UFC Vegas 114: A sleeper hit that exceeded expectations
UFC Vegas 114 was a card that flew under the radar, but it was a sleeper hit that exceeded expectations. While the main event between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett didn't live up to the hype, the rest of the card delivered some exciting moments. In my opinion, this card was a breath of fresh air, offering a welcome change from the usual UFC fare. The card showcased a diverse range of fighters and styles, with some unexpected highlights. Here are five of the most memorable moments from UFC Vegas 114.
- Kevin Vallejos: A future champion?
Kevin Vallejos made his UFC debut with a bang, stopping Josh Emmett in the main event. What made this fight particularly fascinating was the age gap between the two fighters. Vallejos, at just 24 years old, showcased incredible speed and power, earning him a statement win in the first round. Personally, I think this fight was a turning point for Vallejos, who may have just proven himself to be a legitimate contender at featherweight. The question now is whether Emmett, at 41 years old, should retire after this loss. In my opinion, Vallejos has the makings of a future champion, and I'm excited to see what he does next.
- Harry Hardwick: A fighter's determination
Harry Hardwick's fight against Marwan Rahiki was a true display of determination and toughness. Hardwick, despite breaking his jaw, continued to fight back after taking some huge shots from Rahiki. The fight earned Fight of the Night honors, and it was a testament to Hardwick's desire to win at all costs. What makes this particularly fascinating is the sheer grit and determination displayed by Hardwick. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most important thing is not just to win, but to show that you won't be defeated. Hardwick's corner eventually waved the fight off after his jaw broke, but his performance will go down in UFC history as one of the most inspiring.
- Vitor Petrino and Steven Asplund: A heavyweight clash
The heavyweight division has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons lately, but Vitor Petrino and Steven Asplund showed that there's still some life left in this weight class. Their entertaining clash was a surprise package, with both fighters landing significant strikes in the third round. What makes this interesting is the contrast between Petrino and Asplund's styles. Petrino, a powerful striker, and Asplund, a grappler, showcased a unique dynamic that kept the fight exciting throughout. It's a reminder that in the UFC, anything can happen, and sometimes the most unexpected fights can be the most entertaining.
- Manoel Sousa: A lightweight shootout
Manoel Sousa and Bolaji Oki's lightweight shootout was a high-octane affair that could have easily been Fight of the Night. Both fighters exchanged huge shots through the first two rounds, with the judges tied at 1-1 heading into the third. What makes this fight particularly fascinating is the back-and-forth nature of the bout. Sousa, clearly not happy with going to the scorecards, relentlessly pursued the finish in the third round and found it when he put Oki out with one shot in the final minute. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most exciting fights are the ones that go the distance, and this lightweight shootout was a perfect example of that.
- Bia Mesquita: A bantamweight savior?
The women's bantamweight division has been in a bit of a slump lately, but Bia Mesquita may be the savior this division needs. As the person with the most IBJJF world championships as a black belt (10), Mesquita came into her second UFC outing against Montse Rendon as a huge favorite. And she didn't disappoint, showcasing her striking and grappling skills to secure a submission victory in just over two minutes. What makes this fight particularly interesting is the potential for Mesquita to fast-track her climb up the rankings. At 34 years old, the UFC could have much worse ideas than attempting to fast-track Mesquita's climb, despite her being only seven fights into her pro career. In my opinion, Mesquita is a fighter to watch, and I'm excited to see what she does next.
In conclusion, UFC Vegas 114 was a card that exceeded expectations, offering a diverse range of fights and some unexpected highlights. From Kevin Vallejos' impressive debut to Bia Mesquita's submission victory, this card had something for everyone. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most exciting fights are the ones that fly under the radar, and UFC Vegas 114 was a perfect example of that. So, if you missed this card, I highly recommend going back and checking it out. You won't be disappointed.
