If styles do indeed make fights, than Charles Rosa vs. Justin Jaynes at UFC Vegas 30 promised to be an interesting scrap.
Jaynes had entered the UFC on just three day’s notice last June, taking on an overweight Frank Camacho and winning a Performance of the Night bonus for a TKO finish. Since then, however, Jaynes had struggles, dropping three fights at three different weights: featherweight, lightweight, and even a (planned) 160lb catchweight.
Charles Rosa, for his part, had been trading wins and losses since entering the UFC in 2014, losing decisions while collecting a few submissions, something he was well-known for on the regional circuit.
While both fighters were coming off a loss, Jaynes was in must-win territory at UFC Vegas 30. He’d also bet on himself heading into the fight — reportedly wagering his whole purse.
Both men spent a bit of the first feeling things out, but that only lasted about 45 seconds. Jaynes then opened up with some absolute bombs that at least partially landed. Although it was a good start, it encouraged Rosa to begin his attack as well which landed with a much more measured approach. That style carried throughout the round as Rosa kept the pressure up, then landed a takedown with very little time left. He reached mount and the back quickly, but then was reversed as time expired.
Jaynes started the second round with more of the same, looking to turn up the pressure. Rosa again turned the tables with the more tactical approach. Rosa then hit a big leg kick that appeared to hurt Jaynes. Jaynes shot the takedown and after getting out of a guillotine, saw a little top control time. Rosa worked to his feet and freed himself and then worked to his own control time with a front head lock. A few failed d’arce set ups made way for a Jaynes single leg attempt, but they wound up in an awkward modified crucifix-type position. That exchange eventually made way to an actual crucifix position for Rosa. Jaynes exploded out with a few seconds left, but ended the round trying to punch himself out of a triangle.
Jaynes, seemingly down a pair of rounds, got right after it in the last round. Again, he didn’t have much success and then Rosa planted him with a takedown right to side control. Rosa worked some attempts at submissions, including a north-south choke, but with half a round left, Jaynes worked back to his feet. A big left hand landed for Jaynes and he appeared to have Rosa on skates. He landed a few more before shooting a takedown, much to the chagrin of Daniel Cormier on commentary. Jaynes worked to an arm triangle, but couldn’t get the finish. Rosa worked to guard and back to his feet and scored himself some top control to finish the fight.
Jaynes will likely regret that takedown upon review — not to mention the bet.
Official result: Charles Rosa def. Justin Jaynes by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
