The long-awaited arrival of Austin Vanderford, former Bellator MMA title challenger and husband of ex-UFC star Paige VanZant, finally arrived at UFC Seattle.
For some, the short-notice fight against Nikolay Veretennikov may have seemed to come out of left field. However, when Vanderford exited the Bellator/PFL umbrella and took a fight (and won decisively) for LFA last October, his eventual destination appeared self-evident. Especially with VanZant herself back in the fold, somewhat, care of PowerSlap.
A heavy exchange in the pocket from both guys early in the fight got the action started. Vanderford was trying to land moving in and out as Veretennikov was landing good in twos. Just as he started to land Vanderford changed levels nicely and got the takedown. Right away he skimmed the forehead of Veretennikov with an elbow causing a cut along the hairline. Vanderford was comfortable on top smashing with short elbows. Veretennikov was a bit careless with his position letting Vanderford jump to side control for an arm-triangle. He didn’t have the angle and the time so Veretennikov was able to survive the round.
In round two Veretennikov came marching forward. He was throwing but overreaching and let Vanderford push him against the cage. Vanderford was able to chain a takedown to the legs to get the eventual scoop takedown. The best weapon of Vanderford in round one was his ground and pound and it continued in round two. Veretennikov had no answer on the bottom. Vanderford had an arm trapped and landed many unanswered punches until the ref stepped in. An angry Veretennikov, irate about the stoppage, crossed the cage and shoved Vanderford as officials moved in to separate the pair – but Veretennikov had no one but himself to be mad at, as he did nothing to get out of that position. Now, he’s likely secured his exit from the UFC.
Official Result: Austin Vanderford def. Nikolay Veretennikov by TKO (ground and pound), Round 2, 4:13
