Gunnar Nelson announced his return in a big way at UFC 231, taking Alex Oliveira’s best shots and submitting the Brazilian.
Gunnar Nelson enters UFC 231 having not fought since July 2017, when he was the victim of Santiago Ponzinibbio’s coming out party. The loss snapped a two-fight submission streak for the Icelandic welterweight.
Alex Oliveira has won four of his last five fights and has always been entertaining. The Brazilian uses his size, power, and submission skills to get past opponents. Most recently, he’s defeated Carlo Pedersoli Jr. and Carlos Condit to bounce back from a tough loss agianst Yancy Medeiros.
Alex Oliveira started the fight with a leg kick as Gunnar Nelson bounced around. Nelson closed the distance and pushed Oliveira to the fence. Oliveira landed some downward elbows, then Gunnar tried to take him down, but Oliveira grabbed the fence to resist. The referee sorted things out, then placed the fighters back against the fence. Gunnar was able to take him down cleanly this time around, and took the Brazilian’s back, establishing a body triangle. Oliveira muscled out of the position and landed solid ground and pound from guard. Nelson was able to sweep Oliveira off his feet with an ankle-lock attempt. The round ended in a 50-50 position.
The second round had a fairly slow start until Gunnar was able to land a takedown, sliding into full mount. Oliveira held Gunnar close to limit damage, but any escape efforts fell short. Gunnar was able to posture up and land a crushing elbow that split Oliveira open. Oliveira reacted by giving up his back and tapping immediately to the rear-naked choke.
It’s well-known that Gunnar Nelson is an incredibly talented welterweight, so it’s great to have him back in the Octagon and performing at a high level once again.
Gunnar Nelson def. Alex Oliveira by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in Round 2 (4:17)
