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UFC Fight Night: Perez vs. Taira Takeaways and Thoughts
The UFC returned to the Apex on Saturday with a card full of prospects and hard-hitting fighters. It was a night of decisions and an unfortunate main event finish, but most of the fights were fun. Let’s take a look at the results…
Main Card
Tatsuro Taira def. Alex Perez via TKO (injury) (R2, 2:59)
Miles Johns def. Douglas Silva de Andrade via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Lucas Almeida def. Timmy Cuamba via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Brady Hiestand def. Garrett Armfield via submission (rear-naked choke) (R3, 1:52)
Asu Almabayev def. Jose Johnson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Adam Fugitt def. Josh Quinlan via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Preliminary Card
Nate Maness def. Jimmy Flick via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Gabriella Fernandes def. Carli Judice via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Westin Wilson def. Jeka Saragih via submission (armbar) (R1, 1:49)
Melquizael Costa def. Shayilan Nuerdanbieke via submission (rear-naked choke) (R3, 1:50)
Josefine Knutsson def. Julia Polastri via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
The Prelims
As usual, the Prelims were worth a watch. Here’s what stood out to me…
I was really looking forward to seeing Josefine Knutsson in action again. This fight got delayed in March and while Knutsson didn’t have a big time finish on Saturday, she did have a pretty clear win that showcased a lot of her skill. I think Knutsson is a prospect to watch, so I’m curious to see who she faces next.
Melquizael Costa continues to put on strong performances. He wanted an early finish, but ended up with one in the third round. He keeps getting better each time out.
Jeka Saragih came into the fight with a lot of hype and as a heavy betting favorite. Westin Wilson messed all that up and got a really impressive armbar submission early in the fight.
Adam Fugitt vs. Josh Quinlan
This was a really fun way to start the Main Card. It was back and forth with both fighters going for it at various points. In the end, Adam Fugitt picked up the decision and it was much deserved. He continues to build a bit of a resume for himself.
Asu Almabayev vs. Jose Johnson
This was an important fight for Asu Almabayev. He has been on a really hot streak and this fight was tough for him due to the major advantage that Jose Johnson had in reach. In the end, though, Asu had no issue whatsoever with Johnson. Almabayev is a heck of a prospect who showed that he can figure out issues when it comes to a clash in styles and build. I’m excited to see what is next for him.
Brady Hiestand vs. Garrett Armfield
Everyone knew this was going to be a banger as soon as it was announced and it didn’t disappoint. Hiestand and Armfield both went for it and this ended up being a really tough, back and forth fight. Hiestand ended up getting a nice choke slipped on in the third, which is impressive with both men being sweaty.
Lucas Almeida vs. Timmy Cuamba
This was another fun, back and forth fight on the show. Both men tend to not get much attention when they fight, so it was nice to see them get a fight that had more eyes on them than usual. Almeida got the nod, but it was close during most of the fight.
Miles Johns vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade
Miles Johns continues to show that he actually is the type of fighter many people hoped he would be. It seems like he has figured it out and has added much more to his game than just power. With positive test results and cardio issues behind him, he might be a person to watch as he climbs up the division.
Tatsuro Taira vs. Alex Perez
Well…Tatsuro Taira continues his undefeated streak and will be moving up in the division again. He looked great doing it, but the win was part skill/part unfortunate circumstance. He was getting his shots in and was looking good on the ground. When the fight finished, he was riding the back of Perez and swept the leg. It was a great technique, but Perez twisted wrong and he couldn’t continue the fight due to injury. Therefore, Taira got the win, but it was a bit wonky. Still - he did look good and a win is a win. He will get another featured fight and the division is open enough where he could find himself in a major fight pretty soon.
My Picks
I ended up going 6-5 on this card with my picks. Not great! It was a tough card to pick with a lot of prospects and relatively even matchups. Good thing I didn’t bet real money!
Overall, it was a fun night of fights. The way that the main event ended was unfortunate, but the rest of the fights delivered with back and forth action and some fun finishes.
What did you think of the show? Who do you think is next for Tatsuro Taira? Let me know at matt.tenhoeve@gmail.com. I will be back later in the week to talk about the busy weekend that will feature PFL, Bellator, and UFC. See you then!
