UFC Vegas 59: UFC Apex; Las Vegas
In a key light heavyweight fight in the UFC, it was like to ships passing each other in the night. The tenth-ranked Thiago Santos is holding off a “gatekeeper type” image. And Jamahal Hill was tested in the win over Santos like never before. And it came in what turned out to be a bit of a historic night.
For just the second-time in modern UFC history a card didn’t need the judges. The first being on November 7th, 2014 when Luke Rockhold beat Michael Bisping. And there’s a tad more history to it. Only one man was on both of those cards. On that night Sam Alvey knocked out Dylan Andrews in the opening round. This time however, he extended his winless streak to nine; being knocked out in just 116-seconds to Michal Oleksiejczuk.
Jamahal Hill Tested In Win… Rewards To Follow
There’s no doubt that “Marreta” just isn’t the same as pre-double knee injuries. He’s now 1-5 since then. And what may have helped in his downfall was his relentlessness in hunting for takedowns. Although he did get six of them. But most of the time Hill just pounced right back up; draining the Brazilian’s gas tank.
In the high stakes fight that saw bursts of rock em sock em robot action Hill was successful in digging deeper. “Sweet Dreams” was taken into the abyss and showed continued growth. Perhaps that’s why there was no specific “call out” post-fight. He knows there’s more to do.
In his second-straight main event slot, he once again pushed the pace early. But Santos’s gall kept him in the fight. As they both damaged each other the pace slowed down. No more huge stance from Hill. But in the fourth-round he put Santos on the mat and swarmed him with ground-and-pound, and short slicing elbows. With him covering up referee HERB DEAN jumped in to stop the fight at 2:31.
What’s Next
Hill is now on a three-fight win streak, all knockouts. It was also his seventh career one in his second-main event slot. While the duo probably won’t flip-flop in the rankings, Hill will absolutely get a push up from number ten. Dominick Reyes may wind up being next man up. Despite being on a three-fight losing streak himself. Anthony Smith and Aleksandar Rakic are dealing with injuries. Hill could use a little more seasoning, and would get it here. Although, Reyes too isn’t the same since Jon Jones.
205 is now once again flourishing, with the like of Hill and Magomed Ankalaev making charges. So Jiri Prochazka will have his hands full. It’s actually not far-fetched to imagine the strap now becoming like a hot potato… everyone gets a touch.
For all your sports needs, check out: Belly Up Sports. Then for all things CYCLONE go to: Facebook.
