Bantamweights Pedro Munhoz and Kyler Phillips kicked off the UFC 299 televised prelims at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Saturday.
The fight found Phillips, a.k.a. “The Matrix,” looking for a third straight win in his highest-profile match-up to date. Munhoz, having struggled of late, was coming off a loss to UFC 299 headliner Marlon “Chito” Vera.
A confident and game Kyler Phillips entered the cage for the biggest test of his career and immediately took control of the fight. An elite striking showcase from the MMALab product, in which Phillips was able to hurt Munhoz early, however he was saved by an accidental eye poke from “The Matrix”.
Rounds 2 and 3 had Phillips throwing slightly less volume, but still in complete control. Munhoz was a step behind for the majority of the fight. Between rounds 2 and 3 Munhoz’s corner was screaming for him to turn on the burners in round 3, an all or nothing type 5 minutes. However despite his best efforts, Kyler Phillips was too slick for “The Young Punisher” and cruised to a dominant victory. The Munhoz test is a tale as old as time in the Bantamweight division, and Phillips passed it with flying colours. Welcome to the rankings, Kyler Phillips.
Official result: Kyler Phillips defeats Pedro Munhoz via Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)
