That said, Spivac and a handful of other fighters put on some solid performances. Here’s a look at what comes next for them.

Serghei Spivac

Spivac progressed to 7-3 in the UFC and got his third win in a row with his biggest one to date as he stopped Derrick Lewis in the first round. His resume is impressive but he has previously faltered when facing the upper echelon of heavyweights – but not this time. He has earned another top 10 fight, someone like the winner of Alexander Volkov versus Alexandr Romanov, seeing as the winner will likely be right next to him in the rankings. Spivac is only one or two wins from a title shot, so his career definitely bears watching at this point.

Spivac’s Next Fight: Winner of Alexander Volkov vs. Alexandr Romanov

Devin Clark

Devin Clark carried himself to an upset decision victory over Da Un Jung in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 68. By this time his 8-7 record has turned him into one of the veterans of the division. He deserves to fight another tenured fighter, who is coming off of a win, and is also at the edge of the top-15 rankings. One such fighter is Kennedy Nzechukwu, who is in good form at the moment, having won his last two fights by knockout. The two would have an entertaining fight and the winner would be poised to break into the rankings at 205-lbs.

Clark’s Next Fight: Kennedy Nzechukwu

Marcin Tybura

Tybura, the tenth ranked heavyweight in the UFC, won a comfortable decision over number fifteen, Blagoy Ivanov, on Saturday night in Las Vegas. ‘Tybur’ outstruck and outwrestled the old, tough war-horse through fifteen minutes and will now be matched with a top-15 opponent again. He has already fought a good deal of those men, but one new face in the division is Chris Daukaus. Chris was a main event fighter by the time he lost in the UFC for the first time, so despite his losing streak he still has some standing in the promotion. He has been knocked out a few times lately so a fighter like Tybura who presents a new challenge which he has hardly had to face, wrestling, would be a great opponent. Daukaus has hinted at moving down in weight, but nothing is official. A win would put Tybura back into the HW top-10.

Tybura’s Next Fight: Chris Daukaus

Doo Ho Choi

A controversial point deduction turned what would have been a unanimous win for ‘Korean Superboy’ into a majority draw on Saturday night. Still, it was good to see the fan favorite get back into the cage after four long years and put on a solid performance. Seeing as the UFC brass thought he should have won the fight, I’m sure he will be match-made as such. With that in mind, the best option for his return fight would be someone like Luis Saldana, who is 2-1-1 in the UFC. Saldaña is a good test to see if he can progress after so long away from the sport and get back to something like the fighter he was during the time of his legendary fight with Cub Swanson.

Choi’s Next Fight: Luis Saldaña

Kyle Nelson

If Dooho Choi had not received the aforementioned controversial point deduction then Kyle Nelson would have lost. Nelson was 1-4 coming into this fight and it’s probably safe to say this was his last with the promotion unless he can put together a string of wins outside the UFC. If he sticks around, a lower profile fight, maybe a DWCS newcomer, could be in order.

Nelson’s Next Fight: Outside of UFC/newcomer

Adam Fugitt

The main card to UFC Vegas 68 started with a massive upset as Adam Fugitt proved all the doubters wrong by beating DWCS standout Yusaku Kinoshita by first round TKO. Fugitt recovered from a UFC debut loss to undefeated phenom Michael Morales, which is nothing to be ashamed of. Another relative UFC newcomer who would be a good test for the budding Fugitt is Ange Loosa. Loosa had one of the best fights in DWCS history and although he lost, it was impressive enough to earn him a second look and a fight against Mounir Lazzez. He lost that, but then beat fellow DWCS alum AJ Fletcher, so he finds himself in a similar situation as Fugitt. Their matchup would be interesting and entertaining most likely.

Fugitt’s Next Fight: Ange Loosa

The post What’s Next: UFC Vegas 68 Winners appeared first on Cageside Press.

As for the main card action, two finishes, an unfortunate draw, and a disappointing main event left plenty of fans yawning as it wrapped up early Sunday morning. What comes next for the night’s losing fighters? Here’s a look.

Derrick Lewis

“The Black Beast” suffered his third straight loss in bizarre fashion at UFC Vegas 68. Bizarre, because he seemingly unleashed zero offense, was ragdolled by Serghei Spivac, and submitted for just the second time of his career.

Not to take anything away from Spivac, but Lewis looked to be in great shape ahead of this fight, which many saw as a favorable match-up. It wasn’t so. Lewis, infamously able to just “stand up” from takedowns, did make it back to his feet, only to be dragged down repeatedly. Lewis looked exhausted by the time he finally tapped, just over three minutes into the opening round.

UFC President Dana White said during Saturday’s post-fight press conference that Lewis isn’t going anywhere. The UFC’s knockout leader remains a popular figure — but was actually less competitive than 46-year old Fedor Emelianenko, who was beat into retirement by Ryan Bader at Bellator 290 the same night. Let that sink in.

Lewis is out of the title picture for the foreseeable future after losses to Spivac, Sergei Pavlovich, and Tai Tuivasa — all finishes. You can probably position him as a gatekeeper for a while longer, but Lewis needs a win.

Without booking a rematch, the best option for Lewis now might be Jair Rozenstruik. Yes, Lewis is on a skid and “Bigi Boy” is coming off a win, but the fight is big enough to do away with the loser gets loser, winner gets winner format. It’s a fun striking match-up with little chance of anything more than minimal amounts of grappling.

Lewis’ next fight: Jair Rozenstruik

Da Un Jung

Devin Clark vs. Da Un Jung was a co-main event for the UFC in 2023. Yes, UFC Vegas 68 was geared towards the Asian market, hence the late start time (the UFC cancelled a previously announced event for Seoul, South Korea when The Korean Zombie suffered an injury). That’s still, with no disrespect to the athletes involved, an iffy co-feature by UFC standards.

For Devin Clark, he made the most of the opportunity, earning his second win in three fights with a unanimous decision victory.

That leaves Jung looking to bounce back. Nicolae Negumereanu has a nearly identical record to Jung in the UFC, the only difference being a draw on the South Korean’s part. Both men are coming off losses.

Jung’s next fight: Nicolae Negumereanu

Blagoy Ivanov

Polish heavyweight Marcin Tybura has been one of the most consistent UFC heavyweights over the past few years. Tybura’s footwork, angles, and stance switches at UFC Vegas 68 showed how far he has come as a fighter. Blagoy Ivanov just couldn’t close the distance consistently enough to make anything major happen.

Ivanov, a former WSOF/PFL heavyweight champ who went to the finals of Bellator’s Season 10 heavyweight tournament, has been anything but consistent since joining the UFC. He’s 1-3 in his last four and 3-4 overall. Ranked #15, he may very well lose that number when the rankings next update.

Canada’s Tanner Boser is also 1-3 in his last four. Both men have over 25 fights, both need to get back in the win column. Boser doesn’t have a fight booked, so we’ll give him the nod.

Ivanov’s next fight: Tanner Boser

Yusaku Kinoshita

Yusaku Kinoshita as the next big Japanese talent? Fugitt about it. Adam Fugitt was the underdog against the debuting Contender Series alum, and proved a lot of doubters wrong by earning a TKO finish care of some nasty elbows in the opening round.

All is not lost for Kinoshita, but it’s clear the UFC had high hopes for the welterweight, putting him on a main card in his promotional debut.

The move now is to either give Kinoshita a debuting fighter, or else match him up with someone who entered the UFC recently. The loser of the upcoming AJ Fletcher vs. Themba Gorimbo fight could work.

Kinoshita’s next fight: newcomer or Fletcher vs. Gorimbo loser

The post What’s Next: UFC Vegas 68 Losers appeared first on Cageside Press.

No illness or ailment would scuttle the fight Saturday at UFC Vegas 68, however. Leaving a very motivated Lewis, who looked to be in the best shape of his career ahead of the fight, to face the rising Spivac, winner of five of his last six.

The fight that played out on Saturday night, or morning for those on the east coast, was anything but expected. Serghei Spivac landed a takedown almost immediately off the opening bell, taking Lewis down with a throw. In side control, Spivac looked to make something happen, but Lewis rolled to his knees. That gave up his back, but Lewis would eventually escape up.

He wouldn’t stay up for long. Repeated takedowns from Spivac followed, some simply mat returns that saw Lewis up and down like a yo-yo. Being ragdolled the entire time saw Lewis unable to get off any offense at all essentially. Instead, it was Spivac in the driver’s seat — and eventually, after one more takedown, he got in position for an arm-triangle choke.

An exhausted Lewis gave a light tap, signalling the end. Spivac, inside of a round, had the submission win, becoming just the second man to submit “The Black Beast” following Daniel Cormier.

A FLAWLESS victory for Serghei Spivac! #UFCVegas68 pic.twitter.com/AqUNpPVx6l

— UFC (@ufc) February 5, 2023

“Today, this is my time. Polar Bear is here. Polar bear is coming,” Spivac said following the victory. “Give me someone from top 5!” Jon Jones was one name on his lips — though that fight might be a ways off just yet.

Official Result: Serghei Spivac def. Derrick Lewis by submission (arm-triangle choke), Round 1, 3:05

The post UFC Vegas 68: Serghei Spivac Submits Derrick Lewis in Dominant Showing, Calls for Top 5 Opponent appeared first on Cageside Press.

Saturday night had the potential to be a big night for both men.

When the bout started Clark immediately threw a right hand and stepped into the clinch with Jung, looking for a takedown. Jung eventually reversed it and got the outside position before tripping Clark, getting the rear body lock as a result. He dragged Clark around the octagon trying to pull him down. Jung got him to his knees a few times but Devin immediately stood back up, but he could not clear the body lock until two minutes left in the fight. At that point, Da Un Jung landed two big elbows over the top before separating the clinch.

Clark then shot a takedown which almost worked, but Jung used a whizzer to get back to his feet. They both landed on the feet a bit before Clark shot another takedown. This time Jung defended it well, but then ended up on his back in the last thirty seconds after failing a takedown of his own. Clark attacked with short ground and pound until the end of the round.

The start of the second round saw the fighters trade leg kicks to open. Jung attempted a flying knee, at which point Devin Clark promptly double legged him to the mat, hard. Jung was then able to turn the corner and get the rear body-lock when Clark tried to advance. Clark stood up and tried to free himself from the grasp of Jung. Clark got free but jumped back to the clinch, taking the outside position for a time until Jung reversed it. Jung broke off with another massive elbow, but this one missed. Clark then landed a big overhand right which Jung’s chin absorbed cleanly.

Devin would often retreat slowly and not produce much offense except during his periodic explosions, which he soon did again for a takedown which Jung defended. He maintained an outside clinch position but did little damage for the rest of the round.

Both of the first rounds had been close, so round three was all-important. Jung came out and jabbed Clark backwards to the fence. Clark responded with a takedown attempt which was stopped early. Clark broke the ensuing clinch with two good left hands, and then had another takedown attempt pushed aside. One more takedown attempt got him into a clinch situation, which Jung used to trip Clark to his back. Jung settled in top half guard. Clark eventually turned to his belly. When Jung went to take the back, he fell over the top and allowed Clark to end up in the rear body-lock.

Jung was able to spin into him and get back to striking, where Clark was having an advantage. Jung clinched up again. He tried for a double collar tie knee but never pulled the trigger on the actual knee so Clark pulled away, landed an elbow, then shot a takedown. Jung stuffed it and got back to striking. The last thirty seconds were clinch-work and dirty boxing as Jung landed a spinning elbow on the break and Clark responded with a left hook. Unexpectedly, given his troubles with cardio in the past, Devin Clark looked the much fresher fighter in the last ten seconds when he released the clinch, swung haymakers against a visibly exhausted Jung, and then landed a power double leg at the bell.

When the scorecards were read it was Devin Clark who got the decision, with all three judges giving him all three rounds. He then revealed that his wife said he could get a puppy if he won, and that he wants a golden retriever. If he’s serious, he wins the night, with that feelgood moment perking fans up in the wee hours of the morning.

Official Result: Devin Clark def. Da Un Jung by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

The post UFC Vegas 68: Devin Clark Outduels Da Un Jung, Announces He’s Getting a Puppy appeared first on Cageside Press.

Both men were looking to build on single victories secured in their last outing.

Tybura went right after Ivanov’s legs early, while working his jab. Ivanov nearly caught a body kick, but at least some of that hit the mark. Tybura continued to attack that leg, working from outside — but Ivanov showed some quick hands, backing Tybura up to the fence. Tybura continued to work his kicks, but the hands of Ivanov were making him hesitant when closing the distance. Tybura would end off the round with another kick to the body.

Tybura continued to work from range early in round two. The Polish heavyweight showed some stance switches and decent mobility for his size. A Tybura kick strayed low partway through the round, but Ivanov’s thigh thankfully ate most of the impact. He didn’t take much time to recover.

In the final 90 seconds, Ivanov went on the attack, and had Tybura off-balance, but he recovered. Tybura continued to work outside, giving different looks, entering at angles and switching stances. Ivanov ripped the body, adding a new wrinkle to his game plan.

In round three, Tybura came out and immediately landed a takedown, catching Ivanov by surprise. That was the start of a grappling-heavy round that saw Marcin Tybura in the driver’s seat for essentially the entire five minutes. At times, he got hooks in, with Ivanov briefly giving up his back, or Tybura simply finding ways to take it. Each time, Ivanov was able to roll, scramble, or turn out, until the final 90 seconds, where Tybura got both hooks in and maintained control for a good chunk. While he could never find the finish, Tybura dominated the final frame, and took the fight on the scorecards.

Unanimous for @MarcinTybura! He makes it 2 in a row with the W at #UFCVegas68 👏 pic.twitter.com/KH0cebaN1s

— UFC (@ufc) February 5, 2023

Official Result: Marcin Tybura def. Blagoy Ivabov by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

The post UFC Vegas 68: Marcin Tybura Shows Diverse Skillset, Claims Decision Over Blagoy Ivanov appeared first on Cageside Press.

The match-up afforded Choi a bit of a chance for revenge, as The Korean Superboy’s last fight was a loss to another Canadian in Charles Jourdain.

Nelson opened the fight with a thunderous takedown in the opening minute. Choi would try to wall walk up, only for Nelson to pull his legs out from under him.

Choi then tried to post up but he gave up his back. Nelson was in kind of an awkward spot against the fence, trying to get hooks in. He almost flattened Choi out before coming over the top. Superboy was then on top! He had a fair bit of time to work, but struggled to find an opening. As time passed, Choi was still trying to set something up with a minute to go. Looking for the crucifix from side control, Choi couldn’t get in position. Instead, Nelson got half-guard back. Choi was working over the body and mixing in the odd blow to the head as the round came to a close.

Round two opened with Kyle Nelson on the attack, care of a front kick, later a body kick, then some hooks that hit home. Choi was hurt, but maintained composure. Nelson then nearly gave up position on a stuffed takedown attempt. He escaped, and was later tied up along the fence by Choi. Doo-Ho Choi hit an elbow off the break. Choi would also began chopping at Nelson’s leg.

Later in the frame, Choi caught Nelson with a right hand, but Nelson fired back a leg kick, returning the favor from earlier. Both fighters were all-in.

Round three saw Kyle Nelson immediately shoot for a takedown. Just when it seemed like Choi would break free of a bodylock, however, Nelson adjusted his grip, changed levels, and sat Choi down. Choi worked back up, but Nelson ate a full two minutes off the clock and finished that with an emphatic takedown.

Choi managed to get on top however, and just when it looked like he could steal back the round, a clash of heads brought the ref in. With Choi the perpetrator, albeit unintentionally, the ref took a point — and the position. Back underway, Nelson went right into a single-leg takedown. Choi refused to go down or go away quietly, smashing down elbows as Nelson pursued the takedown attempt. They’d end there — and as expected, the point deduction loomed large. The end result was a majority draw, with two of the judges giving Nelson a round, plus the extra point.

The Korean Super Boy and Kyle Nelson fight to a majority draw at #UFCVegas68

How'd you score it?

[ Live now on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/MscW2InB4a

— UFC (@ufc) February 5, 2023

The foul cost Choi the win in his return, though he did halt a three-fight losing streak.

Official Result: Doo-Ho Choi vs. Kyle Nelson ends in a Majority Draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)

The post UFC Vegas 68: Point Deduction Leads to Draw in Doo-ho Choi vs. Kyle Nelson appeared first on Cageside Press.

With the event originally scheduled for South Korea, there was a wealth of Asian talent on Saturday’s show at the UFC Apex — including the four final round match-ups in the Road to UFC tournament. Kinoshita, however, was the lone newcomer to be afforded a main card billing.

There was plenty of attention on the Japanese newcomer, but Figitt was more than happy to play spoiler.

Both fighters came out in round one with a lot of kicks. Kinoshita got the attention of Fugitt with a nice right hand. That gave Kinoshita more confidence as he pressed forward. Kinoshita timed a head kick but it allowed Fugitt to take the fight down. Kinoshita got back to his feet and went right back down twice but eventually escaped fully.

Yusaku Kinoshita was still coming forward but paid for it, getting sat down by Fugitt with a left hook. Fugitt got the fight down and had the back briefly. Kinoshita was scrambling but Fugitt was all over him. Fugitt mounted Kinoshita and some elbows sent the ref in.

A MAN ON A MISSION! @Justfugitt locks up his first UFC victory with a punishing performance at #UFCVegas68 😤

[ Live now on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/KMeKrnb9fU

— UFC (@ufc) February 5, 2023

The victory gives Adam Fugitt his first UFC win, and an upset at that. That brings his record to 9-3 as a professional.

Official Result: Adam Fugitt def. Yusaku Kinoshita by TKO (ground and pound), Round 1, 4:36

The post UFC Vegas 68: Adam Fugitt Stops Yusaku Kinoshita in Upset appeared first on Cageside Press.

The pair engaged in an explosive face-off at Friday’s weigh-ins, one that included a throat-slash gesture and plenty of pushing and shoving. Saturday night’s final would afford them the opportunity to settle their differences, and land the winner a UFC contract.

Saragih opened the fight with a couple of heavy leg kicks to the inside and outside lead leg. He called Jubli in and Jubli landed a good combo into a single-leg takedown. Saragih was trying to frame off and just try to power his way out from underneath. Jubli wasn’t landing anything significant but was busy enough. Jubli eventually threw the legs to the side and mounted Saragih. Jubli went to an arm triangle. It looked tight but Saragih escaped and got to his feet. The round ended with both guys swinging.

In round two Saragih came out firing but Jubli used that to get the quick single-leg takedown. Saragih was working back to his feet but had Jubli take his back. He flattened out Saragih and started to land some good ground and pound. Saragih took some heavy elbows but survived. Jubli was going between the mount and the back but doing a ton of damage. After continued ground and pound the ref eventually stepped in.

The King of Lions ate good tonight 🦁 #UFCVegas68 pic.twitter.com/ddfEU6DxrF

— UFC (@ufc) February 5, 2023

The win gives Anshul Jubli the Road to UFC crown at lightweight, a UFC contract, and makes him the second fighter from India to sign with the promotion (though former UFC heavyweight and current ONE heavyweight champ Arjan Singh Bhullar of Canada is also of Indian descent).

Official Result: Anshul Jubli def. Jeka Saragih by TKO (ground and pound), Round 2, 3:44

The post UFC Vegas 68: India’s Anshul Jubli Stops Jeka Saragih, Claims Road to UFC Lightweight Crown appeared first on Cageside Press.

While Zha had a significant edge in experience, it was Lee riding the longer win streak into Saturday’s showdown, that had a UFC contract hanging in the balance. Lee had won his last six fights to start the night; Zha boasted 25 fights as a pro for his part, with three straight wins prior to UFC Vegas 68.

Right away in round one Lee landed a right hand forcing Zha to shoot in. Lee defended very well against the cage but Zha was not letting go. Zha eventually worked to the legs and got Lee down. Against the cage, Lee was able to eventually get back up but gave up his back. Lee defended perfectly and landed a few elbows to the side of the head of Zha. Zha was very strong in the clinch grinding away at Lee. Zha kept working on the takedowns but Lee showed perfect takedown defense. Lee finally got space but it was at the end of the round.

In round two, things started with pressure from Lee. It wasn’t long until Zha shot in on the legs to get the takedown. He jumped on the back which looked bad but Lee escaped. Lee landed a nice elbow on the break. Zha landed the biggest shot of the fight with a big right hand snapping the head back of Lee. Lee took it and then defended a takedown right after. Half way into the round Lee was looking tired. He still was landing some uppercuts while defending the takedowns. A little over a minute left Zha timed a shot very well getting the takedown. Lee landed an illegal up kick but the fight was restarted on the feet. The last little bit in the round not much happened.

In the final round, Lee had Zha in some trouble in the opening combination. Zha recovered and was still throwing well but it was always striking to wrestle. Lee would defend and push Zha away. Lee landed a big right hand that stunned Zha. Zha shot in and took the back but was too high and slipped off the back. Lee made the mistake of going for an armbar and lost position. He was able to get back up but Zha took him right back down. Lee did get back up and pressed but was taken down again right at the bell.

Going to the scorecards, the end result was a split decision favoring Jeong-Yeong Lee. He claims the Road to UFC featherweight crown.

It was close, but JeongYeong Lee is officially your #RoadToUFC featherweight contract winner! 👏

[ #UFCVegas68 | Live now on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/WFSEeyWnsD

— UFC (@ufc) February 5, 2023

Official Result: Jeong-Yeong Lee def. Yi Zha by split decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

The post UFC Vegas 68: Jeong-Yeong Lee Takes Close Decision Over Yi Zha in Road to UFC Featherweight Final appeared first on Cageside Press.

On the line in Kazama vs. Nakamura was a UFC deal, one of four that would be handed out on the night.

This one didn’t take long to get going. And it didn’t take long to wrap up, either.

In the opening round Kazama rushed forward right out of the gate. He went right into a buzzaw in the form of Nakamura, however, getting tagged with flurries. He sat Kazama down with a check right hook and moments later he landed a pull-counter left hook knocking Kazama out cold. What a performance and knockout from Rinya Nakamura.

OUT. COLD.

Rinya Nakamura is your #RoadToUFC bantamweight winner! #UFCVegas68 pic.twitter.com/6ULxnIOaxi

— UFC (@ufc) February 5, 2023

The win was later announced as the second-fastest finish by a debuting bantamweight in the UFC. The victory sees Nakamura remain undefeated, improving his record to 7-0 as a pro — while maintaining his 100% finish rate. It’s safe to say Rinya Nakamura has arrived in style, and should be one to watch moving forward.

Official Result: Rinya Nakamura def. Toshiomi Kazama by knockout (left hook), Round 1, 0:33

The post UFC Vegas 68: Rinya Nakamura Wins Road to UFC Bantamweight Tournament, KO’s Toshiomi Kazama appeared first on Cageside Press.