UFC Vegas 118 saw undefeated bantamweight Santiago Luna getting a big step up against the always controversial Bryce Mitchell.
Mitchell had over twice the experience of Luna, but had been trading wins and losses since 2022. He entered UFC Vegas 118 having won a decision over Said Nurmagomedov last July.
Luna was stepping in on short notice to replace Victor Henry.
Opening with two side kicks and a left hand, Bryce Mitchell established his offense early. Undeterred, the younger Santiago Luna pushed forward, landing a handful of strikes before changing levels along the cage. Mitchell, a known jiu-jitsu threat, quickly reversed the position to secure top control.
From there, Mitchell dominated the remainder of the round, advancing to full mount and maintaining heavy pressure. Luna attempted to explode out from the bottom, but Mitchell smoothly transitioned to the back, locking in a rear-naked choke attempt. The horn ultimately saved Luna, though Mitchell carried clear momentum into round two.
Back on the feet, Luna’s rhythm was disrupted early in the second as Mitchell charged forward, pressing him against the cage in search of another takedown. This time, Luna managed to reverse position and gain brief control, but Mitchell immediately threatened with a triangle choke from his back. Staying composed, Luna disengaged and returned to his feet.
At range once again, Mitchell continued to hunt for level changes and eventually secured another takedown with a well-timed trip. Similar to the opening round, he controlled the action from top position for the remainder of the frame, likely putting him up 2-0 heading into the third.
Luna came out with urgency in round three, sprinting forward and landing clean punches before initiating a takedown of his own. In a surprising moment, the Tijuana native locked up a D’arce choke, briefly threatening Mitchell. However, unable to fully commit to the squeeze, Luna allowed Mitchell to capitalize, reversing the position and advancing into full mount.
As Luna attempted to build from the bottom, he gave up his back, prompting another rear-naked choke attempt from Mitchell. Though Luna managed to roll free, he was quickly flattened out, and Mitchell continued his relentless grappling attack; eventually securing an arm-triangle choke in the final moments of the fight.
Earning the 10th submission victory of his professional career, Bryce Mitchell picks up his second consecutive win since dropping to bantamweight. Despite suffering his first loss, the 21-year-old Santiago Luna showed toughness and promise, stepping in on short notice against one of the division’s most dangerous submission specialists.
Official Result: Bryce Mitchell def. Santiago Luna by submission (arm-triangle choke), Round 3, 4:52
