPichel) June 6, 2021
Pros React To War Between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Miguel Baeza
The fight of the year contender featuring Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Miguel Baeza got many of their fellow UFC fighters falling over themselves to compliment each of the warriors.
What a fight!! Back and forth action, who gets this? #ufcvegas28
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) June 6, 2021
What a way to come back!!-- #UFCVegas28
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) June 6, 2021
Wow!!!!!!#UFCVegas28
— Anthony Smith (@lionheartasmith) June 6, 2021
That could very well have been round of the year. Amazing fight @SPonzinibbioMMA and @Thunder92Baeza ----------------#UFCVegas28
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) June 6, 2021
Fight of the effin year #UFCVegas28
— Niko Price (@Nikohybridprice) June 6, 2021
What a comeback santiago wasn’t giving up tonight he was ready to die
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) June 6, 2021
Post-Fight Press Conference
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