David Onama added to his highlight reel at UFC Jacksonville, knocking out a game Gabriel Santos with a beautiful uppercut.
David Onama came into UFC Jacksonville with an even 2-2 record in the Octagon, owning stoppages in all 10 of his victories. He was looking to bounce back from a decision loss to Nate Landwehr 10 months ago. Santos was coming off a split decision loss in his UFC debut that handed him the first defeat of his 11 fight career.
David Onama immediately started firing the jab out to start the fight while Santos was throwing kicks. Santos opened up his offense with hooks that got through the guard of Onama. Santos continued moving forward and closed the distance, but found himself taken down. The pair returned to the feet and Santos was dictating the pace on the feet. A left hand staggered Onama to the fence and Santos stayed on him. Through the pressure, Santos found an opening for an armbar while Onama was still standing. Onama had to defend for nearly a minute as Santos went back and forth between an armbar and a triangle choke. Onama was able to escape, but Santos made sure to get another takedown before the end of the round.
Onama went back to the jab to start the second round, then was clocked by a spinning backfist that sent him stumbling to the cage. Santos pursued and and took the back with well over four minutes left in the round. The body triangle was slapped on, but not quite tight enough as Onama spun into closed guard. A few elbows from Onama slammed down on Santos before he slowed his output to maintain top control. Santos was able to make his way to his feet, where it was Onama who had the advantage this time around. Hooks were mixed in with jabs wisely, then a jab opened up Santos’ guard for an uppercut that shut the lights off. Santos fell backwards and was hit by two more punches on the way down as Onama claimed the victory by knockout.
BRUTAL UPPERCUT FROM ONAMA 👊 pic.twitter.com/DdQfB1RWnZ
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 24, 2023
David Onama def. Gabriel Santos by KO (Uppercut) in Round 2 (4:13)
