Welterweights Nikolay Veretennikov and Niko Price were second to last on Saturday’s UFC Vegas 113 prelims, with Price entering the bout on short notice.
Veretennikov had been set to face Henrique Souza, after stepping up himself to replace Eric Nolan. A real game of musical chairs, one that worked out in Nikolay’s favor.
Niko Price found himself with his back to the fence early in the bout, with Veretennikov controlling and landing several heavy punches. After peeling off the fence, Price fired a front kick, but he was soon cornered again, with Veretennikov landing a right hand, a knee, and then a second right hand! Price looked out on his feet, and the ref made the save while he was slumped against a post.
Price would protest the stoppage, but really had no case, as he was clearly out of it, and doing nothing to defend or even protect himself. For Veretennikov, it was a key victory after losing three of his last four bouts.
“What I want to say about the fight, obviously we prepared for something different,” Veretennikov said following the bout, speaking with Paul Felder. “Thank you to my opponent for saving the fight and taking it short notice. I’m ready for anybody,” he added.
Official Result: Nikolay Veretennikov def. Niko Price by TKO (strikes), Round 1, 1:42
