The UFC flyweight division is one of the more intriguing ones in MMA making bouts like Felipe Bunes vs. Rafael Estevam one to keep a eye on at UFC Vegas 108 on Saturday night.
Bunes (14-7) comes into UFC Vegas 108 with the full support of the Pitbull Brothers Fight Team. After dropping his UFC debut against Joshua Van last January he bounced back with an armbar finish over Jose Johnson in January. The 35-year-old has no time to waste recently telling Cageside Press’ Eddie Law that he planned to call out former champ Brandon Moreno following UFC Vegas 108.
Estevam (13-0) won’t make that callout easy. Since entering the UFC from the Contender Series he’s put together a two-fight win streak. Victories over Charles Johnson and Jesus Aguilar may have him on the verge of a ranking in a competitive 125-pound division.
Round 1
Estevam had to deal with the height and length advantage of Bunes who worked teep kicks, leg kicks and push kicks early on. Estevam flew in on a takedown attempt that Bunes was able to reverse it and end up on top.
Estevam popped back up, threw some strikes, then got taken down. Again back to the feet and Estevam got the takedown he wanted shortly after. Bunes tried some submissions, including a triangle attempt, but Estevam stuffed that easily and passed to side control.
Bunes threw up a buggy choke, but Estevam stayed very calm refusing to react to the attempt. Estevam was able to survive and make it to the next round.
Round 2
Estevam came after Bunes throwing strikes and forcing Bunes to the fence. He got Bunes on the fence, clinched for a bit, and then started throwing big shots. Bunes retaliated with massive shots landing on his opponent including a knee that Estevam ate while getting a takedown.
Estevam working ground and pound very carefully moving Bunes’ arms out of the way to land clean shots. Bunes continued to look for submissions off his back, but he was eating way too many shots in this position.
Bunes was able to get back to his feet, but Estevam gave him maybe 2 seconds before taking him right back down. Bunes went to his hands and knees, Estevam tried taking the back, but wasn’t able to get his hooks. Instead he landed shots up top until Bunes was able to get to his feet.
The round ended with Estevam going for another takedown.
Round 3
Bunes came out looking to land, but was clearly fading. Estevam took advantage getting him back to the ground. Bunes used what he could to get back to his feet. Heavy exchanges followed before Estevam decided he had enough and took Bunes right back down.
Estevam got to the back, a bit too high, but Bunes was unable to shake him off. Estevam began to try and wrap his opponent up like an anaconda. Now fully on the back with a body triangle in place he began to punish Bunes to the head.
The rest of the round was all Estevam landing on Bunes and Bunes not being able to find a way back to his feet.
Solid victory for Rafael Estevam.
Official Result: Rafael Estevam def. Felipe Bunes via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
