Now 40, and in his sixteenth year as a professional fighter, Matt Brown was starting to live up to his “The Immortal” nickname. On Saturday at UFC Vegas 29, Brown kicked off the main card on ESPN, taking on TUF veteran Dhiego Lima.
Lima, brother of two-time former Bellator MMA welterweight champ Douglas Lima, was circling early. Brown, who probably hasn’t taken a backwards step in his life, pressed forward. He’d go to the body with a kick when he was able to close the distance, throwing the kick off a punch. Brown went to the body, but ate a nasty leg kick from Lima. Rather than check the kick, Brown fired an even harder kick back in return. Lima’s kicks were adding up, however, not surprising as the Lima brothers were well-known for them.
The second round saw Lima tying things up along the fence. Brown easily fought off the takedown, then caught Lima with a left hand. Lima fired another kick to Brown’s lead leg; he’d shoot for another takedown, but Brown hopped back to the fence and stayed upright. Brown was still pressing forward, but Lima’s kicks were piling up — right up until Brown put his opponent down with a right hand. Lima, who had fired one of his own, missed as Brown ducked it. Brown did not, and Lima wound up face-planting.
"@IAmTheImmortal with a right hand from hell" 🔥#UFCVegas29 pic.twitter.com/gH5DztbYip
— UFC (@ufc) June 19, 2021
“Not bad for 40,” Brown exclaimed following the fight.
Official Result: Matt Brown def. Dhiego Lima by knockout, Round 2, 3:02
