The heated and controversial main event between Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori delivered on the promise all the pre-fight beefing had indicated, and rescued a dreadful UFC Vegas 41 main card. Check out the Costa/Vettori highlights, as well as the excellent clips from the prelim card after the jump.
Marvin Vettori def. Paulo Costa via Unanimous Decision (48-46, 48-46, 48-46)
In an excellent hard-fought main event, Marvin Vettori earned the narrow decision over Paulo Costa. Vettori used his normal volume striking approach, and nearly doubled Costa's headstrike count, however Costa returned ably with massive power both with his stiff punches, but also heavy, heavy right kicks. Continuing the theme of the main card, Costa was deducted a point for an eye poke, which luckily didn't wind up being a deciding factor. Great fight, that saved what had been a dreadful the main card.
There's HEAT behind this one. It's about that time for your #UFCVegas41 main event.@BorrachinhaMMA vs ---- @MarvinVettori
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
[ #UFCVegas41 live now on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/dJaj1ia6zc
Tension off the jump --#UFCVegas41 live on #ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/la7Kcg7NFc
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
The Italian Dream turning up the pace in round 1#UFCVegas41 @MarvinVettori pic.twitter.com/xFck9C0GU6
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
AS ADVERTISED. This fight is delivering! #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/nKQqDh5V5c
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Change of pace by Borrachinha as he goes for the takedown! #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/6oRO3t1yz9
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
These guys are letting it fly in the 4th! #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/AzGJVUI80b
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Borrachinha w/ the body work! #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/xl8GgaytOU
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
WHAT. A. FIGHT. #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/L1igknszw4
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Grant Dawson vs. Ricky Glenn fought to a Majority Draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28)
Grant Dawson controlled almost all of the first two rounds vs. Ricky Glenn, but by the time the third round came around Dawson looked very tired, and Glenn completely dominated the third round, earning a 10-8 round to get the draw. Glenn remains one of the UFC's best prospect killers, and showed in the third round why, as he had a deep d'arce choke locked in at the bell of the fight, and it looked like Dawson was very close to being out.
Co-main action underway! --
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
---- @DawsonGrant20y1 vs ---- @GladiatorGlenn
It's LIVE on @ESPNPlus. #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/C3VhQ5kZ8E
Grinding for every position here! -- #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/uRCTBLWc0S
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
A late submission attempt for Glenn, but Dawson is giving thumbs up til the end ------ #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/PQ0uuzKH82
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Jessica-Rose Clark def. Joselyne Edwards via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
In a terrible fight, Jessica-Rose Clark dominated Joselyne Edwards with a wrestling-heavy approach that was incredibly dull to watch, but very effective. Edwards had no ability to either stop the takedown, or get off her back, but Clark took no chances, and just largely layed and prayed.
A pair of budding bantamweights set to step under the bright lights
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
---- @MissJessyJess vs ---- @JoselyneMMA29
[ #UFCVegas41 live on #ESPNPlus] pic.twitter.com/euxCyYGHPW
Strong grappling display shown so far by @MissJessyJess!
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
[ #UFCVegas41 live on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/0t5QuTdAiF
That's 2 in-a-row for @MissJessyJess
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
[ #UFCVegas41 live on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/wwqMpDGSn2
Alex Caceres def. Seung Woo Choi via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (Rd. 2 3:31)
In the third consecutive fight marred by a foul, Alex Caceres came back from being hit with an illegal knee to rally in the second round and get the rear-naked choke submission finish over Seung Woo Choi. Choi had rocked Caceres with a huge right hand, and had him in serious danger only to have the flurry stopped and a point deducted when he hit Caceres when he was down. Caceres showed major heart in the second round, jumping for an athletic back-take and finished the fight with a tight rear-naked choke.
The fun matchups keep coming your way --
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
It's ---- @BruceLeeroyGlow vs ---- @Sting_Choi NEXT at #UFCVegas41 on @ESPNPlus. pic.twitter.com/KBmRWYXGTC
BRUCE LEEROY with a vintage performance --@BruceLeeroyGlow sinks in the choke! #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/IxBX2RwtCW
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Make it 5️⃣ in a row for @BruceLeeroyGlow -- #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/W8sEX4LVme
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Francisco Trinaldo def. Dwight Grant via Split Decision (29-27, 29-27, 27-29)
In a boring foul-filled fight, Francisco Trinaldo emerged victorious over Dwight Grant. The portions of the fight on the feet were measured, with both men looking to counter-punch, but Trinaldo did control most of the ground exchanges. Trinaldo did have a point deducted for a very bad eye poke, but it wasn't enough to matter on the judges scorecards.
Welterweight action coming at ya!
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
---- @MassarandubaMMA vs ---- @DwightGrant
[ #UFCVegas41 LIVE on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/GA9GlcwXot
A change in momentum in the 2nd!
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
[ #UFCVegas41 live on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/pVAEa7NtfW
Massaranduba pulls of the SD victory in a highly contested battle @MassarandubaMMA
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
[ #UFCVegas41 live on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/u3T8zNtF87
Nicolae Negumereanu def. Ike Villanueva via TKO (Punches) (Rd 1 1:18)
In a very quick and violent fight, Nicolae Negumereanu got the finish over Ike Villanueva. Negumereanu caught him with a shot behind the ear, and closed the show with some ground and pound that looked dangerously close to the back of the head.
These fights have been insane! ------
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Opening the main card is ---- Nicolae Megumereanu vs ---- @Hurricane_UFC.
-- LIVE on @ESPNPlus #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/0eAWfwGlb9
DON'T BLINK!!! --
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
This one is already over as Negumereanu ends it quick! #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/4hKJtDbSLw
Romania stand up!!! ------------
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Nicolae Megumereanu with the round 1️⃣ finish. #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/UGpVYdiK0G
Gregory Rodriguez def. Jun Yong Park via TKO (Punches) (Rd. 2 3:13)
In an outstanding fight, Gregory Rodriguez emerged victorious over Jun Yong Park. Rodriguez got back control for a large part of the first round, but Park came out in the second and rocked Rodriguez and threatened with a d'arce choke. While it looked Rodriguez was in trouble he stormed back with excellent counterpunching and flurried to get the finish.
A pair of 185lb prospects looking to climb the MW ranks
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
---- Junyong Park vs ---- @Gregory_MMA
[ #UFCVegas41 LIVE on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/4Eumf68cqE
Heavy exchanges in the first! --
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
[ #UFCVegas41 live on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Hf6q8R0j3u
WE GOT OURSELVES A FIGHT --
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
[ #UFCVegas41 live on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/1ZbssGSntu
WHAT A SCRAP!
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
[ #UFCVegas41 live on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/rA5vvlxvra
---- https://t.co/qmoa0uRaNw pic.twitter.com/FYKcieg8Ot
— (@FTBVids_YT) October 23, 2021
Mason Jones def. David Onama via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Mason Jones used his superior takedown game to get the decision win over the newcomer David Onama. Despite the loss, the story of the fight will likely be Onama, who came in on 5 days notice, fighting up a division at lightweight and pushed Jones to the limit. Great scrap.
Fun one for ya up next --
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
-------------- @MasonJones1995 vs ---- David Onama going LIVE on @ESPNPlus. #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/wBPEDevWzc
Both guys getting cracked early! -- #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/rhgCCrRlT0
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Got the call on short notice, but David Onama is throwing BOMBS -- #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/yDVXgHj6VO
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
These guys came to SCRAP! -- #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/4zSqvWJgXe
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR THESE TWO!!!! ------
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Nonstop action from bell to bell. #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/KYeNhlbv9b
Tabatha Ricci def. Maria Oliveira via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Tabatha Ricci had her way with Maria Oliveira scoring takedowns at will and controlling the fight from top position. Ricci was close to securing an arm-bar during the second round, and Oliveira was never really in this fight for a second. Even though it was against a debuting fighter on short notice, this was a good bounceback performance by Ricci after dropping her UFC debut.
A battle between Brazilian hopefuls on deck! #UFCVegas41 Costa vs Vettori - Saturday Oct 23 LIVE on #ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/V7XmVg1Vhp
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Dominating start to the 2nd for Ricci
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
[ #UFCVegas41 live on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/3HebXewp6P
Tabitha Ricci pulls off the dominant performance to get her first UFC win!
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
[ #UFCVegas41 live on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/z58z41HKCd
Jai Herbert def. Khama Worthy via TKO (Punches) (Rd. 1 2:47)
In a fighter featuring heavy shots, Jai Herbert rocked Khama Worthy near the midpoint of the first round with a flurry of blows that lead to the finish. An essential win for the former Cage Warriors champion who was trying to avoid going 0-3 to start his UFC career.
Lightweights continue the Saturday action UP NEXT!
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
---- @TheDeathStar_1 vs -------------- @JaiHerbert2#UFCVegas41 Costa vs Vettori - Saturday Oct 23 LIVE on #ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/h2kd8sQ39G
MY GOODNESS! One and done for @JaiHerbert2!!#UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/wN7kWkBvL2
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Replay of Herbert's TKO https://t.co/1W6GeDlLxi pic.twitter.com/r52Ub87Vhv
— (@FTBVids_YT) October 23, 2021
Back in a BIG way! @JaiHerbert2 gets the finish at #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/CCzxIGs6K8
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Jeff Molina def. Daniel da Silva via TKO (Punches) (Rd. 2 0:46)
In a thrilling contest, Jeff Molina weathered an incredible early storm from Daniel da Silva, including a standing rear-naked choke attempt. Once the second round started, da Silva seemed incredibly discouraged, having never reached the 2nd round before, and Molina quickly knocked him down with a counter right hand. After short ground and pound the fight was called. Molina looks to be a very interesting rising contender in the flyweight division, whose fights are guaranteed to be entertaining.
High paced action coming at ya!
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
These two are wasting no time -- #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/RoJxLepTiE
OH MY!!!! --@JMolina_125 showcasing that FLYWEIGHT POWER ------ #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/thO9wiH6U1
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
-- EL JEFE --
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Making it a 9️⃣ fight win streak! #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/PDooq7PMrY
Randa Markos def. Livia Renata Souza via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
In a very fun grappling match, Randa Markos emerged victorious over Livinha Souza. Souza threatened early with an unconventional arm-bar attempt, and a rear-naked choke, but Markos came out strong in the last two rounds, and controlled a tiring Souza to get the decision. One of the better performances by Markos recently, and a fight worth checking out.
SWs taking center stage with something to prove --
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
---- Livinha Souza vs ---- @RandaMMA#UFCVegas41 Costa vs Vettori - Saturday Oct 23 LIVE on #ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/ugE36F0hv9
Souza w/ the early submission attempt!
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
[ #UFCVegas41 live on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/DeOO1Katc1
-- @RandaMMA hit the reverse in the 2nd!
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
[ #UFCVegas41 live on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/B2ezCg0KgH
Heavy Storm coming in the 3rd! @RandaMMA
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
[ #UFCVegas41 live on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/juF47GKv3V
Stormin' back in the win column! @RandaMMA w/ the UD nod.
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
[ #UFCVegas41 live on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/5VwgY2jIN4
Jonathan Martinez def. Zvaid Lazishvili via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
In a tightly contested kickboxing match, Jonathan Martinez outpointed Zvaid Lazishvili. Martinez effectively countered Lazishvili takedown attempts early on and was able to carve Lazishvili up on the feet after that. Good performance by Martinez.
Underway on @ESPNPlus!
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
---- @JonathanMyda vs ---- Zviad Lazishvili get things started at #UFCVegas41. pic.twitter.com/rMJXBtwP0D
Swinging through round 3️⃣!
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
Who's going to finish strong here? #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/Ubps5Z3Ftm
Undefeated no more --
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2021
-- @JonathanMyda spoils the debut and gets the first win at #UFCVegas41! pic.twitter.com/zETlM1QDWu
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