Bobby Green got the better of Lando Vannata in their rematch at UFC Vegas 5, knocking him down several times in a unanimous decision victory.
In a rematch of their somewhat controversial draw from 2017, Lando Vannata and Bobby Green threw down once again at UFC Vegas 5. Part of a shortened event at a card ravaged by withdrawals, the bout was an interesting one, given Vannata’s talents, and Green recently returning to the winner’s circle just a few months back.
The first fight, for those who missed it, ended in a split draw. Vannata, however, had a point deducted for an illegal knee. Leaving two fighters very motivated for a different outcome this time around.
The first round of their second bout started much like the first round of their last bout. Vannata’s speed proved to be the difference at the onset. Between the speed and willingness to absorb the jabs of Green, Vannata was able to work inside and stun Green with a big shot. It wouldn’t be long before Green returned the favor and floored Vannata. Vannata used his wrestling to put Green against the cage and give himself a chance to recover. The round ends with Green showboating classically with his hands down, talking trash to Vannata.
After corner advice that asked him not to get into a “gun fight,” Vannata came out and looked to be more calculated in his attack. A failed body lock takedown and slightly lower output for Vannata didn’t change what Green was trying, or able to do. He pumped his jab frequently in the face of Vannata. On a tie up, Vannata jumped on a guillotine attempts and eventually conceded some top half guard work from Green. Vannata returned to his feet and a little later scored a short-lived takedown for himself. More of the same showmanship to end the round for Green.
The sixth round between the two went quickly to a Thai clinch. Green was looking for knees while Vannata threw shots over the top. Green switched it up to an elbow and put Vannata on butt. Green poured on blows looking to finish. He moved to mount to look for the finish there, but Vannata survived and used a heel hook to get back to the feet. They didn’t spend long there and Green hits a surprising takedown. After threatening with a choke, the fight wound up back on the feet for the final minute. Both landed some leather, but Green seemed to get the best of it.
Bobby Green def. Lando Vannata by Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
