Kicking off the UFC 290 card in Las Vegas on Saturday was a lightweight match-up, featuring the return of Kamuela Kirk against Esteban Ribovics.
Kirk was both returning from a year-long layoff, and making the move to lightweight in the fight. Argentina’s Ribovics, a 2022 Contender Series winner, had dropped his UFC debut earlier this year.
The Jawaiian and Ribovics started off the fight with a bang both landing hard shots. Kirk, who is known for his grappling, did not shoot a takedown early in the fight. He seemed to be comfortable with his striking ability against Ribovics. The first round was very competitive in the striking department with both fighters keeping the fight close. When they did go to the ground, Kirk managed to lock on a body triangle, and spent a good amount of time hunting the choke.
To Ribovic’s credit, he continually defended and did not allow himself to be flattened out.
In the second round, both fighters were still landing hard shots and coming forward. Kirk went back to his wrestling, but was not able to keep his opponent down long at all. Ribovics was landing hard shots doing lots of damage to Kirk’s face. That did not stop Kirk from continuing to come forward and bring the fight to Esteban. The second round ended with both fighters exchanging props to one another, but it was Ribovics frequently splitting the guard, and landing lefts and rights beside that, who had the clear edge.
The third round saw Esteban land on Kirk multiple times forcing Kirk to wrestle. He was looking to have success and hold Ribovics on the mat but he continued to get back up. Ribovics kept landing hard shots and looked to use his own wrestling to close out the round.
This was an absolute great fight between two warriors. Ultimately Kirk did not do enough to get the win over Esteban Ribovics, losing a decision in the end.
Official Result: Esteban Ribovics def. Kamuela Kirk by unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)
