What else can I say about this card? It was edge of your seat action all night. The fights lived up to all the billing. The entire main card fights had action from bell to bell. Kamaru Usman reaffirmed he’s the best fighter in the world (especially at 170 lbs). Gaethje and Chandler showed why you can’t fix a plate or use the restroom during their fights. Namajunas established herself as the best Strawweight on the planet. Marlon Vera emerged as a force in the Bantamweight division. In this UFC 268 recap, we will revisit all the highlights of the outstanding fights we were privileged to witness.
Gaethje vs Chandler
This fight was off the chain. I might feel like this because it just happened, but this gets my vote for the fight of the year. They came out throwing bombs. Both men’s striking was on point. There wasn’t a dead moment in this fight. Chandler showed the heart of a champion last night. I thought he was finished a few times. In the end, the better fighter won. Justin Gaethje did enough last night to earn himself another title clash and should be the next contender. I am not sure what is next for Mike Chandler. He should take some time off, then focus on fighting a top-five fighter with an open schedule. Maybe a fight with Beneil Dariush could be a fit. His schedule is open because no one wants to see him.
Vera vs Edgar
Marlon Vera finally got the big win he needed to get into the top 10 of the Bantamweight division. In the preview, I referenced Mike Tyson’s statement about getting punched in the mouth. I guess Chito read it but changed it to kicked in the mouth. That front kick was sick. It looked like something from ’90’s Karate movies. I know Frankie Edgar believes the stoppage was premature, but he was wrong. Edgar was game last night and may have been winning the fight. Chito showed why he is must-watch TV. Vera is also a master at mind games. Did you see him give Edgar the middle finger after a round? That cat is insane, but fun to watch. Vera will now be in the top 10. He has several fights he can choose from. Merab Dvalishvili may be a good pick. Edgar should look at facing another legend next fight. This division has three former champs that would be a good look, but I would love to see Edgar vs Dominick Cruz next.
Close the curtains, @chitoveraUFC ended this film ?? pic.twitter.com/EpyXyiFG9r
— Monster Energy (@MonsterEnergy) November 7, 2021
Namajunas vs Weili 2
This was the one fight I got wrong in my preview predictions. Rose Namajunas showed a lot last night. She has endured the highest of highs and lowest of lows. After the win last night, she’s the undisputed queenpin of the Strawweight division. I did say the first win was a fluke. Well, she put that theory to rest. For full transparency, this fight did not have my full attention because I was watching Canelo make history at the same time. The next fight for Thug Rose must be Carla Esparza. These two have unfinished business. Zhang Weili will have to go to the back of the line and work her way back to the title.
Halle Berry squared off Rose Namajunas and Zhang Weili then flexed on em ? #UFC268 pic.twitter.com/xuvQH0N59i
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 5, 2021
Usman vs Covington 2
If you hadn’t already, it’s time to put “respeck” on Kamaru’s name. He fought a well-planned and executed game plan. Colby Covington also showed champion-like characteristics too. I thought he was done in the second round. For him to get up and finish the fight said a lot about him. While I don’t agree with Covington’s vile tactics out of the cage, I give him respect for what he does when the cage closes. Kamaru Usman showed why he is the pound-for-pound king and best mixed martial artist on the planet. After last night, it is safe to say Covington is out of the title picture for now. He should regroup, and consider potential fights against Vicente Luque or a grudge match against Jorge Masvidal. They may have a bigger beef than Usman and Covington.
The champ is in an interesting position. He has basically emptied the division. The only fighters that should even be considered for the next shot are Leon Edwards and Vicente Luque. Edwards has done what it takes to get the shot. Earlier last week, Usman called out boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez. While Usman’s striking has looked good, Canelo isn’t what he wants. Canelo is built differently with his striking, and he would potentially hurt Usman. Kamaru is looking for a big payday. I think it’s insane that the UFC won’t pay these fighters the big dollars. The only real fight that would generate buzz is Usman vs Adesanya. I know they are homies, but money talks. My suggestion would be for the UFC to host its first event in Lagos, Nigeria, and give both fighters $75 million each to put on a show. With both men wanting to put on for their home country on Nigeria, and the dinero being correct, I think they would jump at this chance to show off Nigeria to the MMA world.
COURTSIDE MSG WITH THE LEGENDS ????? #ANDSTILL #UFC268 pic.twitter.com/ut975Q2sk8
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) November 2, 2021
Conclusion
Oh, what a night November 6th was for combat sports fans. The UFC delivered and Canelo made history. Hopefully, in this UFC 268 recap, we covered all you wanted to know. For more in-depth MMA analysis, check out Belly Up Sports. Also, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and on Facebook.
