UFC Vegas 66 Highlights: UFC News: Finally, after much anticipation, the UFC completed its final event of the year with two of its most outstanding athletes, Jared Cannonier and Sean Strickland headlining the event. There were a lot of close encounters, as expected. Meanwhile, another match that fans have eyed was the co-main event since both Tsarukyan and Ismagulov are seen as the lightweight division’s future stars. Let’s take a look at the highlight of the main card matches. Follow UFC News Updates with InsideSport.IN
Also Read | UFC Vegas 66: Cristiano Ronaldo sampled at Cannonier vs Strickland event
UFC Vegas 66 Highlights: Sean Strickland vs Jared Cannonier main Card highlights
Main Event
Sean Strickland vs. Jared Cannonier
Strickland was the underdog going into the fight but had the height advantage. Speaking of the fight, both entered it fairly cautiously and steadily due to the huge stakes involved and the possibility of a championship shot. Moreover, both began trading blows, with Strickland landing kicks and punches while Cannonier landed combinations. Strickland ultimately dominated with kicks, locks, and punches.
“Killa Gorilla” began the second round with a low kick and a right hand before Strickland deftly dodged a body kick that nearly knocked him to the ground. After which, he delivered another stunning hit to Cannonier.
UFC Vegas 66 Highlights: Sean Strickland vs Jared Cannonier: Catch the UFC Fight Night Full Main Card fights’ highlights here
He countered it with his right hand and another’s. a right to the body. After that, both engaged in a back-and-forth battle, trading punches, kicks, and strong blows. And after two rounds, Cannonier appeared to be under pressure.
Cannonier opened the third round with a more aggressive stance after playing defense in the first two. And he delivered another powerful strike after landing a right to the body and a combo up top. In the third, Cannonier undoubtedly started to execute some big shots.
A split decision to close the year!
Jared Cannonier ending 2022 with a big win on his resume #UFCVegas66 pic.twitter.com/W4vk6oZS3v
— UFC (@ufc) December 18, 2022
All eyes were on round 5 after Cannonier gained momentum and continued to execute a series of combinations and powerful rights in R4. Coaches were cheering and seeking to transmit their energy to their fighters as the UFC’s final fight of the year got underway.
Moreover, both of them put a great deal of power into their hits, and they keep on letting unleash the punches and kicks. And in the end, Cannonier prevailed through the Split Decision.
Co-Main Event
Damir Ismagulov vs Arman Tsarukyan
The fight started with a head kick, traded blows, pushed Ismagulov into the fence, and, due to Ismagulov’s balance, found it difficult to take him to the ground.
Later, after receiving a quick punch from Tsarukyan in the close, Ismagulov moves him out of range and lands a combination. Both were successful in their final trades. Ismagulov opened to attack late in the round, and he was unable to offset the kicks he took early on or all the control he lost. As a result, Tsarukyan won the round.
Look at all these finishes from Damir Ismagulov 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/J50nXXK31n
— Khamzat Burner 🇲🇦 (Usman Superfan) (@burner_khamzat) December 17, 2022
The second round began with several high kicks and exchanges from both fighters. Ismagulov got lifted by Tsarukyan, who then slams him against the cage before dropping him to take his back. Both then traded blows, and after round two, Tsarukyan looked completely in a position to take the victory.
Dominant from start to finish @ArmanUFC takes home the UD victory😤 #UFCVegas66 pic.twitter.com/tjv8mT5v9s
— UFC (@ufc) December 18, 2022
And similar to the other two rounds, Tsarukyan starts the third round with a high kick. Then both started trading blows. And as Tsarukyan lowers himself for a single leg, Ismagulov scrambles up and strikes a few elbows. Ismagulov did struggle, but the fight finished with Tsarukyan on the ground. And in the end, Tsarukyan emerged as the winner of the bout.
After winning he stated, “You know my goal, to do a rematch with Islam Makhachev… I know I need just one big fight and I’ll get my title shot.” Also stated he needs his fight bonus today.
Fight of the Night
The UFC officially declared Drew Dober vs. Bobby Green as the night’s finest fight following the event. This match was unquestionably the strongest of the evening based on the outcome and the manner in which they battled. As expected, Dober wins and keeps up his domination. In addition, he tied with Dustin Poirier for the most knockouts in UFC lightweight history.
DREW DOBER ENDING 2022 IN STYLE 😱 #UFCVegas66 pic.twitter.com/mbMwZLwCZf
— UFC (@ufc) December 18, 2022
Following a barrage of punches, the fight was stopped at 2:45 in Round 2 as he landed a crushing blow that crushed Green. It is undeniable that he strengthened his argument that it was the finest bout of the evening with this domination and his ability to bounce back from getting destroyed in the first round.
The other matches on the card
The other three fights were as exciting and destructive, with every bout ending in a KO/TKO (Amir Albazi defeated Alessandro Costa, Alex Caceres defeated Julian Erosa, and Michal Oleksiejczuk defeated Cody Brundage). Additionally, each match on the schedule helped to establish the tone for the upcoming year as a whole.
Main Card Results
- Main Event: Jared Cannonier defeated Sean Strickland- Split Decision
- Co-Main Event: Arman Tsarukyan defeated Damir Ismagulov – UD
- Amir Albazi defeated Alessandro Costa- KO (uppercut) at 2:13 of Round 3
- Alex Caceres defeated Julian Erosa – TKO (left high kick) at 3:04 of Round 1
- Drew Dober defeated Bobby Green – KO (left hand) at 2:45 of Round 2
- Michal Oleksiejczuk defeated Cody Brundage – TKO (strikes) at 3:16 of Round 1
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