The “spring cleaning” is the latest round of roster trimming, after the UFC parted ways with over a dozen fighters back in late February/March.

The full list of fighters removed from the roster, first identified by automated service UFC Roster Watch on Twitter, breaks down as follows:

• Ike Villanueva
• Fares Ziam
• Luigi Vendramini
• Kazula Vargas
• Mark Striegl
• Jesse Strader
• Bruno Souza
• Devonte Smith
• Rong Zhu
• Kris Moutinho
• Brandon Jenkins
• Austin Hubbard
• Mike Grundy
• Michael Gillmore
• Cameron Else
• Kevin Croom
• Dean Barry
• Gina Mazany

Several of the fighters released have since confirmed the news on social media.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is Barry, who is now one-and-done as a UFC fighter. Ireland’s Barry competed against Mike Jackson last month, a part-time fighter and MMA journalist best known for being brought into the promotion to face Micky Gall and pro wrestler CM Punk. Jackson lost to Gall, beat Punk in a boring three-round affair that was later overturned to a No Contest, and somehow kept his roster spot. In a foul-filled affair, Jackson would win a DQ against Barry, who has now been shown the door as a result.

The timing is perhaps particularly cruel in the case of Mike Grundy and Ike Villanueva. Grundy last competed at UFC London in March, and announced at the event that his father was terminally ill. Villanueva, meanwhile, suffered a grade 3 MCL tear in his fight against Tyson Pedro last month.

Another surprise, Kris Moutinho, who faced Sean O’Malley on short notice last year, winning a Fight of the Night bonus for his efforts. While he was knocked out in his second UFC fight this past March, stepping up on short notice, and winning a bonus in the process usually gives a fighter a bit of breathing room. Not so in this case.

Confirming his release on social media, Jesse Strader vowed to return to the promotion.

“I’ll be back, baby. I’m only getting better & I’m in love with this journey I’m on!!!” he wrote.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdJxPPTF_LP/

With the release of Vargas and Vendramini, both of Paddy Pimblett’s UFC opponents to date are no longer with the promotion.

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Paddy Pimblett’s coming out party in the UFC has been a long time coming. So of course, it couldn’t go off without some drama. The flamboyant Liverpool, England star has been likened to Conor McGregor, though stylistically, the two were worlds apart. But as a fellow Cage Warriors champion happy to self-promote, the similarity was enough.

However, in the lead-up to UFC Vegas 36, a visa snafu lead to reports that Pimblett was out of the fight. Only for matters to be cleared up seemingly overnight, much to the annoyance of Pimblett.

His opponent Saturday was Luigi Vendramini, a Brazilian fighter known as “The Italian Stallion” sporting a 1-2 record in the promotion.

Pimblett started off the fight landed a lot of kicks finding his range. Vendramini landed a massive left hand that snapped the head back of Pimblett. He took Pimblett down after that to land some ground and pound.

Vendramini has something to say 😱 #UFCVegas36 pic.twitter.com/tAmmc2TXML

— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2021

Pimblett quickly got back to his feet and recovered quite quickly. Vendramini kept bringing the heat but Pimblett was throwing right back. Pimblett did try to takedown Vendramini grabbing a single leg but couldn’t get it. There was not much time left on the clock as Pimblett landed a right hook that hurt Vendramini and had him backing up. The “Baddy” swarmed with an onslaught of output, firing rights and lefts along the fence. He sat Vendramini down and the ref stepped in for the dramatic finish.

PADDY THE BADDY
PADDY THE BADDY
PADDY THE BADDY
PADDY THE BADDY
PADDY THE BADDY
PADDY THE BADDY pic.twitter.com/4FWiC0QIME

— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2021

Part of Pimblett’s pre-UFC hype was generated by his mouth and he met that hype after the fight. Pimblett claimed he’s the next big thing for the promotion and is ready to fight next weekend.

Paddy Pimblett def. Luigi Vendramini by TKO (Punches) in Round 1 (4:25)

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Paddy “Pressure” Pimblett
Standing at 5’10″
Fighting at 155 lbs (lightweight)
26-years-old
Fighting out of Liverpool, England
Training out of Next Generation Liverpool
A pro record of 16-3
5 KO/TKOs, 7 Submissions

How will Pimblett fare in the UFC:

Among the fans that have watched Pimblett are either huge supporters or those believe he’s over-hyped. I’m in between when it comes to the “Baddy.” I do think Pimblett is a very talented fighter that does deserve this UFC call-up. I also think his skill set is a little overblown and has a lot of holes.

Where Pimblett excels is in the grappling. He’s an opportunist who will take any submissions given to him. From any position, he’s working to finish. He’s also very tricky as he holds two flying triangle finishes. Pimblett is aggressive off his back, attacking leg locks, and is really good at taking the back. His biggest flaw on the mat is his lack of physicality. For example, in his losses to Nad Narimani and Soren Bak he was out-muscled. Pimblett though never stops working and even off his back he won’t accept being stationary. His wrestling at best is exceptional. He favors a single leg but is much better at chain wrestling. If he gets his hands clasped around the legs or body he’s going to get the takedown.

Pimblett falls short on the feet and although he’s tough he drastically needs work. He is explosive and throws well with his legs. He is extremely hittable and in nearly every one of his fights he gets cracked. When getting hit his body language and reaction isn’t a good look. Even a decent striker will have success on the feet against Pimblett.

Pimblett is still only 26 so there is a lot of room for growth. If his last two performances are a testament to what he looks like now he’s going to be a problem in the near future. If the UFC builds him up properly he can develop into a really good fighter

Fighter comparison in the division: Claudio Puelles

Striking: C
Kickboxing: C+
Clinch: B
Wrestling: C+
Grappling: B+
Striking Defense: D+
Takedown Defense: C+
Cardio: B-
Biggest Strength: Grappling
Biggest Weakness: Striking defense

How he matches up with Vendramini:

This is both a good match-up and a tough one for Paddy Pimblett. Vendramini, though not by a wide margin, has the advantage on the feet. Pimblett is faster and more explosive but Vendramini hits hard and pressures well. Pimblett does have better wrestling. Vendramini is a black belt in jiu-jitsu but I’ve been far more impressed with the ground game of Pimblett. Even though Vendramini has been in the UFC for two years Pimblett has fought the better competition. While many are high on Vendramini here I just don’t see it. Pimblett should at least win two rounds.

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Combate was first to report the news that Luigi Vendramini will be the one to welcome Pimblett to the UFC on September 4 in London. Both fighters would confirm the booking on social media.

Pimblett (16-3) will be looking for his first UFC win when he enters the octagon. “The Baddy” is riding a two-fight win streak, with his most recent win coming at Cage Warriors 122 against Davide Martinez, where he submitted Martinez in less than two minutes. After his win, he called for the UFC to sign him, and they did. Pimblett is a former Cage Warriors featherweight champion.

Vendramini (9-3) is coming off a majority decision loss to Fares Ziam at UFC 263 last month. Before his recent loss, he knocked out Jessin Ayari to get pick up his first UFC win in his only fight in 2020. “The Italian Stallion” will be looking to pick up his second UFC win.

The UFC will be returning to London for their September 4 event

The September 4 fight card now includes the following reported bouts:

• Khalil Rountree Jr. vs. Modestas Bukauskas
• Nathaniel Wood vs. Jonathan Martinez
• Alexander Gustafsson vs. Paul Craig
• Marc Diakiese vs. Rafael Alves
• Paddy Pimblett vs. Luigi Vendramini

While not announced, the entire August 14 card will probably move to this card, including Darren Till vs. Derek Brunson and others.

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Marvin Vettori wasn’t the only fighter representing Italy on the UFC 263 card. Lightweight Luigi Vendramini was also in action on Saturday, looking to pick up his second consecutive win in the promotion. Opposite “The Italian Stallion” was Fares Ziam, looking to make it two in a row in the octagon as well.

France’s Ziam started the fight by immediately plodding forward. Vendramini responded by looking for a takedown that was quickly stuffed. Ziam began working the jab nicely as well, throwing many different feints. Vendramini tried to throw two wild hooks but Ziam easily evaded them, and landed a nice inside leg kick. Ziam backed Vendramini up to the fence with his many feints and landed a sneaky left hook clean. Vendramini tried to get Ziam’s respect with a hard right hand, but Ziam ate it well and went right back to trading at distance. Ziam and Vendramini sent us to the second round by alternating head kick attempts, neither of which landed.

Vendramini opened the second the way he opened the first, with a takedown attempt that was stuffed. Vendramini didn’t lose confidence though and actually found some success closing the distance against Ziam. Ziam did land some nice jabs and short hooks however, once again Vendramini shot for a takedown but couldn’t get it again. The action was a lot slower in the second round compared to the first, leading to boos from the Arizona crowd.

Vendramini finally decided to go for broke in the final round, landing a huge right hand that hurt Ziam. Vendramini hunted Ziam across the octagon and landed another big shot that sent Ziam down. If only this version of “The Italian Stallion” had appeared earlier. Vendramini landed some big ground and pound before finally moving into mount and raining down blows. Ziam would fight out from the bottom, and make his way back to his feet. Vendramini would blitz Ziam again near the end of the round but it didn’t do as much damage this time around. While Vendramini did his best to ensure otherwise, but the two would end up going to the judge’s scorecards. There, after a moment of drama when Bruce Buffer stumbled in announcing the results, Ziam took home a majority decision.

Official Result: Fares Ziam def. Luigi Vendramini by majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)

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The main event saw Holly Holm do what Holly Holm does best, use her length, via her kicks, jab, and combos, to keep Irene Aldana at bay. Finding her rhythm as the fight progressed, Holm slowly picked apart the Mexican fighter, eventually working in multiple takedowns on a fighter who had previously only been taken down twice in the UFC.

The performance, and win, didn’t earn Holm any extra cash. But Germaine de Randamie’s submission of Julianna Pena sure helped her bank account. de Randamie, the number-one ranked bantamweight in the UFC, used her kickboxing skills, as expected, and was on the way to winning a decision at UFC Fight Island 4. But when the fight went to the ground in the third, de Randamie was able to latch on to Pena’s neck with a guillotine choke. A nasty one. Pena went out, giving “The Iron Lady” a technical submission win. And for that, she earned one of four Performance of the Night awards.

A third-round submission by Germaine de Randamie was a +2300 with the oddsmakers.

No Fight of the Night was handed out Saturday. The other performance bonuses, meanwhile, went to Kyler Phillips, Dusko Todorovic, and Luigi Vendramini. Todorovic and Phillips opened the main card at the Flash Forum with back-to-back second-round TKOs, while Vendramini opened the event with a head kick that dropped opponent Jessin Ayari, before a few follow-up strikes sealed the deal.

All four fighters pick up an extra $50,000 for their finishes on Fight Island.

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UFC Fight Island 4 went down Saturday night in Abu Dhabi, and the card opener was a battle of returning fighters. Both Tunisia’s Jessin Ayari and Brazil’s Luigi Vendramini had been out of action since 2018. For Ayari, his last fight had come in Moncton, New Brunswick in Canada, a loss to Stevie Ray. Vendramini, meanwhile, was coming off his debut, a loss to Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Ayari started off with pressure, immediately. Looking to land a big combination in the opening seconds, he put Vendramini on the backfoot quickly. However, it was Vendramini who landed the first big shot of the fight, with a huge left hook that rocked Ayari. Vendramini followed up with a huge combination including multiple clean right hands,. However, it was the picture-perfect head kick that dropped Ayari. Vendramini followed up with some ground-and-pound but the damage was done, and the fight was over after a few follow-up shots. What a knockout by Luigi Vendramini.

RELENTLESS! What a start to #UFCFightIsland4 as @VendraminiLuigi gets the quick finish!!

📺 #UFCFightIsland4 live on ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/90yPgQqyWN

— UFC (@ufc) October 3, 2020

Luigi Vendramini was looking to rebound after a tough loss in his UFC debut and then having to heal up after multiple injuries leading to his hiatus. He more than made up for the lost time, beating Ayari in the first round. The impact of his journey back to the Octagon was on display after the knockout as he ran around the cage screaming at the top of his lungs.

Luigi Vendramini def. Jessin Ayari by KO (Punches) in Round 1 (1:12)

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Every fighter has their go-to moves, especially specialists within certain martial arts disciplines. Their own signature styles that can lead to spectacular finishes. Whether it’s a scary-good rear-naked choke that fighters just can’t seem to avoid once going to the ground or crazy power in a straight left hand that has dropped even granite-chinned fighters with ease, each fighter has a particular finishing move or sequence. Moves that have stuck in fan’s minds and come to define and describe their careers within the cage.

This week we will take a look at some fighters with only a few (5 or less) fights in the UFC, rather than those fighters that are long time UFC veterans with a bunch of finishes with the promotion. 

Yorgan De Castro (6-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)

Total Number of Pro MMA Finishes: 5

Via KO/TKO: 5

Via Submission: 0

Total Number of UFC Finishes: 1

Via KO/TKO: 1

(Justin Tafa)

Via Submission: 0

Yorgan began his MMA journey in the kickboxing discipline and it is still the sharpest tool he utilizes while fighting. Castro has powerful heavy hands and an impeccable ability to counter.

Castro’s first fight in the UFC, after his 2019 first-round finish on the Contender Series, was on UFC 243 where he delivered another first-round finish, this time by a counter punch, against Justin Tafa. Yorgan last fought on UFC 249 earlier this year where he lost a unanimous decision to Greg Hardy.

Yorgan won’t be on a PPV card for his upcoming fight but he will be the co-main event when he takes on Carlos Felipe at UFC Fight Island 4, which is a testament to how much exciting finishing potential he posses.

https://twitter.com/VonPreux/status/1180671731213701120?s=20

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The UFC returned to Sao Paulo on Saturday, holding UFC Fight Night 137, the promotion’s final Brazilian stop of 2018. With a main event that saw both fighters originally advertised drop out, the UFC Sao Paulo card had taken a few hits — but still promised some interesting match-ups. In the main event, Eryk Anders and Thiago Santos, a couple of middleweights both stepping up on short notice, threw down at light heavyweight. And while the bout was contested at 205lbs, with both fighters being notable 185’ers, there was no doubt the outcome would impact their futures moving forward.

Also on the UFC Sao Paulo card, Sam Alvey faced off with the legendary Little Nog, and Canada’s Randa Markos welcomed promotional newcomer Marina Rodriguez.

Before the five-fight main card, however, and the televised prelims, came a five-fight offering exclusively on UFC Fight Pass. The Fight Pass prelims were stopped by Serio Moraes meeting the gritty Ben Saunders in the featured fight of the early action. Yet a few other bouts were just as, if not more interesting: Gillian Robertson looked to become the first UFC flyweight to capture three wins in the weight class, while Thales Leites, a former title challenger at middleweight, had his retirement fight against former Bellator champion Hector Lombard. And ex-Invicta FC champ Livia Renata Souza took on Australia’s Alex Chambers.

Check back come fight time for full results and a recap of the action. The early prelims stream live exclusively on UFC Fight Pass! The fights kick off at 6:30 PM ET.

Livia Renata Souza vs. Alex Chambers

Strawweight action kicked off the UFC Sao Paulo card, and it didn’t take long for former Invicta FC champ Livia Renata Souza to come over the top with a right, and push forward with a flurry of strikes. Souza then took opponent Alex Chambers down, and worked her way into a mounted guillotine. It didn’t take long for the tap to come after that!

The Brazilian Gangster! @LivinhaMMA makes quick work in her Octagon debut! #UFCSP pic.twitter.com/kNjwNtX7gT

— UFC (@ufc) September 22, 2018

Livia Renata Souza def. Alex Chambers by submission (guillotine choke), Round 1, 1:21

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Luigi Vendramini

Newcomer Luigi Vendramini had to endure a tight Peruvian necktie style guillotine in the opening minute of his welterweight bout with Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. Vendramini survived, then climbed the back of his opponent and threatened with a rear-naked choke, pulling Zaleski dos Santos to the ground in the process. The Brazilian survived as well, making it back up only for Luigi to take the back again.

However, the end would not come via submission. Instead, dos Santos would turn the pressure on, backing Venramini up and attacking with a flying knee. While the knee wouldn’t completely finish the job it was the beginning of the end, and a few strikes later the Brazilian had the victory!

FLYING KNEE!!!@ElizeuCapoeira lands an INSANE flying knee and puts Vendramini away in round 2! #UFCSP pic.twitter.com/3dXrUzDlpy

— UFC (@ufc) September 22, 2018

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Luigi Vendramini by knockout, Round 2, 1:20

Thales Leites vs. Hector Lombard

The retiring Thales Leites stayed on the outside early against Hector Lombard, who slowly stalked the Brazilian. Leites did damage first, with a right hand. Lombard, however, went to town on Leites lead leg with some punishing leg kicks. That forced Leites to change his approach and at times stances.

Round two saw the tables turn a little. This time it was Thales Leites pressing the action, backing Hector Lombard up, much to the delight of the Brazilian crowd. Lombard was on the defensive, but when they went to the ground, despite the danger Leites posed off his back, Lombard was able to control from guard then get back up. A high kick opened up a cut by the eye of Lombard, but he continued to attack the legs of Leites. Going to the third it was anyone’s fight, but Leites had taken control.

The third round saw the pace slowed a little, and the right eye of Lombard continued to be an issue. More grappling and clinching, not a lot of action in comparison to the first two rounds. In the final minute Thales Leites attacked with knees, and got the fight to the ground, controlling Lombard from the back as time ran out.

Thales Leites def. Hector Lombard by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Gillian Robertson

Gillian Robertson was boasting bright red hair for Canada as she took on UFC newcomer Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC Sao Paulo. The Canadian was looking to be the first to three wins in the UFC’s flyweight division. However, chasing the takedown, she took some damage on the feet early. A standing elbow was a particular threat for the Brazilian, who also added a spinning kick to the body as the round progressed. Robertson was on her bike, circling out of harm’s way. And when Robertson did finally secure a trip for a takedown, Silva nearly got on top. Robertson answered by attacking a leg, and eventually moved to guard.

That, however, allowed Silva to grab on to an arm while Robertson was in closed guard. She pulled back hard, and forced the tap, earning the win in her UFC debut!

Mayra Bueno Silva def. Gillian Robertson by submission (arm-bar), Round 1, 4:55

Sérgio Moraes vs. Ben Saunders

Saunders and Moraes circled each other early in the featured prelim at UFC Sao Paulo, with neither men committing to throwing a punch. Instead, they found themselves in a clinch, then went to the ground with Moraes landing on top. Saunders employed a rubber guard, but Moraes slowly, methodically passed to mount. Saunders ground game kept him alive, even when Moraes tried a late-round arm-bar!

Round two saw the fight go to the ground early again. Once again, Moraes was on top; this time, Saunders was backed up against the fence. Saunders tried to bring his leg across the back of Moraes’ neck, but Moraes was able to move to half-guard nonetheless. He then moved to full mount, with over two minutes remaining in the round. Plenty of time to look for a finish. It would come when Moraes locked in an arm-triangle choke. Saunders fought it off as best he could, but simply couldn’t make it to the end of the round, tapping out for the first time in his career.

Sérgio Moraes def. Ben Saunders by submission (arm-triangle choke), Round 2, 4:42

UFC Sao Paul Fight Pass Preliminary Card Results:

Sérgio Moraes def. Ben Saunders by submission (arm-triangle choke), Round 2, 4:42
Mayra Bueno Silva def. Gillian Robertson by submission (arm-bar), Round 1, 4:55
Thales Leites def. Hector Lombard by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Luigi Vendramini by knockout, Round 2, 1:20
Livia Renata Souza def. Alex Chambers by submission (guillotine choke), Round 1, 1:21

The post UFC Sao Paulo Fight Pass Preliminary Card Results and Recap appeared first on Cageside Press.