If there was any doubt about which division was the best in MMA, UFC 250 clarified that. The bantamweight division was the highlight of the night with not one, but two knockout of the year contenders. Along with, a stellar submission victory by Aljamain Sterling. If you’re looking for the statistics of the evening, check out MMASucka’s UFC 250 Results. Without further ado, here’s the UFC 250 Recap.
UFC 250 Prelims
To start the card off, Herbert Burns secured a quick rear-naked choke victory over UFC veteran, Evan Dunham. That makes 5 stoppage victories in a row for Burns. The bout was contested at a catchweight, but Burns will return to featherweight in his next outing.
The next bout on the card was a battle at 205 pounds. Highly touted prospect, Alonzo Menifield took on Devin Clark. Menifield, a Contender Series alumni, was the favorite due to an unblemished record with a number of knockout victories. However, Devin Clark was able to grind the fight out and do enough damage, especially inside of the clinch to secure the unanimous decision victory. After alternating wins and losses, Clark has now on a 2 fight win streak and will be healing up a bad eye injury that he sustained in the first round. Menifield will look to return after going the distance for the first time in his career.
The 3rd fight of the night took place in the flyweight division. Alex Perez defeated one of flyweight’s best, Jussier Formiga. Perez climbed to 24-5 after winning by TKO, due to leg kicks. Flyweight is a division that does not get the attention it deserves and such could be said about Perez. Perez is 6-1 in the UFC, his lone defeat coming from Joseph Benavidez. Formiga is on a 3 fight skid and his career appears to be going in the opposite direction. The former title contender, Formiga will need to bounce back from the devastating finish.
UFC 250 Under Card
Next, Maki Pitolo defeated Charles Byrd in the 2nd round by TKO. In a strange turn of events, Pitolo was able to secure the finish after Byrd seemed to be the one pulling away. The debut at middleweight paid off for “Coconut Bombz”.
Everybody was pulling for Cody Stamman in his bout against Brian Kelleher. The passing of his late brother weighed heavily on Stamman. However, “The Spartan” looked as good as he ever has with a dominant unanimous decision. He broke down in tears once the bout concluded, and in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. Stamman climbed to 19-2-1 and proved he can be a contender in the bantamweight division.
Ian Heinisch was on the card and then he wasn’t. Then he was on the card again. After a cornerman’s false positive of Covid-19, Heinisch returned to UFC 250 with a bang. A first-round TKO victory over Gerald Meerschaert, Heinisch rebounded after back-to-back losses. “The Hurricane” is looking for a top 10 opponent and a possible rescheduling of his fight with Brad Tavares could be next.
A very disappointing showing from UFC prospect Chase Hooper closed out the undercard on ESPN. Hooper was unable to ever establish an offensive attack on the feet. His opponent, Alex Caceras was able to counter his shots effectively, leading him to a unanimous decision victory. Caceras was able to fend off any grappling attack Hooper attempted. Hooper appeared to be very outmatched and the commentary team even suggested for him to return to the regional circuit.
Main Card
All things considered, UFC 250 delivered with a fantastic main card. There was criticism over the main event being undeserving of a PPV slot, however, 3 spectacular finishes made up for the lack of star power. It is still unclear the reason why Amanda Nunes hasn’t transcended into the stardom she rightfully deserves. Another fighter on the bill has that star power potential.
By and large, “Suga” Sean O’Malley was expected to win his matchup with UFC Vet, Eddie Wineland. No one thought it was going to be in the fashion that it was. A devastating straight right hand ended Wineland’s night. The walk-off 1st round KO was only the beginning of what would excite fight fans as the night progressed.
Neil Magny defeated Anthony Rocco Martin by unanimous decision. Magny used his pressure and his outstanding cardio to close out the bout. Martin had his moments, however, it was the man with the 2nd most welterweight victories ever, who reigned victorious.
The people’s main event, Cory Sandhagen and Aljamain Sterling was up next. Viewed by many as a title eliminator, Sterling excelled in the bout. It only lasted 1 minute and 28 seconds, “Funk Master” took the back early on in the fight and he was able to secure a rear-naked choke for the victory. Sterling is now on a 5 fight win streak and should be slated for a title shot in his next bout.
Co-Main Event
The Co-Main Event of the night included former champion, Cody Garbrandt taking on Raphael Assuncao. This bout seemed to be forgotten during the lead-up. All of the attention was placed on the previous bantamweight bout. However, Cody Garbrandt made a statement. After a much more poised first round, Assuncao started to apply more pressure as the second round went on. “No Love” has had the tendency in his last 3 fights, to become wild and lacking technique. Well, the work he was doing with renowned coach, Mark Henry proved all of the critics wrong. At 4:59 of the 2nd round, Garbrandt landed a vicious walk-off right hook. Referee Keith Peterson called off the fight after the bell had already rung. Garbrandt breathed a sigh of relief and is now one step closer to regaining a title shot.
Main Event
Amanda Nunes came into Saturday night already earning the moniker of Greatest of All Time. She showed largely why that phrase follows her around. Nunes dazzled with a flawless performance over title challenger Felicia Spencer. Spencer showed a heart of a champion throughout the battle, however, she had no answer to anything Nunes threw at her. “The Lioness” was by far the superior striker and at times, she even showed her ability to swing Spencer around like a rag-doll. Nunes almost secured her 3rd rear-naked choke victory in the UFC, however time ran out before she could secure the tap. She showed incredible dominance again, which begs the question what’s next for the women’s double champ?
All in all, it was another great night of fights. Amanda Nunes added another title defense to her resume. Cody Garbrandt got back on the winning track. Aljamain Sterling all but secured a title shot and The Suga Show is alive and well.
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