Max Griffin showed off his striking in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 22, getting his second straight stoppage with a first-round knockout over Song Kenan.
With the loss of Gregor Gillespie vs. Brad Riddell from the UFC Vegas 22 card on Saturday, the UFC was forced to scramble for a makeshift co-main event. In the end, they settled on the welterweight affair between Max Griffin and Song Kenan — not a bad choice, given Griffin’s ability to excel under pressure.
Look no further than Max “Pain’s” scraps against Mike Perry and Thiago Alves for evidence thereof. As for Kenan, the Chinese fighter was riding a two-fight win streak, and looking to advance in the deep 170lb weight class.
Griffin came out swinging in the co-main event, hurling hooks at Kenan from the get-go. Kenan fired back, but Griffin charged at him with an aggressive combination then shot for a takedown against the cage. Kenan’s takedown defense held strong and he was able to push Griffin away. Kenan was then hit with an overhand right, but Griffin was no longer in his face with pressure. Kenan hit Griffin with a right hand that backed him up, but Griffin was able to turn the tide and get Kenan on his back foot. One right hand landed, then a big left-right combo as Kenan had nowhere left to backpedal, and Kenan crumbled. One more hammerfist was all that was needed to stop the fight. An impressive first-round knockout for Max Griffin.
After the fight, Griffin called out Geoff Neal.
Max Griffin def. Song Kenan by KO (Right Straight) in Round 1 (2:20)
