Luis Saldana showed his skills in his promotional debut, taking home a unanimous decision over an aggressive Jordan Griffin at UFC Vegas 23.
After going 1-1 in 2020, featherweight Jordan Griffin was tasked with welcoming Contender Series winner Luis Saldana to the octagon at UFC Vegas 23.
Griffin, coming off a loss against Youssef Zalal last June, was in dire need of a win after posting a 1-3 record through his first four UFC fights. Saldana, of course, was looking to make a big first impression.
Saldana started the fight with a leg kick then went down the pipe with a right hand that found Griffin’s chin. Griffin landed a combination that Saldana countered with a superman punch followed by a head kick and a leg kick that swept Griffin off his feet temporarily. Griffin landed a brief takedown but Saldana popped right back up. Griffin ate a spinning backfist, then exploded forward with a combination into the clinch. Saldana broke free, but Griffin got right back on him and secured a takedown. Saldana returned to his feet, then had to duck under a head kick. Griffin landed one more head kick before the end of the round.
Saldana slipped early in the second round and Griffin took advantage by getting into top position. Saldana threatened by throwing his legs up high, but Griffin was able to thwart any submission attempts. With several submissions defended, Saldana then changed things up and went for a leg lock, which opened up the opportunity to stand up for him. He was brought right back down and Griffin was able to get his back and sunk in a rear-naked choke, but Saldana was able to survive with Griffin’s arm under his chin.
Griffin was popped by a right straight to start the round and Saldana was able to defend a takedown. Saldana was having more success in the final round, landing more punches on top and defending another takedown. However, Griffin turned the defended takedown into a sneaky rear-naked choke attempt, but Saldana was able to spin out despite the arm being under the chin briefly. Saldana was able to take Griffin’s back, but Griffin rolled out and ended the round on Saldana’s back.
Luis Saldana def. Jordan Griffin by Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3)
