“I heard a lot of the talk about it,” Soriano (8-0) told Cageside Press. “It seemed like no one gave me a chance. It’s funny even though I put up that type of performance, I’ll hear the ‘it was because his lack of defense.’ I just find it funny,” Soriano continued. “I’m the one that went out there and did the job, we wanted to put him on his back foot.”

An Xtreme Couture product, Soriano is coached by the likes of Eric Nicksick and other great minds over in Las Vegas. The Hawaiian known as “Story Time” speaks very highly of training with some of the top athletes in the world.

“Nate Pettit was the first to bring me under his wing,” Soriano stated. “He’s always in my corner, from the day I stepped foot into Xtreme Couture he’s been coaching me. We are polar opposites, he is country, I’m Hawaiian, but we blend.”

Soriano, although excited to get back into the gym, is not rushing into any decisions on who is next for him. Following the second knockout of his young UFC career, Soriano knows many fighters might be putting a target on his back, something he welcomes with open arms.

“First thing is first, I need to get back in the gym,” Soriano explained. “I realize that was a big win, there is hype and maybe even a target on my back, so I want to make sure when the time comes for my next one that I am even better than this one.”

Watch our full interview with UFC middleweight Punahele Soriano above!

The post UFC’s Punahele Soriano Feels Target on his Back Growing After Second KO Victory appeared first on Cageside Press.

How many eyeballs the event drew is another matter. Although one impacted by a number of mitigating factors.

Saturday’s UFC on ABC 1 broadcast, which had a 3PM ET start time, drew 1,220,000 viewers, per numbers released by entertainment industry website ShowBuzz Daily. That earned the broadcast a 0.72 rating, which placed it just ahead of Sunday’s AKC National Championship dog show, which also aired on ABC, for the week.

In a more direct competition, FOX aired Big 10 college basketball action on Saturday, drawing 1,269,000 viewers in a game starting at 12PM ET. The U.S. Figure Skating Championship — Men’s Short Program broadcast, at 4PM, lagged behind the UFC broadcast (the ladies, later in the night, were another story).

Apples to oranges, however. Time of day (3PM is not a normal start time for UFC fans) and competition from the NFL, which had the LA Rams vs. Green Bay Packers playoff game on Saturday afternoon, likely ate into the UFC’s viewership. The playoff came averaged over 26 million viewers.

Still, the UFC on ABC 1 broadcast was well down from the promotion’s 2018 swansong on FOX, which drew in 2,153,000 viewers when all was said and done. The previous FOX event, UFC on FOX 30, had actually hit what was then a record low for a UFC event on broadcast TV, pulling down 1,770,000 million viewers.

Interestingly enough, UFC on ESPN 18 back on December 5 garnered 1,055,000 viewers on ESPN, and another 245,000 on ESPN 2.

If the UFC gets another outing on ABC (hopefully in a better time slot and not against playoff football), we may get a better picture of where the promotion stands in terms of broadcast television viewership. Either way, it’s hard to argue against the in-cage product on Saturday.

The post UFC on ABC 1, Promotion’s Return to Network Television, Draws 1.2M Viewers appeared first on Cageside Press.

Somewhat unsurprising is the first 180 suspension, which goes to Calvin Kattar. Following his slobber-knocker with Max Holloway, the Massachusetts native sustained a broken nose along with more than a few cuts and bruises. He’ll take six months off, but could have that suspension shortened if he has his nose cleared by a doctor prior to that mark. Joining him on the six month layoff is Justin Tafa. The New Zealand heavyweight lost a close split decision to Carlos Felipe. During the bout he took damage to his left thumb, which will need a clean x-ray to shorten his suspension.

While those are the only two facing the real big suspensions, a pair of fighters who KO losses are next on the list. Both Joaquin Buckley and Santiago Ponzinibbio were knocked out of their respective bouts. Each of them is looking at two months on the shelf before they’ll be allowed to compete again. Dusko Todorovic, who also was knocked out on the main card, will face a 45 day suspension for getting separated from consciousness.

Full list of medical suspensions:

Max Holloway – 30 Days
Calvin Kattar – 180 Days or until nose is cleared by doctor
Carlos Condit – 30 Days
​Matt Brown – 30 Days
Li Jingliang – 7 Days
​Santiago Ponzinibbio – 60 Days
Alessio Di Chirco – 7 Days
​Joaquin Buckley – 60 Days
Punahele Soriano – 7 Days
​Dusko Todorovic -45 Days
Joselyne Edwards – 7 Days
​Wu Yanan – 7 Days
Carlos Felipe – 7 Days
​Justin Tafa – 180 Days or until clear x-ray of left thumb
Ramazan Emeev – 7 Days
​David Zawada – 30 Days
Vanessa Melo – 7 Days
​Sarah Moras – 30 Days
​Austin Lingo – 30 Days
Jacob Kilburn – 45 Days

All suspensions originally reported by Kirik Jenness.

The post UFC Fight Island 7 Medical Suspensions: Calvin Kattar Gets Much Needed Time Off appeared first on Cageside Press.

Max Holloway

There aren’t many instances of a fighter going 0-2 against another and still having people looking for that third shot, but people were already leaning that way with Max Holloway and his quest for a trilogy with Alex Volklanovski. Although the UFC decided to have each fighter fight someone else first, Holloway did all he could to make sure there was no doubt who was next. Volkanovski will have to keep up his side of the bargain to make it happen, but even if he doesn’t, a rematch with Brian Ortega would be intriguing for Holloway as well. No matter what, it’s the belt next for Holloway.

Max Holloway’s Next Fight: Volkanovski/Ortega Winner

Carlos Condit

Once completely written off with shouts to retire, Carlos Condit now finds himself on a nice little win streak. After beating both Court McGee and Matt Brown, there is at least a question as to whether Condit might have a little more left in the tank than we originally thought, and maybe could even fight a ranked opponent. Still, he’s at the point of his career where he should be having fun fights with veterans like Matt Brown. So if some think ranked opponent, and some think legacy fight – why not go with both? Robbie Lawler currently sits on the edge of the rankings at 170lbs. A rematch of their epic 2016 title fight likely wouldn’t be boring and would serve Condit’s purpose of slotting him into the rankings.

Carlos Condit’s Next Fight: Robbie Lawler

Li Jingliang

Li Jingliang made a statement as the biggest underdog by knocking out Santiago Ponzinibbio. Although it would have been much better for Li’s career if Ponzinibbio still had that #7 next to his name, this should still catapult him into the top 15 and makes for a lot of interesting matches in there. Among them is Vicente Luque. Both men are 4-1 in their last 5 with losses to top flight competition. Both have good wrestling and top game, but when that’s stifled, they drop bombs. A head-to-head between the two would be sure to end in fireworks.

Li Jingliang’s Next Fight: Vicente Luque

Alessio Di Chirico

This win creates a bit of a predicament for what you do for Di Chirico next. On one hand, he did just end the hype train behind Joaquin Buckley and his back-to-back violent KOs. On the other hand, he had lost three fights prior and would have likely been cut if he had not won this fight. So while we know he has some real skills, he’s also not poised for a run anywhere near the top 15. So why not pair him with someone like Karl Roberson? Roberson also doesn’t have a sterling record as of late, but it is largely due to losses against top names like Vettori and Teixeira. Not only would this provide one of them the chance to have a run and a claim to a bigger fight, but their standup skills would make for some fun exchanges.

Allesio Di Chirico’s Next Fight: Karl Roberson

Punahele Soriano

Soriano made his claim to the title of one of the most exciting 185lbs prospects in the UFC this past weekend. The hype around him after his performance is likely going to get him plenty of callouts and the possibility of a fairly big name. Already, Brendan Allen has said that he’d like to face the Hawaiian. I think it makes a bit more sense for Soriano to get his hands on the man who just beat Allen though, Sean Strickland. Strickland not only is on a nice little win streak of his own, but his technical striking would be a nice test for the more wild Soriano and would help us see if he can handle what the top half of the division will have to offer him.

Punahele Soriano’s Next Fight: Sean Strickland

The post What’s Next: UFC Fight Island 7 Winners appeared first on Cageside Press.

Calvin Kattar

Calvin Kattar proved he had heart, and one hell of a chin, absorbing a five-round beatdown from former featherweight champ Max Holloway. The problem is, while he had his moments, as the fight wore on, the UFC Fight Island 7 main event became far too one-sided. UFC President Dana White actually went to Kattar’s corner, hoping to see the fight stopped after the fourth round. Kattar himself admitted post-fight that being able to withstand a beating isn’t what he wants to be known for. So, step one, rest and recovery. Preferably a full six months off for Kattar. Step two, when he does return, a match-up with someone like Josh Emmett would work. Sure, Emmett’s coming off a win, but this is one of those cases where the winner vs. winner rule can be broken. Emmett is healing up from an ACL tear, and doesn’t need to rush back. Both guys hit hard, and Kattar won’t be faced with the sort of volume (700+ strikes thrown!) he saw against Holloway.

Calvin Kattar’s next fight: Josh Emmett

Matt Brown

Matt Brown may be immortal, but he’s not unbeatable. The Ohio native was none too happy about the scoring in his fight with Carlos Condit, but there’s one problem: even if you agree that he won the first round, and he very much has a case, he still lost the fight. At 40, Brown has hit a point where age combined with mileage ensures that the end will come soon. He’s lost two straight, and is 2-5 in his last seven. A fan favorite who always puts on a show, now is the time for Brown to consider calling it a career. If he fights on, it needs to be against someone at a similar point in their career. Heading into Saturday’s card, Brown said he’d be willing to face Diego Sanchez in the TUF 1 winner’s retirement fight. Although Brown defeated Sanchez back in 2017, that’s not such a bad idea at this point.

Matt Brown’s next fight: Diego Sanchez

Santiago Ponzinibbio

With apologies to Dominick Cruz, returning Argentinian Santiago Ponzinibbio looked a little rusty at UFC Fight Island 7. And who can blame him. Over two years out of action, due to serious medical issues, will do that to an athlete. There’s no shame in losing to Li Jingliang, however. Ponzinibbio, once recovered from that knockout, should get right back on the horse. And here’s a left-field idea: rebook his match-up with Robbie Lawler. The pair were scheduled to fight in 2019, and Ponzinibbio coming off a loss changes nothing, since Lawler has lost four straight (but is one of those rare fighters who can do so, and get a fifth fight in the octagon).

Santiago Ponzinibbio’s next fight: Robbie Lawler

Joaquin Buckley

Let’s not sugar coat it: Alessio Di Chirico was brought in to be cannon fodder for Joaquin Buckley. That’s not to take away from the Italian’s skills. But you don’t book a fighter on a three-fight skid against a red-hot viral star with two straight knockouts unless you are expecting a certain outcome. Well, the best laid plans and all. The UFC got the exact opposite of what was expected, outside of a highlight reel knockout occurring. Only, it was Buckley’s body hitting the floor. Now, for the most part, Buckley has only lost to solid competition: Fighter of the Year Kevin Holland, and Bellator MMA standout Logan Storley, for example. So put the middleweight in another fun match-up. “Coconut Bombz” (Maki Pitolo) is facing “The Cuban Missile Crisis” (Julian Marquez) in early February. Give Buckley the loser.

Joaquin Buckley’s next fight: Loser of Maki Pitolo vs. Julian Marquez

Dusko Todorovic

Someone’s 0 had to go, and in the end, it was Dusko’s. Todorovic found himself finished at the hands of the undefeated Punahele Soriano at UFC Fight Island 7. Both men entered the night without a loss on their pro records. That’s no longer the case for Todorovic. The simple plan moving forward is to pair him up with another fighter who also lost his perfect record recently: Canada’s KB Bhullar.

Dusko Todorovic’s next fight: KB Bhullar

The post What’s Next: UFC Fight Island 7 Losers appeared first on Cageside Press.

Done as dinner, right? No need for a third fight, even if their second meeting was a split decision that easily could have been scored for Holloway.

The UFC appeared ready to move on. Brian Ortega has the next title shot, this March at UFC 260. Calvin Kattar, paired up with Holloway at UFC Fight Island 7 on Saturday, appeared ready to face the winner — until Holloway completely dismantled him throughout five rounds.

“A lot of people, who we all respect and know a lot about this sport, picked Kattar to win tonight. And let’s give Kattar the respect he deserves too. It takes two to make a great fight,” UFC President Dana White observed after the fight, speaking during the post-fight press conference.

Holloway trash talking, and talking to the commentary team had White admit that “he’s fun. Holloway’s fun.” White was also blown away by reports that Holloway didn’t spar in fight camp for Kattar — news Holloway himself has confirmed.

The instant classic in Saturday’s main event now brings up the question of a third fight with the current champ again. If Volkanovski gets past Ortega, of course.

“I think we have to,” White admitted when asked about booking the fight. “When you’re the champion, you’ve got the top five guys in the world gunning at you. When you’re the number one contender in the world, you’ve got the top ten guys. Sometimes the number eight is more dangerous than number three.”

“Tonight, [Holloway] fought a bad dude that a lot of people though was going to beat him, and he went out and treated him like number six. He did what he needed to do in spectacular fashion tonight, and I think he deserves to fight Volkanovski again.”

How the timing works out remains to be see. And an Ortega win could, of course, set up a different rematch with “Blessed.” Either way, Max Holloway is in a good spot following UFC Fight Island 7. What a way to kick off 2021. Holloway, 29, improved to 22-6 with the unanimous decision win over Kattar. He came close to finishing the fight several times, with only the sheer grit of Kattar preventing the stoppage.

He appears to have earned himself a title shot as well.

The post Dana White: Max Holloway “Deserves to Fight Volkanovski Again” appeared first on Cageside Press.

What played out was nothing short of incredible.

Max Holloway showed a drive to return to the win column and put his back-to-back losses against Alexander Volkanovski behind him. He looked to start the year off by placing the “Blessed Express” back on the track to title contention, hoping to leave Fight Island with a statement over a striking tactician like Kattar.

For Calvin Kattar, this had to be one of the biggest fights of his career. To have the opportunity to fight in a main event against a former champion is added motivation to get the job done and have your hand raised. Beating Holloway, who took the current champ the distance, would be a huge boost on the resume, and would leave no doubt that he is the next one in line for who ever emerges victorious between Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega.

Max Holloway’s volume and striking output made the difference, and he mixed up his strikes with diversity. Kattar was left waiting, trying to figure out the puzzle that Holloway was creating inside the Octagon. Pressure and volume of the the vicious strikes opened up a nasty cut on Kattar and it looked like Holloway had the finish at the end of the second – but Kattar was saved by the bell.

For Max Holloway, it no doubt felt great to hear the fans chant his name, and Bruce Buffer announce him as victor. But even better, he started up a revival of the Blessed Era.

Check below to see how the pros reacted to the UFC Fight Island 7 main event between Max Holloway and Calvin Kattar!

Daaaaamn!! #UFCFightIsland7

— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) January 16, 2021

Max Holloway 🤯

— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) January 16, 2021

One of the craziest I’ve ever seen#UFCFightIsland7

— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) January 16, 2021

@BlessedMMA got the stamina cheat code #UFCFightisland

— Eryk Anders (@erykanders) January 16, 2021

Max looking sharp tonight #UFCFightIsland7

— Zabit Magomedsharipov (@zabeast_mma) January 16, 2021

Never seen anything like this!!! #UFCFightIsland7

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) January 16, 2021

Ok now I’m im impressed I was kidding #UFCFightIsland7

— Yair Rodriguez (@panteraufc) January 16, 2021

Wow big boy shit what a fight😈😈😈

— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) January 16, 2021

I believe we are watching the best 145er in the world fight right now 🔥 #UFConABC1

— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) January 16, 2021

https://twitter.com/blondefighter/status/1350572647915147264?s=20

Y’all must’ve forgot

— C H🖕🏽T O🇪🇨V E R A (@chitoveraUFC) January 16, 2021

The best @BlessedMMA we’ve ever seen 😳 #ufcfightisland7

— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) January 16, 2021

https://twitter.com/ThugnastyMMA/status/1350571799730397186?s=20

You gota love this sport! Thank you @BlessedMMA @CalvinKattar 🔥🙏🏻

— Kai Kara France (@kaikarafrance) January 16, 2021

It’s some good fights today 💯👊🏼

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) January 16, 2021

Truly inspired. Beautiful performance.

— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) January 16, 2021

Holy shit, Max Holloway fucking wow

— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) January 16, 2021

Max is a savage!!! Blessed Express showing there are levels to this 😲 #UFCFightIsland7

— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) January 16, 2021

Max looking tip top!

— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) January 16, 2021

The post Pros React to the Revival of the Blessed Era Following Max Holloway’s Performance at UFC Fight Island 7 appeared first on Cageside Press.

Way back in 2013, the welterweight pair were expected to meet, but a Matt Brown back injury delayed the fight. In 2018, the bout was scheduled once again. It was not meant to be though, as Brown tore his ACL, delaying this dream match up once more.

The third time was the charm. Saturday, the wait was over. The Natural Born Killer against the Immortal. It may have taken nine years, but for MMA fans patience is a virtue and the mystique surrounding the co-main event was worth the wait. Check Carlos Condit vs. Matt Brown off the MMA dream fight list.

After three rounds of grueling grappling exchanges, nasty elbows, and some fancy takedowns, Carlos Condit captured the unanimous decision victory over a very tough Matt Brown. It might not have been prime Condit and Brown, but the fight was certainly entertaining.

Check below to see how the pros reacted to the co-main event between the two fan favorites, Carlos Condit and Matt Brown.

This is why we love the @UFC realest fighters fighting their hearts out💯 #UFCFightIsland7

— Charles Rosa (@CharlesRosaMMA) January 16, 2021

Salute to the veterans for putting on a show 👏🏽 #UFConABC1 @CarlosCondit Matt Brown

— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) January 16, 2021

That was a good fight from two welterweight legends @ufc #fightisland

— Leon 'Rocky' Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) January 16, 2021

Loving this Condit vs Brown fight. Great matchmaking. Fights that make sense for guys who have been in the game a long time. I want more of this in our sport.

— Andre Fili (@TouchyFili) January 16, 2021

All 3 judges 30-27??!!

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) January 16, 2021

Hell of a scrap. Respect to both veterans. 🔥 #UFCFightIsland

— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) January 16, 2021

Condit looking good he’s not done yet

— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) January 16, 2021

NBK looked hungry tonight! Very impressive performance over a tough and game Matt Brown! Let’s see where he goes from here. I thought Brown would’ve taken it but the old Condit showed up!#UFCFightIsland7 https://t.co/yD0MvjS8Cw

— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) January 16, 2021

Carlos Condit always brings the fight . OG of the sport of MMA . Looking forward to this one! #UFCFightIsland7

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) January 16, 2021

Condit and brown some beast 👊🏼💯

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) January 16, 2021

The post Pros React to Carlos Condit’s Unanimous Decision Victory at UFC Fight Island 7 appeared first on Cageside Press.

Colliding atop UFC Fight Island 7, the promotion’s return to broadcast television, Holloway vs. Kattar felt like it could kick off 2021 in a big way. A win for Holloway would keep him in the mix at 145lbs despite two losses to the current champ, Alexander Volkanovski. For Kattar, a win would likely mean a title shot against the winner of Volkanovski vs. Brian Ortega. Something Dana White hinted at earlier this week.

Holloway opened up the affair double-pumping his jab and displaying his trademark movement. The Hawaiian’s strikes were lightning-quick, and when Kattar did return fire, be it with his hands or a kick, “Blessed” simply wasn’t there.

As the round wore on, Kattar found his range. But for every strike the New England Mafia fighter landed, Holloway hit home with two or three. Kattar’s calf kicks landed enough for Holloway’s leg to show some damage — but his own kicks were landing on Kattar in turn. Holloway’s volume, as expected, was the difference-maker, giving him the clear edge in the opening frame, which he punctuated with a spinning back kick to the body.

Round two opened with a couple of Holloway combinations before Kattar could even throw a punch. That was becoming a trend, and Holloway’s pressure soon led to a knockdown (or at least put an off-balance Kattar on his backside), not that it lasted long. Kattar didn’t seem able to find enough time to launch a counter-attack, as he was constantly under pressure. Finally, Kattar popped off a couple of rights, landing — but that success was short-lived. Holloway was back in the driver’s seat a moment later. Then, Holloway hit an elbow, and began teeing off on Kattar. Kattar was bloodied and under fire. He survived, but a second volley followed. Kattar’s toughness got him out of the round, but he ate several elbows before the buzzer, and a head kick that rocked him.

And despite that, Kattar finished the round smiling. Despite being beaten, bloodied, and down two rounds.

Once again in round three, Calvin Kattar found himself under fire. He came close with an elbow off the break in a clinch, then managed to land a couple of rights, for his biggest moment in the fight to that point. But Holloway regrouped, and went body-head with a kick and a left hand that clipped Kattar. Kattar had his back to the fence again, but moved off it and landed a right. Before long, however, Kattar shot for a desperation takedown. Very telling, given how things were going for the Boston native.

By the end of the third, Holloway was even doing a bit of showboating. In the fourth, he continued to put on a clinic. Wave upon wave of combinations. Punches to the body and head. Well-timed kicks. Constant pressure. And then came the barrage from hell. Holloway landed elbow after elbow, rocking Calvin Kattar. He was visibly wobbled, covering up, and swinging blind. Somehow, Kattar stayed standing. Holloway ripped into the body. Repeatedly. Landed more elbows. Tagged him in the head. And still Kattar stayed standing. He even moved to center later in the round, firing a few strikes, but just before round’s end ate a partially blocked head kick.

Kattar, through sheer will alone apparently, made it to round five. But his only hope of victory, a lucky punch, was seeming less and less likely. Breathing heavy between rounds, it was clear Holloway’s body attack had done its job. And Holloway had proven too hard to hit. Another Holloway punch appeared to damage Kattar’s nose. With Kattar fading, Holloway actually turned to talk to the commentary team, while slipping punches. Holloway would go on to win the round, the fight, and put on an all-time classic performance.

I'M THE BEST BOXER IN THE UFC!!!! #UFCFightIsland7 pic.twitter.com/Nfc4Csp6f4

— UFC (@ufc) January 16, 2021

If Holloway receiving another shot against Volkanovski was a hard sell before Saturday, that might not be the case any longer. Arguably the best performance of Holloway’s career, or at least the best performance since his fights against Jose Aldo. In short, Max Holloway looked brilliant at UFC Fight Island 7.

Official Result: Max Holloway def. Calvin Kattar by unanimous decision (50-43, 50-43, 50-42)

The post UFC Fight Island 7 Results: Max Holloway Outdoes Himself Against Calvin Kattar appeared first on Cageside Press.

And there was still no way that Condit vs. Brown would be anything but a fun fight. Albeit in the twilight of each man’s career, this remained as fan-friendly a match-up at the UFC could possibly book at 170lbs (short of the fabled Masvidal vs. Covington bout, or a Diaz brother vs. anyone).

Condit opened with a combination punctuated with a kick, and Brown answered with a kick of his own. Condit landed a pair of leg kicks and missed with high kick that followed. The former interim champ moved forward with another combination, but Brown was prepared and secured a quick take down. On the mat Brown worked from guard and landed a solid elbow that was followed by a pair of left hands.

For his part, Condit defended and worked strikes from the bottom. The knock on Condit over the years had always been his wrestling, and early on, that seemed accurate. Condit was able to create some space, but Brown stuck with him and brushed off the submission attempts from Condit. Condit was able to work up to his feet but Brown again stuck with him, until Condit swept Brown and took him back to the mat. As the round came to a close Condit was working from top and was able to get off a few strikes of how own.

Round two, Condit came out quickly with a pair of kicks but Brown walked forward and landed a hard elbow that looked to have hurt Condit. Condit recovered quickly and landed a hard body kick on Brown, but “The Immortal” kept moving forward, locked up the clinch and landed a solid knee to the body of Condit. After a quick exchange against the cage Condit landed an impressive takedown on a tired looking Brown, taking his feet out from under him. Now Condit worked from top position. He landed a nice elbow then went to work with body jabs to open up Browns head for the elbow. Condit continued to grind out Brown from the top until the end of the round. Brown looked tired bordering on exhausted.

In the third, Condit again came out quickly with a low kick — but that struck low on Brown and caused a quick halt of the action. Brown was quick to recover from the low blow; when action resumed, both men exchanged and worked into the clinch. Condit  broke free and Brown followed. Brown landed a nice right hand then dropped levels for the take down but Condit defended and ended up on Brown’s back. Condit worked to improve his position and worked into mount but Brown gave up his back and Condit went for the choke. Hooks were in, Condit was high but Brown couldn’t shake him.

That said, the choke wasn’t there, and Brown managed to escape to his feet and then took Condit to the ground. Working from the guard, Brown looked visibly tired and didn’t have much offense to give. Condit exploded to his feet and Brown stuck with him. Condit landed an elbow before he took Brown back to the mat but Brown reversed and ended up on top. From top Brown worked strikes and elbows but Condit defended and worked to get free as the round came to a close.

3️⃣0️⃣-2️⃣7️⃣ across the board!

🙌 @CarlosCondit delivered in the co-main.

[ #UFCFightIsland7 main event is next on @ABCNetwok & #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/pSamKwxSE2

— UFC (@ufc) January 16, 2021

With confidence in his wrestling and a solid gas tank, Condit got the nod form the judges. The biggest surprise may in fact be the triple 30-27 scores, as there was an argument to be made that Brown won the first round. In any case, Carlos Condit, on the final fight of his UFC deal, took home the win. He’s now won two straight.

Official Result: Carlos Condit def. Matt Brown by unanimous decision (30-27 30-27 30-27)

The post UFC Fight Island 7 Results: Carlos Condit Tops Matt Brown in Long-Awaited Clash appeared first on Cageside Press.