Jordan Leavitt got back into the win column at UFC Vegas 45, adding another submission to his record with an inverted triangle win over Matt Sayles.
After being the victim of the 2019 Submission of the Year (via Twister against Bryce Mitchell), Matt Sayles returned two years hence at UFC Vegas 45 on Saturday.
Opposite Sayles in his return to the octagon was Jordan Leavitt, looking to bounce back from a June loss to Claudio Puelles.
Sayles was moving up to lightweight for the fight, but Leavitt had no problem spoiling his return to the weight class.
Leavitt came out active with kicks early, throwing a variety of kicks to the body and head of Sayles. Sayles quickly adjusted and began walking him down and putting his back against the fence. However, Leavitt quickly shot for a takedown but was caught in a guillotine choke by Sayles. Leavitt escaped, and then landed on top after a scramble. Leavitt began to dominate Sayles on the mat, and Sayles quickly got caught in a front choke attempt. Sayles was able to battle out of the choke and saw the end of the round.
Sayles began pressuring Leavitt once again to start round two. Sayles stuffed the first and second takedown attempts but was briefly forced to the mat when Leavitt pulled guard during a guillotine attempt. In a scramble, Sayles slammed Leavitt down to the mat but was quickly stuck in an inverted triangle attempt. Sayles was caught, wasn’t able to get out of the choke, and was forced to tap.
Early submission attempt by @JoJo_MonkeyKing 👀
[ #UFCVegas45 ] pic.twitter.com/fARczWnPzN
— UFC (@ufc) December 18, 2021
A great submission win by “The Monkey King.” Only the third submission victory by an inverted triangle in the UFC’s history, not a bad way to get back into the win column. Sadly for Matt Sayles, he’s once again on the wrong end of a rare submission.
Official Result: Jordan Leavitt def. Matt Sayles by submission (inverted triangle), Round 2, 2:05
