UFC Vegas 86: UFC Apex; Las Vegas, Nevada
Well maybe this old dog does have something left in him. Jack Hermansson, away from the octagon for 14-months due to injuries made his middleweight return. And in that he stopped the charging hype train of Joe Pyfer. It shows that there was no cage rust for him.
The 27-year old had his five-fight win streak snapped, as the two-time Dana White Contender Series fighter also suffered his first loss in the UFC. After an intense faceoff, he was throwing with the raw power he’s been blessed with. But Hermansson ate everything.
Once Hermansson started chopping away at Pyfer’s lead calf, it slowed his pace. And while Pyfer continued to throw high shots, most didn’t completely get through, thanks to Harmansson’s high guard. But the damaged leg slowed his pace as well. Which in turn helped pick up Hermansson’s attack. Although the duo did exchange leather multiple times.
As Hermansson took the young fighter into deep water he managed to get a takedown in the final round and landed ground and pound on him. And the contest remained there till the final buzzer as “The Joker” picked up the 48-47 unanimous decision win.
No Cage Rust For The Returning Middleweight, What’s Next?
Being away for more than a year he sat at 11th in the rankings. Will beating an unranked fighter improve his standing? Probably not. With the upper fighters wrapped up, and still just flip-flopping wins and losses for nine-fights he won’t be getting a big target anyways. But getting back one of those losses seems fair. Roman Dolidze might be the perfect opponent right now. Especially if he can keep his head off the centerline this time.
Hermansson has been mid-pack in the division since 2019. At the age of 35 this might be his one last charge. And if his takedown defense holds like it did on this night, along with his chin and kicking game; he might find himself nearing a shot at glory.
For sports news, head to: Belly Up Sports. And for all things CYCLONE, go to: Facebook.
