Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
To stream UFC 246 LIVE on ESPN+ PPV click here!
Mixed martial arts (MMA) journeyman and submission specialist Aleksei Oleinik — owner of more than 70 professional bouts — tonight (Sat., Jan. 18, 2020) locked horns with The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 28 alum, Maurice Greene, in UFC 246 pay-per-view (PPV) main card Heavyweight action.
Both fighters were looking to get back in the win column after recent losses, but of course, only one could go home with his win bonus … and in this case … perhaps even a “Performance of the Night” bonus.
Greene got the action started early, nailing Oleinik with a hard kick that put him on his back. Oleinik got back to his feet quick because Greene, wisely, wanted no part of the Russian’s vaunted guard game. But, once back on his feet, Oleinik wasted no time getting the fight on his terms, dragging Greene down to the mat and working for a submission along the cage. He got close with a neck crank, but Greene bucked out and actually threw up a triangle, which Oleinik was able to peel off. He did it again moments later, using Oleinik’s escape to get back to his feet; however, Oleinik got him right back down. He dropped some ground-and-pound, then scooted to his butt and locked in a tight Ezekiel choke, his trademark move. Greene struggled and defended well, nailing Oleinik with shots while his opponent was trying to squeeze his head off for a solid minute. Greene was able to somehow ride it out to see round two.
Oleinik wasted a ton of energy trying to strangle Greene — he was shaking his arms prior to exiting his corner. Greene took full advantage, moving around the Octagon and peppering him with crisp shots. Oleinik put his head down and barreled his way in, but Greene tossed him to the side and began to unload once again. Oleinik closed the distance and eventually got Greene back down to the canvas, landing in half guard with blood trickling from his forehead. Oleinik attempted another Ezekiel choke, but quickly abandoned it as he was still gassed. Greene used the opportunity to attempt a kimura from the bottom, but Oleinik worked his way out then rolled his way into a belly-down armbar. Greene defended well once again, but eventually he was able to get his hand passed the knee and force a tap.
Greene put up a solid fight — he demonstrated incredible submission defense. However, Oleinik was just too crafty and experienced to be denied.
For complete UFC 246 results, including play-by-play updates from last night, click here. To check out the latest and greatest UFC 246: “McGregor vs. Cerrone” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.