UFC Vegas 88: UFC Apex; Las Vegas, Nevada
In a main event that had two fighters with lots of highs and lows coming into the contest, something had to give. Unfortunately for the birthday boy Tai Tuivasa it ended with him going to sleep just 4:08 into the opening round. And his slide has extended to four-straight, the longest in his career.
To get to that point Marcin Tybura looked to start fast. But “Bam Bam” quickly started throwing elbows and leather, opening up a cut on the Pole’s head. Tybura finally got a hard earned takedown near the fence. And that’s where he started to tee of on the Austrailian fan favorite. With a body triangle locked in Tybura hunted for a rear-naked choke. He was able to lock it in after heavy fists pounded away on Tuivasa’s head.
Thw 16th finish for Tybura was his 11th-first- round victory. While he chose not to call out anyone due to his recent outings, there is a glaring name out there for him next. Come Tuesday morning the pair will flip-flop each other in the rankings. With that placing Tybura at ninth, it gets him what he did say he wants. Just anyone in the Top-Ten.
Highs And Lows For Tybura Can Get Him Back Into Contention Again
So, can Tybura fight for or win the heavyweight strap? Sure, on any given day anyone can get a victory. But it is hard to see him headlining for the title in 2024 or 2025. At 38-years old now the picture does look a bit bleaker for that.
However, he can go on a bit of a revenge tour; looking to get back losses. And Tybura could start with the always dangerous Alexander Volkov. “Drago” at UFC 267 took a unanimous decision from him. But he was able to go toe-to-toe with the Russian.
If his takedown game can continue to improve in training, and work in-fight, it could be the difference. Especially since Tybura proved again he does have a decent chin. Although Volkov has above average takedown defense himself.
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