Jake Hadley justified the hype at UFC Vegas 64 with a convincing submission victory against Carlos Candelario.
One of five fighters to come in heavy for UFC Vegas 64, flyweight Carlos Candelario had his back to the wall against Jake Hadley on Saturday night.
While both were coming off losses, Candelario had actually lost his Contender Series fight, only to be rewarded by Dana White with a UFC deal regardless. Losing your debut, then missing weight for your second fight, was not a good look.
The first round began with Candelario putting on the pressure as he always does. He started with a left high kick, bringing the fight to Hadley, with the Brit letting his hands go too. Despite Candelario being the one putting his foot on the gas, Hadley was the one doing the better work in the early proceedings.
The 26-year-old was using a high block every time Candelario threw any strikes, leaving his body open. Candelario recognized that and started utilizing a left body kick. The high-level striking was on display with some beautiful work from each fighter in the first five minutes. The leg kicks from Hadley started paying dividends and they nullified Candelario’s forward pressure with the Brit ending the round the better of the two.
Early in the second, Candelario threw another left body kick, dropping Hadley momentarily. On second viewing, however, it was likely just a slip. Again, Hadley pumped out the low kicks to bring the reactions from Candelario. Hadley’s pace began to be too much for Candelario and he decided to change levels. After changing levels, he found himself in Hadley’s guard with the 26-year-old throwing up a triangle. Whilst having Candelario in a triangle, he began reigning down some extremely sharp elbows, cutting the 31-year-old open. Not long after, he sunk it in even tighter and forced a tap from Candelario.
Jake Hadley secures his fifth victory by submission 🔒 #UFCVegas64 pic.twitter.com/YKefsNAFNJ
— ESPN+ (@ESPNPlus) November 5, 2022
Jake Hadley def. Carlos Candelario by Submission (Triangle Choke) in Round 2 (2:39)
