After an entertaining loss to Sean O’Malley on short notice in 2021 and a follow-up knockout at the hands of Guido Cannetti, it seemed like Kris Moutinho’s UFC dreams were done.
However, a strong run on the regional circuit brought him back to the UFC last year; on Saturday at UFC Mexico City, the bantamweight was paired up with Cristian Quinonez, with both men looking to get back in the win column.
Quinonez was fighting for the first time in two years.
The first rounds started with both fighters exchanging punches at range before Quinonez landed a solid takedown near the three minute mark. Moutinho forced himself to the fence before returning to his feet. Quinonez flashed a jab followed by some solid straight punches on the inside that got Moutinho’s attention. With a minute and thirty seconds left in the round the fight was briefly stopped for an eye poke.
Moutinho pressed forward throwing lunging overhand rights but was starting to bleed from his nose. Quinonez continued to land more volume from the outside until the horn sounded ending the first five minutes.
Moutinho came out aggressively in round one looking to land a big shot but Quinonez ducked under a punch to land an expertly timed takedown. Smothering his opponent, Quinonez landed short shots from back control before threatening a rear naked choke submission. Moutinho escaped momentarily and was eventually able to get this feet near the end of the round. Quinonez landed a solid jab followed by a straight left hand to put a statement on the round.
To start the final frame, Moutinho came out like he needed a finish walking down Quinonez after landing a big left hand. Moutinho pressed forward connecting with a left hook against the cage. Quinonez was on his bike circling to the outside, before shooting a desperation takedown that was defended by Moutniho. After regaining his composure, Quinonez was able to reverse position on the ground ending up on top.
Remaining in control on the ground and standing, Quinonez was able to pick up a unanimous decision victory. Snapping a two fight skid after so much time away, this was a step in the right direction for Quinonez.
Official Result: Cristian Quinonez def. Kris Moutinho by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
