Kicking off the UFC 330 prelims on Saturday was a welterweight tussle featuring Jeremiah Wells and Myktybek Orolbai.
Wells had snapped a two-fight skid when he defeated Themba Gorimbo back in November, while Orolbai had won his last three trips to the octagon.
This one had a fiery opening, as Myktybek Orolbai quickly imposed his will onto Jeremiah Wells with two back to back left hooks. Wells responded with a quick flurry that rocked the massive favorite in Orolbai, but by the third minute in the round Orolbai was heavily in control following his first takedown. The dominance on the mat was overwhelming, Orolbai pushing for the finish- simply having his way with Jeremiah Wells in the back half of the first round. Sound ground-and-pound ensued, as the round came to a close, Orolbai likely winning the round 10-9.
The second round started on the feet, but Orolbai found an opening for his takedown, quickly transitioning into a Kimura lock. Though the longtime veteran Jeremiah Wells impressed defensively, staying out of the danger. The majority of the round was dominated by pressure from the Kyrgyzstan star but come the third round things changed drastically.
Orolbai surprisingly agreed to a striking match to open the final round, Wells cracking Orolbai with a massive hook, hurting Orolbai. Out of nowhere, Wells snatched a standing guillotine, ripping down Orolbai to the mat, putting him unconscious in one of the most shocking finishes ever.
Following the fight, Wells stated that “I do that move with my eyes closed in the gym. I caught everyone with that.” Even Joe Pyfer, added Wells. He then, with one glove removed, suggested he might retire if he wasn’t in the top 15 yet. Given the UFC’s rankings are independent (compiled by media members, though the company is transitioning to Meta AI rankings), the best they can likely do is book him opposite a ranked opponent next.
Official Result: Jeremiah Wells def. Myktybek Orolbai by technical submission (guillotine choke), Round 3, 1:24
