Canada’s Yohan Lainesse made his UFC debut on Saturday, taking on Gabe Green in a welterweight match-up on the UFC Vegas 53 preliminary card.
Lainesse won his way into the promotion on Dana White’s Contender Series last year; Green, meanwhile, had posted a 1-1 record through two UFC fights to date.
A strong start by Lainesse eventually gave way to a big win for Green, who would halt the newcomer in his tracks.
Both fighters started off fast, throwing a lot of feeling out shots. Lainesse focused mainly on throwing kicks to the lead leg in the early going. A good right hand landed from Lainesse too but Green ate it. Green was throwing a ton keeping Lainesse guessing about what he was throwing. Lainesse did switch it up and take Green down but Green popped right back up. In the final seconds of the round both men found success, landing several times.
Green came out aggressive in round two throwing combinations. He kept in Lainesse’s face and then Lainesse dropped him with a big right hand! Green survived and got to his feet quickly. A right hand from Green landed forcing Lainesse to shoot. Green sprawled and as he tried to swing to the back Lainesse grabbed the leg and got the takedown. Lainesse almost locked in a choke but Green got back to his feet. Lainesse was visibly gassed at that point, and Green came forward letting his hands go. Green dropped Lainesse with a series of right hands to the body. Lainesse collapsed to the mat, Green began dropping ground and pound and the ref would eventually step in.
GIFTED GABE GREEN, INDEED 🎁
[ @GiftedGabeGreen | #UFCVegas53 | Prelims LIVE on ESPN 2 ] pic.twitter.com/x2XfLLAuAP
— UFC (@ufc) April 30, 2022
Official Result: Gabe Green def. Yohan Lainesse by TKO (body shots/ground and pound), Round 2, 4:02
