UFC Florida in tweets
The third event in eight days has passed and it was a fantastic main card full of action.
Opening the main card was a featherweight bout between Song Yadong and Marlon Vera. Both men landed over 95 significant strikes throughout the 15 minutes. Vera’s bodywork was a highlight with Song’s endurance and pressure a pleasure to watch. As we went to the scorecards, the general consensus was that Chito Vera had just done enough to get the win but it was Song who edged it as he extended his record to 5-0-1 in the UFC.
Next up was a middleweight contest between Eryk Anders and Krzysztof Jotko. Anders was looking for the left hand early and was mixing that in with his grappling and takedown attempts on the side of the cage as the American had the better of the grappling exchanges. Jotko was the only one who was landing the significant strikes though and he ended up out striking his opponent. Jotko extended his winning run to 3 and he will be on the fringes of the top 15 come Monday morning.
A highly anticipated featherweight clash between Dan Ige and Edson Barboza who was making his debut in the 145lb division was up next. The Brazilian landed a right hand early which staggered Ige but he managed to recover. The kicks of Edson echoed throughout the empty arena as Ige was failing to check. Barboza was looking good at the weight but Ige was game and was giving him a run for his money. The matchup was as good as advertised with both men not taking a back step and trying to end the fight at the moments notice. Dan Ige ended the fight on top as the final horn sounded and it was the Hawaiian who got the nod via split decision to get the biggest win of his career to extend his winning streak to 6 in the featherweight division.
The co-main event was on deck then as Claudia Gadelha squared off against the ever active Angela Hill at strawweight. The step up in quality was clear to see early on as Gadelha took Hill to the ground and controlled her for nearly 3 minutes while landing some decent strikes as the first period ended. After losing the grappling battle in the first round, Hill scored a knockdown with a right hand and the fight started to even out in terms of output and striking efficiency. They were putting it all on the line as we raced towards the final bell with both women looking to land a better shot than the previous. It was Claudia Gadelha who got the nod via split decision as she cemented herself in the divisions top 5 with a big fight awaiting her later in the year.
The main event was then finally upon us with Alistair Overeem and Walt Harris facing off in a heavyweight showstopper. It was the latter who started the better as Harris landed a series of strikes as he dropped Alistair and at one point, the fight maybe should have been stopped. But the veteran survived and had Harris in trouble towards the end of the first round. As the second started, Walt was still breathing heavy and Overeem capitalised on that by landing a head kick followed by a right hand, finishing the fight shortly after.
Check out the reaction below
Alistair Overeem vs Walt Harris
Im very proud of @thebigticket205. I can't really imagine what he been through but it must have been hell. Seeing him perform in the Octagon tonight just shows that we can overcome everything when we have a why. #RIPAniah #UFCFL
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) May 17, 2020
respect to the reem one of my favorite fighters but man walt harris is a living legend to step in that octagon with everything he’s gone though so much respect a true samurai 🙏❤️
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) May 17, 2020
Claudia Gadelha vs Angela Hill
Great Fight between this two warriors! @ClaudiaGadelha_ @AngieOverkill @ufc #HiBubba
— Tecia Torres (@TeciaTorres) May 17, 2020
Let’s run it back!! Leave the grease at home this time 👊🏽 @ClaudiaGadelha_
— Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) May 17, 2020
Dan Ige vs Edson Barboza
Dan Ige is one of the toughest , hardest hitting guys pound for pound . Dude stands in the pocket and trades! He grew up tonight ! #UFCFL
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) May 17, 2020
Man Ige is a tough SOB, super talented, Edson definitely showed up and looked like his normal self I believe #UFCFL
— Jared Gordon (@JFlashGordonMMA) May 17, 2020
Full results below
Alistair Overeem bt Walt Harris via TKO (punches) Round 2- 3:00
Claudia Gadelha bt Angela Hill via Decision (split) (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Dan Ige bt Edson Barboza via Decision (split) (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Krzysztof Jotko bt Eryk Anders via Decision (unanimous) (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Song Yadong bt Marlon Vera via Decision (unanimous) (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Follow me on twitter: @ReeceManUFC
Follow the team on twitter: @MMALatestNws
