TUF 31 alum Landon Quinones was looking for his first win inside the UFC octagon on Saturday, as he welcomed Marquel Mederos to the promotion at UFC Vegas 85.
Mederos, a Contender Series veteran, was riding a six-fight win streak with four finishes to start the night.
Both guys got right after it on Saturday, trading back and forth. Quinones was the first one to hit clean wobbling Mederos with a left hand. Both men were doing a great job landing leg kicks as well, mixing it up. Quinones was looking good early on throwing combinations while moving out of the way. He got a quick takedown but Mederos got right back up. Mederos never stopped coming forward but Quinones was the one landing. Quinones was throwing everything forcing Mederos to clinch up. Quinones was throwing upward elbows, superman punches, and shoulder strikers showing his creativity. Mederos had moments but Quinones was sharp that entire round.
In round two, there was no feeling-out process. Quinones threw a kick but Mederos caught it and landed a good combo. He then pressed Quinones against the cage keeping him there for a bit. Mederos landed a hard kick sweeping Quinoes to the mat briefly. Quinones didn’t shy away from the kicks as well as both guys threw a lot. They were both taking turns going forward going shot for shot. In the final minute of the round Mederos went forward more and was crowding Quinones with punches. An action-packed round two.
Going into the final round it was likely a round a piece. Mederos seemed to have more energy as he was going after it. He quickly shot in for a takedown but Quinones defended. Mederos after the break landed a groin shot causing a brief pause in the fight. Both fighters were trading but the hands of Quinones were super clean. He was lighting up Mederos forcing him to clinch. A minute left and they separated. Mederos was the aggressor and was throwing a lot of output. To close the fight they had a heavy exchange ending a very fun fight between two talented strikers.
Official Result: Marquel Mederos def. Landon Quinones by unanimous decision. (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
