Ricky Simon used a high pace and relentless wrestling to get by Brian Kelleher at UFC 258, winning by unanimous decision.
They wanted it, they fought for it, and they finally got their fight at UFC 258. Brian Kelleher and Ricky Simon had been booked to face off last year. That fight was bumped to January, only for Kelleher to test positive to COVID-19. But thanks to a smart, well-publicized callout by Simon after his win over replacement opponent Gaetano Pirrello back in January, the UFC opted to keep the bout together.
As an added twist, the pair ditched the cut down to 135lbs, agreeing to a featherweight fight at UFC 258. Which left Simon vs. Kelleher as a favorite to take home a Performance of the Night, or perhaps Fight of the Night bonus at the PPV card.
Simon ducked under quickly after a Kelleher left hook and got a takedown. the ground-and-pound of Simon cut Kelleher open next to his right eye. Simon had him pushed against the cage and dragged him away. Simon began working for an arm-triangle after breaking free of a Kelleher guillotine. Kelleher got out and stood up, then was quickly taken down again clearly bothered by the cut. Simon tried another arm-triangle choke but it did not lead to anything. Simon landed a head kick after returning to the feet. Kelleher connected with a spinning backfist, but it came at the end of a strong first round for Simon.
Simon started the second round with a few crisp jabs and Kelleher answered with a clean front kick to the chin. Simon was working the jab, then was caught with another front kick. He went for a takedown and Kelleher countered with a leg lock attempt. Simon broke free after a pair of hammerfists. Kelleher started pounding leg kicks on the feet and was promptly taken down by Simon again. Kelleher worked his way back up and Simon stayed on him, landing an uppercut and a strong hook. The round ended after a low kick from Kelleher.
Both fighters flung head kicks to start the final round and Simon began splitting his guard with upward elbows. Kelleher tried a spinning attack and Simon clinched up with him. Another takedown landed for Simon and Kelleher tried countering with a kimura, but Simon was able to turn it into one of his own. They stood up, only leading to another takedown for Simon. They broke apart and Kelleher landed a front kick at the very end of the fight.
Official Result: Ricky Simon def. Brian Kelleher by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
