A featherweight match-up that carried Fight of the Night potential arrived on the UFC 289 main card, as Dan Ige threw down with fan-favorite Nate Landwehr.
Both fighters have become known for hard-fought wars and explosive finishes, making the bout one that fight fans around the world had circled on their calendars.
The first round was a bit of a feeling-out process, closely fought throughout with Ige likely receiving a slight edge due to a thunderous blow landed late in the round. “Nate The Train” was patient and measured, looking to land counters while Ige worked away at the body of his opponent.
The second frame was close, though Ige managed to end the round with authority once again, landing a crushing left hook that sent Landwehr flailing to the surface. He managed to survive to see another round, largely thanks to a successfully thrown up-kick that landed flush across Ige’s jaw as he was raining down vicious ground and pound.
Landwehr battled back, putting together a few slick combinations while landing a variety of knees to the head and body. He pushed himself to the limit, but to no avail. Ige weathered the storm late in the third, showcasing elite striking offense as well as defense en route to a dominant unanimous decision victory.
The Hawaiian featherweight told Daniel Cormier that he’d like to fight again in the fall, either in September or October.
“I’ll finish the next dude for sure,” Ige said.
The Xtreme Couture product continues to improve nearly six years into his UFC career and will look to fight a top-10 ranked featherweight next time he steps into the octagon.
Landwehr loses this one following an impressive 3-fight win streak, one that netted him three performance bonuses and thousands of fans across the globe. He’ll look to hone his skills and tighten up a few things prior to his next UFC appearance.
Official Result: Dan Ige def. Nate Landwehr by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).
