Despite a rocky week, Bill Algeo picked up a big decision victory over Joanderson Brito at UFC Vegas 46.
On a card filled with bout cancellations and short-notice replacements, UFC Vegas 46’s Bill Algeo vs. Joanderson Brito was the fight that almost wasn’t.
Due to an inconclusive COVID-19 test during Fight Week, Brito was absent from Wednesday’s media day for precautionary reasons. Algeo had to sit and wait, wondering if he event had a fight. Luckily, after a fresh test declared him negative, Brito was ready to roll — and told Cageside Press that he was aiming for a Performance of the Night bonus.
Bill Algeo opened up with some repeated leg kicks to try and slow down the oncoming Brito. The Brazilian was undeterred, however, as Brito scored a massive slam takedown and quickly moved to get the back of Algeo. Brito gave Algeo no room to breathe and controlled the favorite, and quickly began looking for a rear-naked choke attempt. However, Algeo was able to escape the choke and wind up in full guard. Brito worked his way back up, and looked for a takedown but couldn’t get it to end the round.
Algeo landed a big right hand to hurt Brito in the opening seconds of the round, forcing the latter to shoot for a takedown. Brito was unable to get the takedown, and Algeo continued tuning him up on the feet. Algeo found a home for his jab and leg kicks, while Brito continued to shoot for a takedown and try to work against the fence. Brito didn’t find a home for the takedown that often, and headed into the third likely down two rounds.
Round three opened with Brito trying to pressure and find a home for his combinations. However, it was Algeo who was doing the better work off of the back foot, landing his jab at will before getting into the clinch. Algeo landed a couple of short elbows in the clinch before separating, and he went back to working his jab and right hand. Brito continued pressuring, but wasn’t landing much in terms of consequence, and was getting badly outlanded. To put a stamp on the performance, Algeo got a massive takedown and took the back, and landed massive shots.
Ending the fight with a salute to the crowd.
How did you score it? 📝
[ @ElSenorPerfecto | #UFCVegas46 ] pic.twitter.com/eMxhtNtsXp
— UFC (@ufc) January 16, 2022
After the fight, Algeo took to the mic to inquire if any Giga Chikadze fans were in the building — then told them to go home. After expressing his wish that Calvin Kattar beat the Georgian in the UFC Vegas 46 main event, he called out his longtime foe.
Official Result: Bill Algeo def. Joanderson Brito by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
