Flying a bit under the radar on the early prelims of UFC 327, the lightweight clash between Chris Padilla and MarQuel Mederos is the kind of matchup that could steal attention in a hurry, two surging fighters, both with winning streak to protect on Saturday night.
Padilla (17-6) entered the fight riding a seven-fight win streak, including four victories inside the UFC, and was beginning to inch toward the rankings. Missing weight on Friday morning didn’t do him any favors, but an impressive finish could go a long way in repairing that damage.
Mederos (11-1) might have been the underdog, but he’s arguably the more polished striker. Riding a nine-fight win streak, he earned this matchup with Padilla and the opportunity to secure a bigger fight with a statement performance.
Round 1 – Mederos came out looking to pressure Padilla, who appeared unfazed. Using a mix of leg kicks and front kicks, Padilla forced Mederos backward before being clinched and pushed against the fence.
Padilla worked free and returned to the calf kick, targeting the lead leg. Mederos ducked frequently to avoid incoming shots and attempted to re-enter the clinch, but Padilla reversed position and began landing knees.
Both men exchanged elbows along the fence before separating with about three minutes remaining in the round. Mederos shot for a takedown, but Padilla anticipated it well, stuffing the attempt and turning the position to pin Mederos against the cage. Padilla continued to apply pressure, forcing Mederos to fight off the back foot.
Mederos attempted additional takedowns later in the round, but they were telegraphed and easily defended. Padilla did suffer a cut near the end of the frame.
Round 2 – Padilla came out and immediately returned to his pressure, landing a clean one-two before going back to the leg kicks. Mederos fired back with a combination at the end of Padilla’s exchange, but Padilla didn’t give him enough time to settle or set anything up.
Padilla’s pace quickly became a problem early in the round. In close, Mederos landed a sharp elbow, but Padilla responded by turning up the pressure even more. Mederos began to let his hands go and found success with some solid combinations before an unintentional eye poke briefly halted the action.
Padilla chose not to take any time, likely to avoid giving Mederos a chance to recover, and went right back to applying pressure.
Late in the round, Mederos had success using a stick-and-move approach, landing clean shots in combination. Still, Padilla refused to let him off the hook, continuing to press forward and force exchanges.
Round 3 – Padilla put his foot on the gas, continuing his smothering attack with knees to the body, a high guard, and a step-in elbow. His corner urged him forward, believing Mederos was “running.” Padilla then shot in, secured a takedown, and took the back with a hook in, looking to land damage.
Padilla began to take over in the second half of the round and appeared close to finding a finish before Mederos landed another eye poke. The referee deducted a point, and once the action resumed, Padilla didn’t slow down.
Sensing urgency, Mederos started putting more power into his shots, knowing he likely needed a finish. Still, he continued to push a high pace, refusing to make it easy down the stretch.
Mederos was likely already ahead on the cards, but with the point deduction, the result was clear. Big time victory for ‘Taco’ Padilla taking this fight on short-notice.
Official Result: Chris Padilla vs. MarQuel Mederos declared Majority Draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)
