video review : UFC 290

video review : UFC 290

Without even factoring in Robbie Lawler’s “perfect” career-ending victory over Niko Price or any of the other impressive knockouts from the Prelims, UFC 290 stands as one of their better events. Newcomer Bo Nickal actually matches Lawler by taking out his opponent in the same amount of time. A revamped Dan Hooker also impresses with a split decision victory over Jalin Turner.

The biggest surprise of the night, other than Dana White arriving with President Trump, is Robert Whittaker’s second-round TKO loss to Dricus Du Plessis, though it’s no surprise to Du Plessis. He predicted he’d do exactly what he did. Still it’s odd seeing Whittaker lose to someone other than Israel Adesanya, who promotes his upcoming bout with Du Plessis with a post-fight encounter.

What ends up being perhaps the best fight is the one I cared the least about; Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno putting his belt on the line against Alexandre Pantoja. Pantoja beat him twice before and does it again here, but they’re well matched. The main event goes about as I expected with Alexander Volkanovski retaining his (Featherweight) title relatively easily against Yair Rodríguez.

my rating : 4 of 5

2023

video review : Israel Adesanya versus Marvin Vettori at UFC 263

video review : Israel Adesanya versus Marvin Vettori at UFC 263

Marvin Vettori insists he won the first bout, but, unless he’s as delusional as Israel Adesanya suggests in his victory speech, there’s no denying this one. Despite a few takedowns, one of which includes a near rear-naked choke Adesanya is slick enough to spin out of, Vettori does considerably worse this time around.

A lot of fans were speculating and debating about who improved more since their Fight Night pairing in 2018. The answer is clear, though Adesanya seems to move like he’s still carrying his weight from the Jan Błachowicz fight. Perhaps his Zen-like demeanor is just brought on by those new nose-breathing techniques.

my rating : 3 of 5

2021

video review : Robert Whittaker versus Israel Adesanya at UFC 243

video review : Robert Whittaker versus Israel Adesanya at UFC 243

Israel Adesanya’s antics may be annoying; he comes to The Octagon as if he’s about to compete in a dance-off; but his MMA skills can’t be denied. While not a blow-out; Robert Whittaker is also an elite fighter; he does in two rounds what Yoel Romero couldn’t in ten.

Not only is Robert Whittaker defeated, he’s knocked senseless with a hook to the face, making Israel Adesanya the new Middleweight Champion. Next up is Paulo Costa, the “heavy-ass Ricky Martin wannabe”, who’s standing in the crowd with a Vida Loca shirt on.

my rating : 3 of 5

2019

video review : Robert Whittaker versus Yoel Romero at UFC 225

video review : Robert Whittaker versus Yoel Romero at UFC 225

Yoel Romero probably would’ve won this fight via decision if he wasn’t so inactive in the first couple of rounds. It’s not until a jab swells his right eye nearly shut that he starts to pick up the pace.

Whittaker lands more strikes; he fights with constant pressure; but Romero’s are more effective. When he connects, he connects with power. Whittaker is knocked nearly limp a couple of times.

my rating : 4 of 5

2018