Bantamweight action kicked off the UFC 265 early preliminary card on Saturday night in Houston, TX.
The promotion’s return to Houston kicked off a multi-event partnership with the Toyota Center; a deal announced earlier this summer.
In the card-opener, Johnny Munoz was looking to bounce back from a loss in his promotional debut last year when he took on Jamey Simmons. Like Munoz, Simmons had also dropped his octagon debut roughly a year ago.
Come Saturday, it was Munhoz making his present felt.
California’s Munoz took the center of the octagon first. No touch of gloves, as the duo got right down to business. Both fighters started by throwing jabs to find their range. Simmons threw a kick, but missed. Simmons threw a big hook, but Munoz ducked under, and clinched— only for nothing to come of it. Munoz then hit Simmons with two jabs back to back.
Changing things up, Munoz tried to shoot for a takedown, and Simmons clipped him coming in. Munoz recovered and continued with his jabs. Both fighters exchanged punches and kicks but nothing major hit home. Munoz landed a power takedown with 30 seconds left in the frame. Simmons got back to his feet to end the round but almost ate a knee, then found himself in a front choke.
Munhoz would get the job done in the second. Both fighters took the center of the octagon to start round two. Munoz landed a leg kick. Simmons tried for a 1-2, but Munoz landed a takedown with four minutes to work. Simmons tried to get to his feet, and Munoz took his back immediately. Munoz locked up a rear-naked choke, but Simmons defended. Munoz locked up another rear-naked choke, and it was under the neck that time— which forced Simmons to tap.
With the win, Munhoz finally gets his long-awaited first victory inside the octagon.
Official Result: Johnny Munoz def. Jamey Simmons by submission (rear-naked choke) Round 2, 2:35
