UFC Vegas 48: Kyle Daukaus Back in Win Column with D’Arce Sub of Jamie Pickett

Jamie Pickett and Kyle daukaus, UFC Vegas 48
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 19: (R-L) Kyle Daukaus punches Jamie Pickett in their middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on February 19, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

Kyle Daukaus was originally matched up with Julian Marquez at UFC Vegas 48. But with Marquez out, Daukaus instead met Jamie Pickett, in a makeshift co-main event moved to a 195lb catchweight to accommodate Pickett joining the card on short notice.

Daukaus had not competed since October, when his bout with Kevin Holland came to an end early due to an accidental head butt. Pickett, meanwhile, had won two straight, and was making a short turnaround after getting the better of Joseph Holmes in January.

Our co-main opened with Daukaus throwing some good combinations, working to the first takedown of the fight after some clinch work against the cage. Daukaus continued to press his advantage in top control through the three minute mark, before Pickett was able to get his feet back under him and work to a clinch. Daukaus once again successfully found a takedown at the 2:05 mark. A good shot from Daukaus led to yet another takedown and securing a D’arce choke, one that caused Pickett to tap with one second left in the round!

Kyle Daukaus proved how versatile he is with a beautiful grappling exchange and moves to 11-2 following the win. Pickett has his two-fight winning streak snapped and moves to 13-7. It will be interesting to see what the self-coined “D’arce Knight” will have in store for his next opponent.

Official Result: Kyle Daukaus def. Jamie Pickett by submission (D’Arce Choke), Round 1, 4:59