Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
Michel Pereira and Tristan Connelly faced each other in a Welterweight clash tonight (Sat., Sept. 14, 2019) at UFC Fight Night 158 inside Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, only on ESPN+. In a true David Vs. Goliath moment, Connelly survived his foe’s wild assault to take over the second half of the fight.
Pereira opened the fight wildly, punching off the cage, doing a flip, and nearly landing yet another jump knee. Connelly tried to counter with a takedown but was thrown aside on his first attempt. Connelly successfully moved the fight into the clinch next, where he stomped the foot a couple times and landed a decent punch on the break. Strong front kick landed for Pereira. Rolling thunder attempt from the Brazilian missed. A left hook to the liver from Pereira hurt his opponent briefly. Decent left hook landed for Connelly. Halfway through the round, Pereira dove into a double leg and secured it — but he looked a bit tired. Pereira tried to back flip around guard to no avail. Worse still, the Brazilian attempted a guillotine and wound up on his back! Connelly passed guard briefly then later mounted his opponent. Pereira exploded back to his feet, looking exhausted. A hard left hooked clipped the jaw of the Brazilian. Connelly ended the round hunting for a guillotine choke, seemingly very much in control of the fight.
Connelly opened the second round with some good kicks. Pereira settled himself a bit and really began targeting the body with kicks and punches. Connelly dove in for a bad takedown attempt, allowing Pereira to sprawl and attempt a d’arce choke. Connelly pressured his larger foe. Good knee landed for the Brazilian. Connelly returned with a hard right hand and good knee of his own, rocking Pereira. Pereira shot for an ugly double and was stuffed easily — then does it again a moment later successfully! Pereira didn’t do much form within the guard, but it was valuable top control time. Connelly ended the second on his back, throwing up submission attempts.
Connelly opened the final round with a beautiful left hook-right low kick combo. Pereira did not waste much time in attempting another takedown, but he wound up in a very tight guillotine choke that nearly ended the fight! Back on the feet, Connelly continued to advance and land in combination. When Pereira shot a second time, Connelly spun toward the back and landed on top in side control. Pereira recovered half guard. Pereira looked exhausted from his back. Connelly kneed his opponent in the ribs from top position and landed small shots. Connelly controlled until the final bell, drawing an absolutely massive applause from the Vancouver crowd.
Connelly was awarded the unanimous decision, securing a massive upset win. It was a really incredible moment for Connelly, who accepted the bout on less than a week’s notice. As for Pereira, this loss really confirmed that the Brazilian was an entertaining sideshow rather than true prospect … at least for now.
Result: Tristan Connelly defeats Michel Pereira (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)
For complete UFC Fight Night 158: “Gaethje vs. Cerrone” results and play-by-play, click HERE!