Danny Roberts picked up an upset win over Ramazan Emeev on the UFC Vegas 40 prelims.
Former M-1 Global middleweight champion Ramazan Emeev was looking to make it three in a row at UFC Vegas 40 on Saturday, against Danny Roberts.
“Hot Chocolate” Roberts entered off a single win, over Zelim Imadaev, but hadn’t competed since that 2019 fight in Moscow, Russia. Emeev, who had competed on that very same card, had fought twice since.
Roberts came out on his bike immediately, looking for the right hand and trying his best to stay out of Emeev’s range. Emeev got a great takedown halfway through the round, and Roberts used a triangle attempt to get back to the feet. Roberts then went back but still struggled to land shots at range, winging and missing most shots. Roberts shot for his own takedown in the final minute of round one but was unable to get it, in large part due to Emeev threatening with a guillotine attempt.
Emeev creatively flipped Roberts over and got the takedown to start round two. Roberts quickly got back to the feet and landed a great left hook before Emeev shot for another takedown, that Roberts stuffed. Roberts then landed a quick 1-2 that landed clean, but Emeev soon got a huge takedown after cutting Roberts in the forehead. Roberts tried to scramble but got caught in a guillotine attempt that Roberts fought out of. Roberts shot for his own takedown that Emeev defended to end a hectic round two.
Round three saw some more crazy scrambles, with Emeev and Roberts trading takedown attempts. The biggest moment in the round coming when Emeev shot for a takedown that was sprawled on by Roberts. He answered with a four-punch combination before pressing Emeev to the fence. Emeev reversed position but then Roberts reversed him and landed a big left hook. Emeev followed up with a left hook that wobbled Roberts, but he wasn’t hurt that badly. Roberts and Emeev ended the grueling fight swinging for the fences.
Back and forth for all 3️⃣ rounds!
How'd you score it? 📝 #UFCVegas40 pic.twitter.com/h1YRmL9Mkw
— UFC (@ufc) October 16, 2021
The 30-27 score from one judge didn’t sit well with many, but Danny Roberts earned the split decision win.
Official Result: Danny Roberts def. Ramazan Emeev by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
