The T-Mobile Arena hosted the last event of 2023 as UFC fans could not be more excited to watch knockouts, submissions and intense rivalries in the Octagon. With all the action that happened at UFC 296, here are the results as to what happened on this highly anticipated card.
Early Prelims
Martin Buday vs Shamil Gaziev (Heavyweight Bout) - Gaziev wins via TKO (R2, 00:56).
The Bahrain-born fighter shines on his UFC debut after a second-round TKO victory to keep him undefeated in his MMA career. This was his eighth knockout win as he looks to put the Heavyweight contenders aware of what is coming to the division.
Andre Fili vs Lucas Almeida (Featherweight Bout) - Fili wins via TKO (R1, 3:32).
A 2023 redemption win for Fili as he makes up from his previous decision loss with a TKO win in the first round. He becomes the first fighter to defeat Lucas Almeida by KO/TKO as the 10 years of experience in the UFC clearly paid off in that match-up.
Tagir Ulanbekov vs Cody Durden (Flyweight Bout) - Ulanbekov wins via Rear-Naked Choke (R2, 4:25).
Tagir gets his eight career submission win after stopping Cody Durden in the second round. The #12 Flyweight contender makes a start on his winning streak after getting a second consecutive submission victory.
Preliminary Card
Casey O'Neil vs Ariane Lipski (Women's Flyweight Bout) - Lipski wins via Armbar (R2, 1:18).
'The Queen of Violence' picks up a three-fight winning streak after an impressive performance, submitting the #12 Flyweight contender with an Armbar. Not only does Lipski become the first fighter to finish Casey O'Neil, she has a high chance of entering the Flyweight rankings.
Cody Garbrandt vs Brian Kelleher (Bantamweight Bout) - Garbrandt wins via KO (R1, 3:42).
Cody proved why he is a fan-favourite in the UFC after a spectacular knockout win over Brian Kelleher. 'No Love' looked incredible as if he was in his prime back in 2016 as it may not be long before he becomes a Bantamweight contender once again.
Irene Aldana vs Karol Rosa (Women's Bantamweight Bout) - Aldana wins via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Aldana and Rosa put on one of the best women's MMA fights in three rounds as despite the Brazilian's leg-kicks being a real problem, the Mexican fighter would get the decision win with her boxing skills. The former title challenger maintains her #5 contender spot as she looks to fight for the Women's Bantamweight belt once again.
Alonzo Menifield vs Dustin Jacoby (Light Heavyweight Bout) - Menifield wins via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
In an incredibly close fight, 'Atomic' got the decision win over Dustin Jacoby as the knockdown in third round seemed to convince the judges. Menifield is currently the #14 Light Heavyweight contender and will want to fight an opponent who is higher up the rankings.
Main card
Josh Emmett vs Bryce Mitchell (Featherweight Bout) - Emmett wins via KO (R1, 1:57).
A devastating knockout was witnessed in the T-Mobile Arena as Josh Emmett knocked Bryce Mitchell out cold with a big right-overhand punch. The Arizona-born fighter proved why he is one of the top contenders in the Featherweight division as his KO victory may have to been one of the greatest stoppages in the 145-pound division's history.
Tony Ferguson vs Paddy Pimblett (Lightweight Bout) - Pimblett wins via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Paddy the Baddy amazed the crowd at UFC 296 with a dominant win over Tony Ferguson. His striking had clearly improved from his previous fights as he knocked down 'El Cucuy' in the first round. After ending victorious against a well-experienced UFC opponent, Pimblett may have the opportunity to fight for a position in the Lightweight rankings.
Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Stephen Thompson (Welterweight Bout) - Rakhmonov wins via Rear-Naked Choke (R2, 4:56).
'Nomad' did Kazakhstan proud after stopping Stephen Thompson in the second round and becoming the first fighter to submit 'Wonderboy' in his career. Shavkat remains undefeated and still has a 100% finish rate on his MMA record as the likelihood of fighting for the Welterweight title will come very soon.
Alexandre Pantoja vs Brandon Royval (Flyweight Title Bout) - Pantoja wins via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46).
The UFC Flyweight Champion defeats Brandon Royval for the second time as he successfully retains his title for the first time. He put on a dominant performance as his wrestling and grappling proved to be a big strength during the fight. 'The Cannibal' will be interested for what competition is next in the 125-pound division as he looks to continue being the King of the Flyweights.
Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington (Welterweight Title Bout) - Edwards wins via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46).
Leon Edwards pulled off a convincing win against Colby Covington after earning a decision win to remain UFC Welterweight champion. 'Rocky' is now unbeaten in 13 consecutive fights as he gets his third title fight win. The Birmingham fighter has now made more title defences than any other English UFC champion as he looks to continue his championship reign with the tough Welterweight contenders that will soon face him.
Performance of the Night bonuses:
- Josh Emmett
- Ariane Lipski
- Shamil Gaziev
Fight of the Night bonus:
- Irene Aldana vs Karol Rosa
Written by Charlie Oxtoby
Instagram: charlie_oxtoby
MMA Instagram: undisputed._.mma
Twitter: Charlie_Oxtoby1
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