Combate Americas standout Jesse Strader made his octagon debut Saturday night at UFC Vegas 22. The California-based bantamweight stepped in on short notice against Montel Jackson, who was looking to bounce back from a loss to Brett Johns last year.
Strader had come in heavy for the fight, though he might get a pass after taking it on a little over a week’s notice. Coughing up 20% of his purse, however, would make the victory that much more important.
Strader was the biggest underdog on the UFC Vegas 22 card, according to the bookies. For good reason, as it turned out.
Jackson vs. Strader opened with a number of kicks, mainly low, from Strader. He fired a couple to the body as well. He also ripped the body with crisp punches, a trademark of Strader’s fights. But in a clinch, after an exchange of knees, Strader ate a huge right hand that dropped him. The punch, a perfectly placed hook by Jackson, landed right on the ear. Strader reached for a leg, and managed to survive, but he was sat down again moments later by Jackson. Strader hung in for a few more moments, but was forced to cover up, and soon enough, Montel Jackson had the TKO victory.
LIVED UP TO THE NICKNAME ⚡️
'Quick' @Montello135 needs half a round to do it!
[ #UFCVegas22 – LIVE on ESPN2 and #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/cQl4qz21A6
— UFC (@ufc) March 21, 2021
Official Result: Montel Jackson def. Jesse Strader by TKO, Round 1, 1:58
