UFC Norfolk in tweets
UFC Norfolk is in the books and the crowd were treated to a fantastic main card of great fights.
Kicking off the main card was a featherweight bout between Grant Dawson and Darrick Minner. As the fight started, it pretty much went straight to the ground with both men locking in deep submission attempts. Minner took the fight on just 11 days notice and was visibly tired as the second round started and instantly, he found himself on the floor. Dawson once again sunk in a rear naked choke and Minner had no choice but to tap and the fight was over.
Up next was a pair of women’s featherweights as Megan Anderson faced off against promotional newcomer Norma Dumont Viana. Anderson has had a stop start career in the UFC so far, going 2-2 since her debut. As the fight started, the fight went straight to the fence with the grappling exchanges in full swing. As Dumont lunged in, Megan caught her with a flush right hand to the face and instantly folded the Brazilian to make a statement to champion Amanda Nunes.
Light heavyweights were on deck then as Ion Cutelaba squared off against KO artist Magomed Ankalaev in what promised to be fireworks. After very intense introductions, the fight started. As Magomed landed a high kick, Cutelaba was visibly wobbled on his feet and was loading up on his shots. Kevin McDonald stepped in and stopped the fight much to the displeasure of Cutelaba and the entirety of the Norfolk crowd. In real time, Ion looked hurt and in serious trouble but upon further review, he was playing possum and was aiming to get Ankalaev to commit only to then counter. This fight will surely be ran back in the near future.
The co-main event was upon us then as another women’s featherweight matchup was front and centre. This time, Felicia Spencer was going up against Zarah Fairn. After a KO win for Megan Anderson earlier in the night, the pressure was on Spencer to better Anderson’s performance. Just like her featherweight rival, she dominated her opponent. She pulled Fairn to the ground and proceeded to land a series of heavy unanswered shots which forced the referee to step in and end the fight.
The (Half) Flyweight title fight was then finally here as the founder of the 125lb division, Joseph Benavidez, was going up against Deiveson Figueiredo. The first period was exciting with both men landing clean, but it was the Brazilian who edged the round with a dangerous arm-bar attempt. A clash of heads in the second produced a nasty cut on Benavidez’s forehead, and as he attempted to wipe the blood away, Figueiredo landed a flush right hand which dropped Benavidez and just like that, the fight was over. Had Deiveson Figueiredo made weight, he would of been the new UFC Flyweight Champion.
What happens now with the belt?!
Full reaction below
Deiveson Figueiredo vs Joe Benavidez
It’s all my gold! #andstill pic.twitter.com/JctqqSkXYr
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) March 1, 2020
May not have went your way, but @JoeJitsu you are still one of the best fighters on the planet. Not much people can put it together the way you do. I know you’ll be back stronger and one day that strap will be yours! Congrats to Figueirdo #UFCNorfolk
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) March 1, 2020
Felicia Spencer vs Zarah Fairn
That claim for a title shot might be clouded now. It shouldn’t but it might. Megan played it up much better IMO, and that’s what the company seems to want. I could be wrong but I’m following the trend. Great finish for the Feenom! #UFCNorfolk
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) March 1, 2020
Magomed Ankalaev vs Ion Cutelaba
What a horrible stoppage!!!! The man was fighting! This isn’t boxing!! Damn… that was gonna be a barn burner too! #UFCNorfolk
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) March 1, 2020
Megan Anderson vs Norma Dumont
One fight down, Nice KO… let’s see the other now. 🦁 #UFCNorfolk
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) March 1, 2020
Grant Dawson vs Darrick Minner
That was a battle of who will get the choke first #UFCNorfolk pic.twitter.com/GH0ByPfHXS
— Niko Price (@Nikohybridprice) March 1, 2020
Check out the full results below
Deiveson Figueiredo bt Joe Benavidez via TKO (punches) Round 2- 1:54
Felicia Spencer bt Zarah Fairn via TKO (elbows and punches) Round 1- 3:37
Magomed Ankalaev bt Ion Cutelaba via TKO (head kicks and punches) Round 1- 0:38
Megan Anderson bt Norma Dumont via KO (punch) Round 1- 3:31
Grant Dawson bt Darrick Minner via Submission (rear-naked choke) Round 2- 1:38
Follow me on twitter: @ReeceManUFC
Follow the team on twitter: @MMALatestNws
