Of those three fighters on the long suspensions are Thiago Moises and Ronnie Lawrence, who both won their fights. In his dominant decision win, Moises appears to have injured his right foot, which will put him on the shelf. Lawrence saw several injuries during the lone stoppage of the card, including damage to his left foot and rib cage. Both can be cleared early with x-rays and doctor’s clearance.

Also on the shelf for an extended period of time is Sabina Mazo. Her 180 days suspension comes after being out-grappled by tough veteran Alexis Davis. The “Colombian Queen” sustained injuries to her left leg during that fight and will need some time to heal. Of course, like Moises and Lawrence, she can be cleared to fight earlier if the x-rays come back negative.

Full list of UFC Vegas 20 medical suspensions:

Jairzinho Rozenstruik – 21 days
Nikita Krylov – 30 days
Montana De La Rosa – 45 days
Pedro Munhoz – 30 days
Jimmie Rivera – 60 days
Kevin Croom – 45 days
Thiago Moises – 180 days or until cleared by right foot x-ray
Alexander Hernandez – 30 days
Sabina Mazo – 180 days or until cleared by left leg x-ray
Ronnie Lawrence – 180 days or until cleared by left foot and left rib x-ray
Vince Cachero – 45 days
Dustin Jacoby – 30 days
Maxim Grishin – 30 days

Suspensions originally reported by Kirik Jenness.

The post UFC Vegas 20 Medical Suspensions: Clean Bills of Health for Five appeared first on Cageside Press.

Cyril Gane

While not the most exciting heavyweight tilt in history, Gane showed that he is a tactician with some very clean striking. By advancing his record to 8-0 and picking up a win over the #4 ranked Jairzinho Rozenstruik, he put himself on a shortlist of contenders for the strap. With Jon Jones lurking behind an already booked title shot, and given the unfriendly visuals of this fight, there’s no way that Gane is going to get a title shot next. This means he’s going to need at least one more fight and likely against someone lurking just outside of that picture like he is. Last weekend’s main event winner Derrick Lewis is just the person for the task. While Gane kept Rozenstruik gun-shy for the whole fight, it’s unlikely he could do the same to Lewis. Meanwhile, one of the two would cement their case to be next in line.

Cyril Gane’s Next Fight: Derrick Lewis

Magomed Ankalaev

After a slow start, Ankalaev rallied to win the last two rounds against Nikita Krylov and a unanimous decision victory. The win marks the first high-profile victory for the Russian, who has now won six straight. This almost certainly moves him into the top 10 and sets him up for another big fight. A good test for him would be Volkan Oezdemir, who is notorious for his fast starts. If Ankalaev can handle that early onslaught and beat “No Time,” then he’s probably ready for the highest part of the division.

Magomed Ankalaev’s Next Fight: Volkan Oezdemir

Pedro Munhoz

Munhoz finds himself in an awkward position in the bantamweight division following this win. On one hand, he’s looked good both of his last two fights. On the other, only one technically wound up a victory. In addition, a lot of the top 15 of the bantamweight division is already booked and/or he has already faced. The only name that sticks out as moving his case forward towards the top, and also being free and a fresh face, is Marlon Moraes. Despite coming off of some losses to the top of the division, it would make the most sense for Munhoz’s career if he wants to make a run to the title.

Pedro Munhoz’s Next Fight: Marlon Moraes

Alex Caceres

Very quietly, Alex Caceres has made it four straight victories at 145lbs. While he hasn’t really faced any of the big names in the division, he has shown there is a clear divide between the level he’s at and the unranked opponents he’s faced. It wouldn’t be ridiculous to give him a top 15 fighter at this point, but there are some other names around the fringe of the rankings that would be good tests as well. He was originally booked with Giga Chikadze, who is on a nice win streak of his own. Now that everybody is healthy, it would be interesting to try to re-book that fight.

Alex Caceres’ Next Fight: Giga Chikadze

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Jairzinho Rozenstruik

Rozenstruik came into the fight ranked number four in the heavyweight division. His loss on Saturday will likely move him just outside the top five. He should be looking to take on someone still inside the top ten to try and preserve his place at the top of the division. Fighting somebody like Alistair Overeem or Augusto Sakai in his next fight would be perfect for Rozenstruik. Overeem had basically won his last fight against Rozenstruik, and would have had his hand raised if it wasn’t for Rozenstruik landing a final knockout blow late in the fifth round. Sakai would make for a great stylistic match-up as we would get to see just how good Rozenstruik’s takedown defense is.

Rozenstruik’s next fight: Alistair Overeem or Augusto Sakai

Nikita Krylov

Krylov becomes 2-3 in his most recent run with UFC with his loss this past weekend. He will probably be moving towards the back part of the light heavyweight’s top 15. He should be looking to fight anyone ranked in front of him in his next fight. Within the next few weeks, number 15 ranked Jamahal Hill will be taking on number 14 in the division, Paul Craig. While number 13 ranked Ryan Spann will be taking on number ten ranked Misha Cirkunov. Either of those four men would make for a great next opponent for Krylov.

Cirkunov is the only one that doesn’t make a lot of sense. If Cirkunov wins he will likely be pushed close to the top five and he already has a win over Krylov in 2016. However, if either Craig or Hill has an impressive win, they will likely get pushed right in front of Krylov in the rankings.

Krylov’s next fight: Winner of Hill-Craig

Jimmie Rivera

Jimmie Rivera had many bright spots in his decision loss to Pedro Munhoz at UFC Vegas 20. Rivera showed a lot of heart as he was trying to finish Munhoz up until the final bell. This loss makes him 1-1 against Munhoz. With the score being tied and that fight being as good as it was many would think a trilogy fight would be perfect for their next bout. Although Rivera would benefit from making a quick turnaround. The perfect next opponent for Rivera would seem like Raphael Assuncao. Assuncao hasn’t fought since June of 2020. Meaning he will be ready to fight soon. The fact that Rivera is coming off this exciting match-up with Munhoz only sweetens the deal for Assuncao.

Rivera’s next opponent: Raphael Assuncao 

Kevin Croom

Kevin Croom lost a unanimous decision to Alex Caceres at UFC Vegas 20. Croom spent most of the first and second round holding Caceres up against the cage. He was able to land just one of his 16 takedown attempts and when he did he was able to hold Caceres down. Caceres however landed way more strikes on the feet and even stayed active on the ground. Caceres was fresh as can be in the third whereas it seemed like Croom was so exhausted that he could barely throw any offense.

This loss brings Croom to 0-1 with one no contest in the UFC. For his next fight, he should fight fellow UFC newcomer, Nate Landwehr. Landwehr is 1-2 in the UFC. Like Croom, Landwehr is also a character inside and outside of the octagon. Landwehr has also had issues with his cardio in the past and is a great striker. This will match up great with Croom who visibly has issues with his cardio and relies more on his grappling.

Croom’s next fight: Nate Landwehr 

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The Fight Night event took several hits leading into Saturday night, with a number of bouts cancelled: Angela Hill vs. Ashley Yoder, Sam Hughes vs. Emily Whitmire, Alex Olivira vs. Ramazan Kuramagomedov, Alonzo Menifield vs. William Knight, and Raphael Assunção vs. Raoni Barcelos. Which isn’t even the full list, but rather, the more recent cancellations.

In short, with just nine fights and eight going the distance, the pickings were slim come bonus time. Ronnie Lawrence, who made his debut Saturday, picked up the only Performance of the Night bonus at UFC Vegas 20. He was rewarded for an action-filled fight full of spinning attacks, and even a suplex, that ended in a TKO win over Vince Cachero.

Fight of the Night, meanwhile, went to Pedro Munhoz and Jimmie Rivera. The pair met in a rematch of their 2015 affair, which saw Rivera win a split decision. This time out, it was Munhoz’s time to shine. He absolutely decimated the lead leg of Rivera with calf kicks. Rivera gutted it out, and showed off his boxing prowess, but that kicking attack was too much in the end, with Munhoz winning a unanimous decision to draw their career series even.

A rubber match would be an easy sell. In the meantime, all three men pick up an extra $50,000 in bonus money.

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It feels like a new day in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Of course, you could say that about any weight class in any promotion early in a new year. But in 2021, among the UFC’s heavyweight ranks, it has a particular ring of truth to it. Heavyweight is suddenly fresh, suddenly active. The gears are moving again. The big men were headlining their third card of February alone at UFC Vegas 20 on Saturday. The winner, one step closer to a title shot in a division suddenly brimming with contenders.

The big men in question, Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Ciryl Gane, were both battle tested, but still new enough to the UFC to be considered prospects. Certainly that was the case with Gane, who entered the night an undefeated 7-0.

It was a cautious start to the fight, understandably so considering the power both men possess. Gane was electing to use longer strikes in the early going to keep his distance from the heavy-handed Rozenstruik. Gane went to a body kick and Rozenstruik caught it and exploded with a big right hand that got Gane’s attention. Every time that Gane was too far inside, Rozenstruik made him pay, as he did after Gane missed with a right hook. Rozenstruik was caught by a right hand not soon after and Gane used the window of opportunity to push Rozenstruik against the cage. He had to fight through some downward elbows, but got Rozenstruik down with a strong double-leg before the end of the round.

THE NERVES 😅

You never know what could happen ANY TIME they connect. #UFCVegas20 pic.twitter.com/CBEUU25U4g

— UFC (@ufc) February 28, 2021

Gane had some pep in his step in the second round, staying light on his feet. He landed a quick right hand on Rozenstruik. A few body kicks found the mark for Gane then a jab down the middle. Confidence began growing for Gane as began stringing together combinations. Leg kicks were coming from Gane’s direction more often as well. Rozenstruik then charged in, but Gane ducked under and grabbed a single-leg to drive him to the fence. A beautiful trip brought Rozenstruik to the ground, but he popped up quickly. A wild exchange occurred in which Gane had Rozenstruik’s back briefly, who then spun out and landed a big punch over the top. The end of the round shortly followed.

The third round started with leg kicks and a left hand from Gane, who had been much more active than his opponent up to this point. After a few leg kicks, a high kick caught Rozenstruik up top. A steady diet of jabs and low kicks continued to be fed to Rozenstruik, who then ate a right hand over the top. The offense slowed down midway through the round with Gane throwing his distance strikes with less frequency and Rozenstruik continuing to hunt for the one big punch. A smooth combination landed for Gane with about a minute left in the round as he went with a body kick followed by a one-two. Gane was in control heading into the fourth round.

The jabs and leg kicks kept coming from Gane. He mixed in a stepping knee to the body that drew out some punches from Rozenstruik, but nothing of significance landed. Rozenstruik simply could not do anything with the jab of Gane constantly in his face. Gane back him to the cage and then closed in with a big stepping knee that unfortunately landed below the belt. After a brief pause in the action, Gane continued to work his jab with stellar consistency and Rozenstruik had no answer.

Gane started the final round with a head kick to give Rozenstruik a different look. A stepping elbow helped Gane close the distance as he then pushed Rozenstruik against the cage. Rozenstruik escaped, but was still at the mercy of Gane’s will. Whenever Rozenstruik attempted to open up with strikes, Gane stifled him with a clinch. That’s where the fighters found themselves with 90 seconds left. Gane then had the back of Rozenstruik against the fence and was able to land a trip. Rozenstruik got back up, but Gane was in control until time expired.

Official Result: Ciryl Gane def. Jairzinho Rozenstruik by Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

The post UFC Vegas 20 Results: Ciryl Gane Beats Jairzinho Rozenstruik from Distance appeared first on Cageside Press.

A battle of ranked light heavyweights served as the co-main event of UFC Vegas 20. The 205lb scrap saw Magomed Ankalaev, finally putting Ion Cutelaba in the rear-view mirror, go up against Nikita Krylov.

Krylov opened the fight with a body kick and Ankalaev threw one right back. Krylov then stepped in and delivered two right hands en route to getting a hold of his Russian opponent and dragging him to the mat against the cage. Ankalaev was never completely down though, and used the cage to stand back up with Krylov still hanging on. They traded knees then broke apart. On the feet, Ankalaev was landing a check right hook often with his lead hand. A high kick found the target for Krylov. It was Ankalaev who had control of the center of the cage as Krylov stayed on the outside, using kicks to close the distance periodically. With 15 seconds left in the round, Ankalaev shot for a takedown that was stopped by the fence.

The fighters came together quickly and had a fiery exchange to start the second round. Krylov briefly had a hold of Ankalaev, but let go and got back to swinging. A combination that was stamped by a body kick landed successfully for Krylov. He went back to the body kick, but this time it was caught and Ankalaev took the opportunity to land some hard shots including a knee down the middle. Krylov went high with a kick after they separated and Ankalaev ducked under to get a takedown with just under two minutes left in the round. Krylov focused on limiting the offense of Ankalaev and got to the end of the round without suffering much damage.

Both men came out firing in the third round with the most significant shot in the early goings being a big right hand from Ankalaev. He then pushed Krylov against the cage and worked for a takedown, trying to secure the fight. He was eventually able to drag Krylov down with three minutes left in a seated position against the cage. Krylov worked his way up, but it wasn’t too long before Ankalaev dragged him down again. With time winding down, Krylov was desperately trying to get back to his feet, but Ankalaev was just too heavy on top. The round and fight ended with Ankalaev holding Krylov down.

Official Result: Magomed Ankalaev def. Nikita Krylov by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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In a takedown attempt, De La Rosa found herself in a guillotine early. The American finished the attempt, however, head pulling free in short order. She could not keep Bueno Silva down for long, though, as the Brazilian quickly returned to her feet. That led to a second takedown attempt from Montana De La Rosa, which was prevented only by a fence grab by Bueno Silva — resulting in an immediate point deduction.

Despite being up in the round, De La Rosa was under fire on her next takedown attempt, eating elbows and a knee. That time, Bueno Silva was able to defend the takedown without the fence.

Early in the second, De La Rosa ate a head kick and a couple of solid punches from Silva. Mayra Bueno Silva then muscled her opponent down, but couldn’t keep her there long. Bueno Silva continued to threaten with head kicks, and her strikes had a fair bit more behind them than De La Rosa’s. The American’s eye had also swollen up, but she fought through it, landing a takedown with about ninety seconds left in the round.

FAST & FURIOUS.

🇧🇷 @MayraSheetara is wasting NO TIME to start RD 2. #UFCVegas20 pic.twitter.com/E7Wtf0Jhig

— UFC (@ufc) February 28, 2021

Montana De La Rosa was once again under fire to start the third. She was able to bully Bueno Silva back to the fence and go back to work on a takedown. Bueno Silva defended with a choke, then punches, and a knee, cutting De La Rosa open. A nasty left connected after De La Rosa quit on the takedown attempt. Another knee connected moments later as De La Rosa pursued another takedown. She’d finally land a takedown in the open later in the round, but with only 30 seconds or so remaining, there wasn’t enough time to work.

The point deduction in the first was the difference maker. What would have been a win for Mayra Bueno Silva turned out to be a majority draw instead.

Official Result: Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Montana De La Rosa ends in a majority draw (28-27, 28-28, 28-28)

The post UFC Vegas 20 Results: Fence Grab Costs Mayra Bueno Silva Win Against Montana De La Rosa appeared first on Cageside Press.

Rivera had come out of the pair’s 2015 meeting with his hand raised following a split decision. Heading into the rematch, he arguably had the momentum, coming off a win over Cody Stamann, albeit up a weight class. Munhoz, meanwhile, looked to snap a two fight skid, losses that had come against some of the best names in the weight class: Frankie Edgar and Aljamain Sterling.

What played out was easily a Fight of the Night effort.

The fight opened up with both men throwing heavy punches, picking up where they left off  in their last fight. Munhoz in fact went right after a high kick, trying to quickly get his win back from Rivera. When that didn’t work, Munhoz and Rivera traded calf kicks— but Munhoz seemed to lead the round in damage, as Rivera’s leg looked to be compromised at the end of the first from the swarm of kicks Munhoz had landed.

Between rounds, Rivera could be overheard telling his corner that his leg was killing him. A quick visual inspection found ample swelling after the first five minutes alone. Rivera would gut it out, and even managed to take Munhoz off his feet with a kick of his own as the action continued. As the second round progressed, Munhoz continued to chop at the leg of Rivera, who looked to change up his game plan by switching stances. The uppercut was there at times for Rivera, whose boxing looked sharp. But it seemed like Muhoz and his leg attacks were up two rounds heading into the third.

Rivera knew he had to fire on all cylinders to get a finish in the final frame, and even being hurt he showed no quit. Rivera came out throwing punches with bad intentions, looking to get a KO finish. It just wasn’t there, especially with his mobility compromised. The fight headed to the judges in what was an intense three-round fight, with a clear winner. Rubber match anyone?

Nothing but respect 🤝

These two just delivered a wild fifteen minutes! #UFCVegas20 pic.twitter.com/gVctCSoVWn

— UFC (@ufc) February 28, 2021

Official Result: Pedro Munhoz def. Jimmie Rivera by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

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Jair Rozenstruik and Ciryl Gane faced off atop the card, with a chance to insert themselves into the title conversation. Either one or two wins away, or as a short-notice replacement. Either way, the heavyweight showdown promised fireworks, and a solid boost up the division for the winner.

With Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou throwing down in a month’s time, plus Alexander Volkov and Derrick Lewis both winning big this month, it was a fun time for the heavyweight division.

Also on the card Saturday, Pedro Munhoz and Jimmie Rivera faced off in a rematch of their 2015 encounter, which saw Rivera win a split decision. And in the co-main event, Magomed Ankalaev and Nikita Krylov faced off, hoping to work their way up at light heavyweight.

Following the event, tune in for the post-fight press conference, scheduled to get underway at 11:15PM ET (time subject to change).

The full card for UFC Vegas 20 breaks down as follows:

Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Ciryl Gane
Nikita Krylov vs. Magomed Ankalaev
Montana De La Rosa vs. Mayra Bueno Silva
Pedro Munhoz vs. Jimmie Rivera
Alex Caceres vs. Kevin Croom
Alexander Hernandez vs. Thiago Moisés
Alexis Davis vs. Sabina Mazo
Vince Cachero vs. Ronnie Lawrence
Dustin Jacoby vs. Maxim Grishin

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Alex Caceres, better known to fans as “Bruce Leeroy,” entered the fight just shy of the ten-year mark in the UFC. And impressive feat, made even more so by a recent string of successes, as Caceres entered the bout having won his last three straight.

On the other side of the octagon, at least to start, Kevin Croom — entering just his second fight for the promotion. Despite a lengthy career in mixed martial arts himself.

MMA loves characters, and both Cacares and Croom are full of personality. But it was the UFC veteran executing his game plan in the end.

The fight itself had a quick start on Saturday, with Caceres trying to pull off a side kick to the face right off the bat. Caceres went back to his kicks several times early before Croom closed the distance. That led to a battle for position against the fence, with Croom eventually reversing, but Caceres pulling free. Another clinch battle moments later saw Croom working for a trip/takedown, but Caceres showed his defense was up to snuff. It wasn’t until a slip off a knee attempt that Caceres found himself dragged down in a scramble. But it was Caceres getting the better of things, moving back to his feet after landing a couple heavy ground strikes.

Early in the second, Croom ate a check left hook, but was able to control Caceres in the clinch, and get the fight to the ground. With Caceres on his back, Kevin Croom was exactly where he wanted to be. Only, once he had the fight where he wanted it, he was forced to contend with an active ground game from Caceres, who threw up a triangle. The triangle was tight, but Croom gutted it out, and “Bruce Leeroy” eventually dropped the attempt, allowing Croom to move back into the driver’s seat. Caceres would free himself, but again, Croom stayed tight to him along the cage.

The third saw Croom walk into a punch or two early as he tried to close the distance. But the reality was that the former Hard-Hitting Hillbilly, now known as Kevin “Crash” Croom, was likely down two rounds. Getting inside on the lanky Caceres was crucial. Taking more and more damage, however, Croom was soon showing signs of fatigue. When they went to the ground with just under half a round remaining, it was Caceres on top. He’d finish the fight in control, earning a clear decision.

Official Result: Alex Caceres def. Kevin Croom by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

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