In a dominant showing, Juan Espino steamrolled Justin Frazier, earning an early submission to win TUF 28 at heavyweight on Friday night.
The Ultimate Fighter 28 heavyweight final on Friday night was going to be a feel-good story no matter who won. The underdog vs. the aging veteran getting his first shot at the UFC. Two genuinely decent guys, at least from their portrayal on TUF 28. Two guys who unquestionably deserved to be there. Justin Frazier was the underdog, Juan Espino the old dog.
In the end, experience overcame all.
Espino almost immediately hoisted Frazier up and took him down, looking to do damage early. Frazier struggled to work to his feet, and had Espino all over him when he did make it to his knees. Espino used a leg to trap Frazier, and began dropping some heavy punches. Frazier was pinned along the fence, and soon gave up his back, seemingly out of options. Espino was high on his back, but still had him trapped, landing punches. However, Frazier slipped out the back door, only to immediately find himself contending with another takedown. Frazier would fight his opponent off momentarily, but Espino chased and finished the takedown, landing in side control. He then secured a crucifix, working on a Americana/arm-lock. And before long, he had it!
Juan Espino is your heavyweight Ultimate Fighter! #TUFFinale @Juan_Espino_Ofi pic.twitter.com/8LyKiamVDQ
— UFC (@ufc) December 1, 2018
The oldest heavyweight in the TUF house this past season, there’s a question of how far Espino can go in the UFC. At 38, he may have precious little time to make it to the top. But thus far, he’s off to a great start.
Juan Espino def. Justin Frazier by submission (straight arm-lock), Round 1, 3:36
