Preliminary card action at UFC Mexico City saw Jesus Aguilar take on Mateus Mendonca in a flyweight bout, one of a record-setting five 125lb contests on the night.
While the flyweights are known for fast paces and quick hands, early on, Aguilar and Mendonca spent time battling for head position along the fence. Eventually, the pair would go to the ground, there things got a little more interesting.
Aguilar would eventually come out on top as the pair scrambled on the mat; off his back, Mendonca threw up a triangle, but didn’t have the position. Soon enough, Aguilar popped free, allowing him to settle into guard and get to work — but the flexible Mendonca went after the submission once again, with Aguilar somewhat saved by the bell.
In round two, Mendonca took side control after an early takedown, avoiding an Aguilar guillotine. The Brazilian worked to the back, tying up Aguilar before transitioning to top with Jesus now flat on his back. Putting a body triangle in place Mendonca then postured up and bean dropping some heavy bombs, with Aguilar rolling and covering up, though he managed to survive. The sequence, and the round, as it turned out, and he even managed to rock Mendonca on the way up. But Mexico’s Aguilar was at risk of letting a fight at home slip away from him.
Round three, and Mendonca was again on top and in control early, but Aguilar managed to make it back to his feet. He didn’t stay there long, and time was quickly becoming a factor. Aguilar wound up with Mendonca on his back, and he was still in control as time ran out, transitioning to the top, then to his back, throwing up one last triangle. Jesus Aguilar gutted it out, but come the final horn, it was going to be close, with Mendonca out-striking Aguilar while having nine minutes of control time. That said, two judges scored the fight for Aguilar, giving him the split decision win.
Official Result: Jesus Aguilar def. Mateus Mendonca by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
