One of three debuting fighters on the UFC Vegas 37 card Saturday night, Brandon Jenkins was the only athlete stepping in on short notice.
Jenkins was set to make his octagon debut against Zhu Rong in place of Dakota Bush, who was forced to withdraw due to COVID-19. Adding a twist, Rong missed weight for the fight on Friday, while the late replacement Jenkins, a PFL veteran, hit the mark.
The two were trading leg kicks to start the fight and going shot for shot between the two. Rong was landing the heavier kicks but Jenkins was timing him well with his hands. Rong landed a clean right hand that got the attention of Jenkins. Jenkins threw a sloppy spinning kick and Rond counted with a right hand dropping Jenkins. Jenkins got right back to his feet but right back down he went. Rong got into mount briefly but Jenkins defended well. Rong landed some good ground and pound and a good elbow as Jenkins got back to his feet at the bell.
Went for the spin, but met with a hook 😱 #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/y4F5y0Z5kk
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Jenkins came out aggressive in round two. The aggression made Rong fire back even harder and he took Jenkins right back down. Rong controlled the nearly whole round two keeping Jenkins grounded. He won every scramble and got the mount twice briefly. Jenkins finally got back to his feet with under a minute left. Rong ended the round landing big shots as both were just throwing caution to the wind.
Punches in bunches! 👊
Watch out 🇨🇳 @RongzhuM is swinging heavy. #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/3Ni6fMiV3z
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Forward pressure from Rong in the final round. Rong landing the jab and the bigger shots but Jenkins did a good job firing back. Jenkins threw another sloppy spinning attack and slipped to the mat letting Rong get on top. Rong continued to try and take the back but Jenkins wasn’t letting it happen. Jenkins got back to his feet but only briefly before he was torn back down. Rong landed some nasty ground and pound with a minute left in the guard of Jenkins. The impact of the shots forced Jenkins to turn away. More punches land and the ref steps in to stop the fight.
The ref has seen enough 💢
🙌 The youngest fighter on the roster, @RongzhuM gets the finish! #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/EeWnjPLBIk
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Zhu Rong def. Brandon Jenkins by TKO (ground and pound), Round 3, 4:25
