After an extended absence following the infamous shoving incident at the hands of Jeremy Stephens last year, lightweight Drakkar Klose finally made his return to action at UFC Vegas 51.
Klose would be competing for the first time since March of 2020 when he suffered a second-round knockout at the hands of Beneil Dariush.
On Saturday, Klose was paired up with Brandon Jenkins, who was looking to bounce back from a loss in his promotional debut.
Both fighters took the center of the octagon after a touch of gloves. A calf kick from Klose started the fight, followed by a straight right. Jenkins landed a counter left. A hard body kick from Klose landed. Klose picked Jenkins up and slammed him. Jenkins got back up, and Klose slammed him again. Impressive. Klose put Jenkins against the fence. Klose grabbed an over-hook and started landing several right hands. More and more followed. Jenkins somehow survived and ate some more punches. Jenkins landed some knees from the clinch. With about 50 seconds left in the round, Klose threw a straight right and landed a hook that dropped Jenkins. The round ended with Klose landing another punch.
The broadcast announced that Klose landed 31 significant strikes on Jenkins in the over-hook sequence.
Klose landed an uppercut to start round two that hurt Jenkins, and then Klose pounced on him with several right hands that forced Herb Dean to step in and save him. Jenkins proved tough, but Klose was downright dominant in his return to action.
Massive win for Klose, who has been through hell for a year. That is two straight losses for Jenkins, who needs a win in his next fight to get his momentum back.
Official Result: Drakkar Klose def. Brandon Jenkins by TKO (punches), Round 2, 0:33
