UFC 227 in Review

(Via: UFC Twitter)

Expectations were relatively low heading into this weekend, with a slight hangover from UFC Calgary and the announcements of Khabib-Conor and Diaz-Poirier, UFC 227 felt like somewhat of an afterthought. There were two titles on the line belonging to one of the greatest pound-for-pound champions in UFC history and an expat of Team Alpha Male looking to solidify his reign atop the bantamweight division. A deep dive through the results from Saturday’s event show just how much excitement and flair UFC 227 brought to the fans.

Main Card

T.J. Dillashaw vs. Cody Garbrandt 2 – Bantamweight Championship

In a rematch going back to UFC 217, Dillashaw-Garbrandt 2 produced a much-anticipated finish to an established rivalry between ex-teammates. In the first installment, Garbrandt was recently removed from injury layoff due to serious back surgery, but during the fight, showed no signs of ring rust. It was Dillashaw who was able to recover from being rocked in the first round, and capitalize on Garbrandt’s recklessness in the second round to finish the fight by TKO and reacquired the belt.

In the rematch, Garbrandt’s hand speed and power were apparent from the outset, but that same recklessness cost him once again. Dillashaw was able to methodically weave in and out, and finished the fight with 46 seconds remaining in the first round. With a trilogy in doubt, many believe T.J. will either defend against Dominick Cruz, Raphael Assunção, or Marlon Moraes.

Demetrious Johnson vs. Henry Cejudo 2 – Flyweight Championship

UFC 197 was the first meeting between Johnson and Cejudo, ending in a Fight of the Night performance, and title retention for Johnson. In their second meeting, Cejudo not only showed why he should be considered among the top 15 pound-for-pound, but did so in a split decision win for the ages. Improved striking ability, coupled with Olympic caliber wrestling, earned the young Californian his first belt.

Matchmaking becomes interesting with this result, as many were calling for Johnson to move up to face Dillashaw. Shortly after his win, newly crowned Cejudo called for a champ-champ fight at 135. This would pose a hold-up in the flyweight division, with the winner of Pettis-Formiga or 11-time defending champion Johnson being denied a shot at gold.

Cub Swanson vs. Renato Moicano

Top featherweights stood and threw, resulting in Performance of the Night honours for the winner Moicano. He was able to mount a stifling offense, to Swanson’s typically high output, and captured the TKO finish at 44 seconds of the first round. After the fight, Moicano called for a rematch with Brian Ortega; many will remember their first fight being controlled by Moicano until he slipped into a nasty guillotine by Ortega.

(Via: UFC Twitter)

Polyana Viana vs. JJ Aldrich

In a PPV head scratcher, JJ Aldrich was able to secure a unanimous decision win. Aldrich claimed an even 6 minutes of top control, paired with 50/96 total strikes. This likely places her in the top 15 in the women’s strawweight rankings. Aldrich seems to be continually adapting and adding new tools to her game, coached by former UFC heavyweight Pat Barry (partner of UFC women’s strawweight champion Rose Namajunas)

Thiago Santos vs. Kevin Holland

Another matchmaking head scratcher, DWTNCS season 2, episode 1 winner Kevin Holland was given short notice to engage with #12 ranked Santos. Holland showed flashes of brilliance, lasting all three rounds, but the fight was dominated by Santos who now owns 15/18 wins by finish. While some had questioned Holland being given a UFC contract after his grinding decision win on the Contender Series in June, he was able to work distance and some transitions at points in the fight.

Prelims of Note

(Via: UFC Twitter)

Pedro Munhoz vs. Brett Johns

Both grapplers decided to stand and trade in what many touted as potential Fight of the Night. Munhoz walked away with 4:21 of top control, and 178/292 strikes thrown. This will likely bump his #9 ranking even higher, while Johns started his career at 15-0, he’s now lost two straight in devastating fashion.

Alex Perez vs. Jose Torres

Alex Perez was able to go from 126 lbs up to 146.5 lbs overnight, and in less than four minutes landed 88/166 total strikes to out-match Torres. For Perez, a ranked opponent seems likely, but for Torres, his success in Titan FC hasn’t translated in his two UFC appearances.

Danielle Taylor vs. Weili Zhang

Octagon newcomer Zhang, on a 16 fight win streak with 15 finishes, was able to dominate towards a unanimous decision win. Taylor showed power at points in the fight, but was out struck 83-35.

Up next on the UFC schedule, UFC Fight Night Gaethje vs. Vick on August 25 from Lincoln, Nebraska.