Billy Quarantillo’s first twelve months as a UFC fighter have been impressive. Three wins since last December, with the chance for victory number four Saturday at UFC 256. Opposite him, Canadian featherweight Gavin Tucker, who came into the fight on the strength of two consecutive submission wins.
It was Tucker opening up the 145lb affair with a leg kick. The pair traded in close, with Tucker then moving in with more kicks. But a Quarantillo right head found its target, and Tucker had to shake off the cobwebs. That led to a throw takedown from the Canadian, but Quarantillo popped back up almost immediately. Tucker began to find success on the feet with short elbows, but Quarantillo was in his face with constant pressure. With both men landing repeatedly, it was a tight round, but Tucker landed a head kick late, and finished off the round with a takedown.
Caught him up top 🇨🇦 @GavinTucker6 ends round one with an exclamation! #UFC256 pic.twitter.com/b2rgj6Wa1Z
— UFC (@ufc) December 13, 2020
In the second, Tucker showed some impressive accuracy with his strikes early. His movement was a step ahead of his opponent. He targeted the body. Quarantillo’s output was still high, but slipping. His accuracy and impact couldn’t match Tucker. Quarantillo repeatedly tried to employ a Thai clinch, fighting in close, but Tucker appeared undeterred. The Canadian would eventually take the back and get the fight to the ground with roughly two minutes remaining in the frame. Things wouldn’t stay down long, but another takedown put Tucker in side control. Quarantillo looked to escape out the back, and eventually did, only for Tucker to land a combo as they got back up. Quarantillo’s best weapon might have been his knees to the body in close, but he needed to adjust his game plan heading into the third.
Billy Quarantillo was in need of a finish come the third round. Tucker, who had said during fight week that he planned to make the bout a technical one, was doing just that. Technique and accuracy over pressure and volume. By the middle of the third, Tucker had taken his opponent down again. Quarantillo was also cut, perhaps on an accidental clash of heads. The American was tiring, and Tucker scored another takedown, a double-leg, with ease. When Quarantillo got up, he was slammed back down on his back. Tucker finished the round on top, and while it went to the scorecards, the winner was never in doubt.
At 34-years old, Tucker has a rather small window to make an impact at featherweight. However, he certainly has all the talent necessary to be a force in the division.
Official Result: Gavin Tucker def. Billy Quarantillo by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
