It's fair to say that Newark fans witnessed some surprises as well as thrilling action at the Prudential Center. Here is everything that happened at UFC 316.
early prelims
Marquel Mederos vs Mark Choinski (Lightweight Bout) - Mederos wins via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
Mederos continued his winning run to nine victories in-a-row after going the distance with Choinski. The Texan-born fighter was a problem for his opponent on the feet as his striking seemed unmatched, especially after knocking down Choinski in round two. With Mederos winning all three of his UFC battles, it seems that he will be a future prospect for the Lightweight division.
Quillan Salkilld vs Yanal Ashmouz (Lightweight Bout) - Salkilld wins via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).
Salkilld went to the judges scorecards with Ashmouz and picked up his third decision win of his career. The Australian showcased more of his wrestling than striking as he was able to find takedowns, mainly due to struggling with the power of the Red Fox. It's likely that Salkilld has a long way to go before contending for a position in the 155-pound rankings, but after two PPV wins in his first two UFC fights, he is a one-to-watch.
Jeka Saragih vs Joo Sang Yoo (Featherweight Bout) - Yoo wins via KO (R1, 0:28).
Yoo showed how you make a good first impression into the UFC after knocking out Saragih in just 28 seconds on his debut. The South Korean landed a short, but effective, lead left-hook which sent the Indonesian fighter crashing face first onto the canvas. With an amazing highlight in his first bout with the organisation, it looks like Yoo will become a quick fan-favourite in the UFC.
Ariane da Silva vs Wang Cong (Women's Flyweight Bout) - Cong wins via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Cong proved why she is a highly-viewed prospect in the 125-pound division after defeating da Silva by unanimous decision. The Joker kept the battle on the feet, landing some stunning strikes which left the Brazilian helpless, especially when the Chinese fighter defended all four takedown attempts. Cong has now entered the Flyweight rankings after defeating the #13 contender, it's just figuring out if she will face a higher ranked opponent next.
preliminary card
Kalinn Williams vs Andreas Gustafsson (Welterweight Bout) - Gustafsson wins via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26).
Gustafsson shined on his UFC debut as he was nothing but dominant for three rounds, picking up an easy unanimous decision win. The Swede mainly kept Williams in a clinch against the cage where he would decide whether to strike or takedown the American. After a successful first appearance, it will be interesting to see who Gustafsson faces next now that he is on a four-fight winning streak.
Serghei Spivac vs Waldo Cortes-Acosta (Heavyweight Bout) - Cortes-Acosta wins via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).
Cortes-Acosta earned the biggest victory of his career after unexpectedly going the distance with Spivac. Salsa Boy did exactly what he should've which was keeping the fight on the feet as his punches and leg kicks were doing most of the damage, knowing that the Moldavian is a danger on the ground. The Dominican fighter will rise up to #7 in the Heavyweight rankings and after increasing his winning streak to five, he may not be far away from title contention.
Azamat Murzakanov vs Brendson Ribeiro (Light Heavyweight Bout) - Murzakanov wins via TKO (R1, 3:25)
Murzakanov remained undefeated and maintained his #12 contender's spot in the Light Heavyweight rankings after stopping Ribeiro in the first round. The Russian stunned the Brazilian with a one-two combination, before eventually finishing the bout with multiple punches and hammer fists. With him being seen as one of the most underappreciated talents in the 205-pound division, it is hopeful that The Professional will take on a high ranked contender in his next battle.
Bruno Silva vs Joshua Van (Flyweight Bout) - Van wins via TKO (R3, 4:01).
Van proved why he is such a promising prospect in the UFC after extending his winning streak to four with a TKO victory over Silva. The Fearless was a non-stop problem on the feet, knocking down Bulldog three times which was just enough to make the battle come to an end. The #14 Flyweight contender will move up the ranks and with such hype at just 23 years old, it looks like Van could be a future title challenger.
main card
Vicente Luque vs Kevin Holland (Welterweight Bout) - Holland wins via D'Arce Choke (R2, 1:03).
Holland began his winning streak and entered the Welterweight rankings after becoming the third man to submit Luque. Both men had an interesting first round, stunning each other with different strikes, but Trailblazer took advantage early in the second round as once he locked in a D'Arce Choke, the Brazilian had no choice but to tap. Holland has called out Colby Covington in his next fight which would be a huge benefit for him as we would rise up the rankings further if the bout is to happen.
Mario Bautista vs Patchy Mix (Bantamweight Bout) - Bautista wins via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27).
Bautista silenced the attention of Mix's debut after pulling off a very convincing victory on the judges scorecards. The Nevada mixed martial artist created so many problems for the UFC debutant, constantly landing punches to the face of Mix who could not avoid any of the strikes. The #10 Bantamweight contender is now on an eight-fight winning streak and is on a very deserving path to battle a high ranked opponent in his next fight.
Kelvin Gastelum vs Joe Pyfer (Middleweight Bout) - Pyfer wins via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27).
Gastelum survived being knocked out as Pyfer delivered on another UFC PPV event, this time winning by unanimous decision. Bodybagz knocked down Gastelum twice in round one as he seemed rather close to get a knockout win, but was unable to do so as the San Jose fighter fought back and proved how tough he really was. Pyfer's next battle could be a contest for the Middleweight rankings as after failing the first time, he looks to regain that opportunity, now that he is on a path of dominance.
Julianna Pena vs Kayla Harrison (Women's Bantamweight Title Bout) - Harrison wins via Kimura Lock (R2, 4:55).
Harrison became the new UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion after submitting Pena late in round two. The two-time Olympic gold medallist put continuous pressure on the Venezuelan Vixen before eventually taking her down and finishing the fight. In just three fights in the UFC, Harrison has become champion, but her next test will be her toughest as the GOAT of Women's MMA, Amanda Nunes, will be making her comeback to challenge for the 135-pound throne.
Merab Dvalishvili vs Sean O'Malley (Bantamweight Title Bout) - Dvalishvili wins via Ninja Choke (R3, 4:42).
Dvalishvili certainly put on his best performance yet after winning by submission against O'Malley in the third round, his first stoppage triumph since September 2021. The Machine had the same game plan, just like their first bout at UFC 306, as he put constant pressure and attempted several takedowns on O'Malley before finding a Ninja Choke towards the end of the third round where Suga would tap for the first time in his career. The King of the Bantamweight is nothing but unstoppable right now as he plans to continue his reign of dominance.
Performance of the Night bonuses:
- Merab Dvalishvili
- Kayla Harrison
- Kevin Holland
- Joo Sang Yoo
Written by Charlie Oxtoby
Instagram: charlie_oxtoby
MMA Instagram: undisputed._.mma
Twitter: Charlie_Oxtoby1
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