In a fantastic showing between two UFC newcomers, Brad Riddell outgunned Jamie Mullarkey over three rounds to win a unanimous decision on the UFC 243 preliminary card.
Two UFC newcomers made their UFC debuts on the UFC 243 preliminary card, as Brad Riddell faced Jamie Mullarkey in a lightweight contest.
Riddell entered the contest having won his last three bouts, all in 2019. The City Kickboxing product has a kickboxing background and also holds a knockout win over UFC Fighter Kenan Song back in 2017. Most recently prior to UFC 243, Riddell went to the scorecards for the first time, defeating Mikey Vaotuua via decision at Wollongong Wars 7 back in July.
Mullarkey entered the bout on a four-fight win streak, with all four wins coming via stoppage. The 25-year-old had finished 11 of his 12 wins, seven via (T)KO and four via submission. Mullarkey fought top UFC featherweight contender Alexander Volkanovski in 2016 and is a former BRACE featherweight champion.
Both fighters made weight, both weighing in at 156-pounds for the non-title contest.
Round 1:
Both fighters touched gloves to kick off the contest. Mullarkey landed a nice jab early, causing Riddell to return shortly after with a right hand. Riddell followed up with a combination, which ended with a leg kick seconds later. Riddell threw several combinations through the first 90 seconds, ending it with a leg kick each time. Mullarkey attempted a right hand that missed the target. Riddell landed an overhand right two minutes into the contest but Mullarkey absorbed it well. Mullarkey attempted a takedown almost three minutes into the first round but Riddell defended the initial shot well, although Mullarkey managed to push Riddell against the cage. They would break after a minute and went back to the middle of the Octagon. Riddell landed to the body and then landed with a combination to the head of Mullarkey. They both traded to end the round.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Riddell.
Round 2:
Riddell started off firing early in the second round, when he landed a combination seconds into the round. Mullarkey went for a takedown after Riddell landed a leg kick, which he got but Riddell managed to get back to his feet. Mullarkey managed to catch a body kick a minute later and this time Mullarkey managed to keep top position. Riddell managed to reverse Mullarkey seconds after though, but Mullarkey went for a single leg takedown to try to regain the dominant position. Riddell managed to defend the takedown and get back into the middle of the Octagon. Riddell landed a leg kick shortly after, and landed a big left hook with a minute left into the round. Mullarkey attempted another takedown, but Riddell defended. Mullarkey went for another takedown, and this time Riddell managed to reverse position to get into mount. Riddell attempted a rear-naked choke, but Mullarkey defended and managed to reverse Riddell at the very end of the round.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Riddell.
Round 3:
Seconds into the third, Riddell again landed big shots to kick off the round, firstly a leg kick which was followed by a knee. Riddell managed to get his own takedown early into the third round after securing a reactive double leg. However, Riddell let Mullarkey up seconds later to get back to the feet. Riddell landed a big left hook, which staggered Mullarkey. Both men exchanging, and Mullarkey managed to come back and wobble Riddell himself. Mullarkey went for a takedown, attempted a rear-naked choke but Riddell managed to get back the feet. Riddell stunned Mullarkey again but Mullarkey managed to get it to the ground although Riddell landed on top. With over a minute left, Riddell is landing shots on top but stood up. Both men traded for the last minute but Mullakrey managed to survive and hear the final horn. Great third round between the UFC newcomers.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-8 Riddell.
Official Result: Brad Riddell def. Jamie Mullarkey by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 30-26)
