Bryan Barberena overcame a near death experience, and a temporary loss of vision, prior to making his return to the octagon at UFC Vegas 33.
In a very real way, “Bam Bam” was already a winner, thanks to that feat. On Saturday night, however, Barberena had a more tangible foe on his hands, as he was taking on Jason Witt, a former KC Fighting Alliance welterweight champion.
After opening the fight with a touch of the gloves, Bryan Barberena and Jason Witt got off to a slow start, as both men had a feeling out period before Barberena connected first. Witt then executed a perfectly timed takedown to take the fight to the ground. Barberena was patient on the ground, not giving Witt any openings to get into a better position. After a brief scramble, Barberena and Witt returned to the feet where Barberena began to land a few strikes, a clear reminder for Witt of the power he had in his hands. Right before the bell, Witt got his second takedown of the fight to end the round.
In round two, both men connected with some power punches echoing throughout the arena. Witt looked for another takedown but was brushed off by Barberena. A big shot from Jason Witt landed, sending Barberena to the mat briefly. Once up on the feet, Witt went in for another takedown but he couldn’t hold Barberena down. They got on their feet again, and Witt landed another bomb, dropping Barberena. He transitioned into a guillotine that Barberena escaped. Witt got another takedown to end the round on top at the bell.
Jason Witt looked to be up two rounds to Bryan Barberena’s zero heading into the third round. Barberena would likely need a finish, and began to connect with some heavy punches that rocked Witt. Witt got the back of Barberena and took him down, and Barberena got up just to be taken back to the ground again. Barberena got back to his feet where he shook off another takedown and began to tee off on Jason Witt, landing damaging blows. Witt grabbed a leg on fumes and took the fight to the ground. Both men, on their last bit of energy gave everything they had at the end. A great fight to kick off the main card!
INSANITY!!!!! 🤯
The slugfest you expected is happening! #UFCVegas33 pic.twitter.com/5gaayuGW2B
— UFC (@ufc) August 1, 2021
Official Result: Jason Witt def. Bryan Barberena by majority decision (28-28, 29-27, 29-28)
