In a very one-sided fight, Jordan Rinaldi made his featherweight debut at UFC 230 by handing Jason Knight his fourth straight loss.
Jordan Rinaldi is 1-2 since joining the UFC on short notice to face Abel Trujillo. After losing to Trujillo, Rinaldi became the fourth fighter in UFC history to win with a Von Flue choke when he submitted Alvaro Herrera. Rinaldi lost in a wild fight against Gregor Gillespie last time out.
After a great four-fight run that followed a loss in his UFC debut, Jason Knight has struggled. Falling to Ricardo Lamas, Gabriel Benitez, and Makwan Amirkhani has set back the once rising contender. Knight is known for his aggressive style on the feet, earning the nickname “Hick Diaz.” The former Titan FC fighter also has a very active guard, enabling him to push forward when striking.
Rinaldi charged in with a clinch attempt early on, but Knight shook him off and landed a right hand. A big right landed for Rinaldi, causing Jason Knight to beckon him forward. Rinaldi obliged and landed a head kick followed by a takedown. Knight retained guard and worked his way to the fence, then stood up. Rinaldi landed another takedown and dragged Knight towards the center of the cage, and Knight was happy to work from guard. Knight employed some rubber guard, but Rinaldi dominated from top position, passing guard as time expired.
Jordan Rinaldi went back to his wrestling in round two, landing an early takedown. Knight began to look for rubber guard, but Rinaldi passed as that was happening. Rinaldi took side control, then Knight’s back. Rinaldi established a body triangle and Knight was simply stuck for the remainder of the round.
Jason Knight started the final round with a wheel kick that caught nothing but air. The two exchanged punches, then Knight stuffed a takedown. Knight was able to take Rinaldi down, earning back control in the process. Then Rinaldi brilliantly used a kimura to sweep Knight and take his back. Knight was able to stand up with Rinaldi hanging off his back and tried a forward roll but Rinaldi hung on, riding out the fight on Knight’s back.
Jordan Rinaldi def. Jason Knight by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-25)
