UFC Mexico City went down Saturday, and served as the lone UFC event in the month of August thanks to the boxing superfight between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather. In the main event, a pair of strawweights vying for title contention squared off as Sergio Pettis and Brandon Moreno were scheduled for five rounds. Earlier on in the evening, however, a pair of bouts opened up the action on UFC Fight Pass.
In lightweight action, Alvaro Herrera looked to get back in the win column after splitting his first two UFC fights. Herrera last suffered a loss Vincente Luque just over a year ago, and would have to shake off the cage rust when going up against Jordan Rinaldi. Rinaldi, for his part, was looking for his first UFC win after dropping his promotional debut to Abel Trujillo in May of last year.
Then in flyweight action, undefeated Joseph Morales made his promotional debut against another undefeated prospect, Roberto Sanchez. Sanchez won the inaugural LFA flyweight championship in his last bout this past June, an was looking to hold on to his unblemished record at UFC Fight Night 114.
Check back with Cageside Press for a full recap and results of the night’s action!
Álvaro Herrera vs. Jordan Rinaldi
Herrera pressed the action early in the opening fight of the UFC Mexico City card, with Rinaldi looking to counter. Rinaldi charged in for a takedown just over a minute and a half in after setting the attempt up with a combo. He ate a shot that opened him up on the attempt, but was able to convert it. After fighting off an anaconda attempt by Herrera, Rinaldi moved into position for a Von Flue choke. Within moments, this one was over!
Jordan Rinaldi def. Álvaro Herrera by submission (Von Flue Choke), Round 1, 2:01
Joseph Morales vs. Roberto Sanchez
Sanchez looked for a double leg early, clasped his hands together behind Morales’ legs and dropped him to his back along the fence. Morales used a guillotine attempt to defend, and ultimately Sanchez found himself in his opponent’s guard. Sanchez worked the body while Morales fought his way back to the feet. Morales then connected with a combo capped with an overhand that dropped Sanchez! A wobbled Sanchez was in trouble as Morales followed up with several strikes then took the back, got his hooks in and fought to secure a rear-naked choke. Sanchez would defend for a time but could not break free and Morales earned the tap!
Joseph Morales def. Roberto Sanchez by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 3:56
UFC Mexico City Fight Pass Preliminary Card Results:
Joseph Morales def. Roberto Sanchez by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 3:56
Jordan Rinaldi def. Álvaro Herrera by submission (Von Flue Choke), Round 1, 2:01
