One of four newcomers on the UFC Vegas 67 card on Saturday, Nick Aguirre stepped up on short notice to face Ultimate Fighter vet Dan Argueta in a featherweight preliminary card bout.
Aguirre was undefeated through seven fights as a pro, while Argueta was looking to bounce back from the first loss of his professional career.
It what turned out to be a grueling, wrestling-heavy affair, Argueta proved determined to take home the W.
Argueta came forward quick with a leg kick and a punch to close the distance. Not even a minute into the fight Argueta got a single leg and slung Aguirre to the mat. Aguirre used a leg lock to create scrambles. Argueta was rolling well with him but eventually, Aguirre took the back. It seemed like Aguirre was going to hold on to the position but Argueta turned toward him to get on top. Argueta was staying busy on top with short elbows and used it to take the back. The round ended with Argueta on the back of Aguirre halfway.
In round two Argueta started off by coming forward with leg kicks and looping punches. He used his striking to close the distance and clinch up. Aguirre did separate and landed a few good long punches. Argueta did look winded but landed a few heavy outside leg kicks and re-clinched up. Aguirre got back to space briefly before Argueta got him to the cage and changed level to get his second takedown. Argueta took the back and went after the RNC. It looked tight for a second but Aguirre escaped. The round finished with Argueta on top dominating.
In the final round, Aguirre obviously needed a stoppage. Argueta was very sloppy with his striking but used his hands and pressure to close the distance. Aguirre continued to struggle to put anything together in the striking. Argueta crashed the pocket recklessly but still got in on the legs for the takedown. Aguirre did create a nice scramble but Argueta had heavy top control. With nothing left in the tank, Aguirre couldn’t get Argueta off him. Argueta ended the fighting dumping Agurrie on his head for a final takedown.
Official Result: Dan Argueta def. Nick Aguirre by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
