WOW! Michael Chandler might have made the best debut he could asked for. Chandler looked like a tank against Hooker. Right off the bell, Chandler advances and closes the distance meanwhile Hooker was using his reach to fight outside. Hooker is known for his durability which made an even more impressive finish. The fight ended in the first round.
Both were reading each other as it was in the early minute. Chandler was setting traps and would eventually change the rhythm of his punches. He baited hooker of covering low and went up. It was a beautiful set-up and shows how strong Chandler’s hands are.
After the fight Chandler called out the top lightweights, he called out Mcgregor, Poirier and Khabib. Khabib said that he could return if someone makes an impressive peformance that could pose a threat to his game. Will it be Michael Chandler?
The women’s flyweight between Jessica Eye vs Joanne Calderwood was just a one-sided fight. Calderwood showed that is striking is levels above Eye, although Eye showed heart and just came forward. The fight ended in a unanimous decision.
Will Calderwood be able to out strike the flyweight queen Shevchenko as most see Shevchenko to rule the division for a long time.
The Middleweight fight of Andrew Sanchez vs Makhmud Muradov had one of the best knockouts. Since the opening bell, both fighters were landing to knock out each other. Muradov eventually landed an overhand right that made Sanchez wobbled and even did a chicken dance. Muradov then charged with a flying knee that led to a finish.
In the main card opener was Marina Rodriguez vs Amanda Ribas. Ribas was going in as a decent favorite to fight and was UFC’s rising star in the women’s MMA but Rodriguez had different plans. Rodriguez is a Muay Thai striker that packs a punch.
There was a controversial moment where Rodriguez knocked down Ribas and looked the fight was about to be stopped. Herb Dean stepped in but stopped at the last second. Rodriguez thought she already won but Dean said that the fight still continues. Rodriguez then landed an elbow that may have stunned Ribas even more. Rodriguez won by TKO.
Although the main card did not possess big names other than the co-main and main event. it still delivered an entertaining card. The hype train of Amanda Ribas was stopped by Rodriguez and a shocking KO finish by Michael Chandler to someone as durable as Hooker.
