Last night (Sat., Oct. 16, 2021), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) remained inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, for UFC Vegas 40. For the second time in as many weeks, there was not a whole lot to look forward to ahead of the event, which was ravaged by injuries, COVID-19, and weight cut mishaps. Of course, a lackluster event on paper can still provide some high-quality moments, so there was reason to tune in … though you could still be forgiven for skipping this card.
Let’s take another look at the best performances and techniques:
The Less That’s Said, The Better
Last night’s main event was among the worst in UFC history.
There’s no way to polish this turd. Norma Dumont won the first 20 minutes — and thus the decision — by jabbing occasionally. Ladd did almost nothing offensive for the majority of the fight, only turning it up (sort of) in the fifth. In between the five minute sections of inactivity, Ladd’s corner berated its miserable athlete in a very uncomfortable fashion.
Let’s move on, please.
Jim Miller, Forever
Jim Miller set the UFC record for most appearances last night, but he didn’t show up for a paycheck.
It took almost no time at all for Miller to find himself in a scrap vs. Erick Gonzalez. However, it was Gonzalez who struck first, stinging Miller with a right hook and prompting a desperate takedown.
When the two eventually scrambled back up, however, Miller found his timing. His left hand started connecting often, and it wobbled Gonzalez pretty badly near the end of the round. Gonzalez tried to open the second with a fancy kick, but Miller was ready, answering with that same left overhand and putting his foe down for good. Miller had a new nickname — A-10? — and new walkout song — what happened to the CCR, Jimmy? — but it was the same ultra tough, opportunistic veteran in there.
I hope Miller makes it to UFC 300.
Chaos > Defense
Bruno Silva does not fight with conventional tactics.
The Brazilian began the fight with a massive flurry, immediately ripping the body a few times and seeking to sneak an uppercut through the guard of Andrew Sanchez — awesome! However, soon afterward, Sanchez began to get his wrestling game going, and he trapped Silva in that vortex. While repeatedly getting lifted and returned to the mat, Silva often seemed more focused on landing elbows from his back than escaping to his feet.
Fortunately, Silva did remain committed to the body work as well. Those punches to the bread basket — as well as the opportunistic elbows and punches in close distance trades — wore Sanchez down. Even though the wrestler clearly won the first two rounds, he had little left in the tank for the final five minutes.
Silva swarmed. He emptied the tank himself, wailing away at Sanchez’s chin and torso. Sanchez tried to keep his feet and fire back, but he was eventually overwhelmed by the Brazilian’s sheer fury.
Additional Thoughts
- Nate Landwehr defeats Ludovit Klein via third-round anaconda choke: This was an awesome brawl! Klein was the sharper man at distance, but Landwehr thrives in scraps. The former M-1 champ was able to force that style of fight in the second half of the match, turning up the heat and extending his combinations. In particular, he landed some big knees in the clinch and lead right hands. As Klein felt the fight pulling away from him, he tried to score a takedown, which Landwehr nicely countered with a heavy sprawl before jumping on the neck.
- Danaa Batgerel defeats Brandon Davis via first-round knockout: At 32 years of age, I don’t know if Mongolia’s Batgerel is a true Bantamweight prospect or simply a top-notch action fighter, but does it matter? Batgerel scored his third consecutive first-round knockout win inside the Octagon, once again showing off his ability to whip looping power shots while taking his head off the center line. Davis is an experienced UFC vet who has faced the likes of Zabit Magomedsharipov and Giga Chikadze, but it still didn’t take long for Batgerel to find his range and start dropping hammers to hand “Killa B” the first stoppage loss of his pro career.
- Ariane Carnelossi defeats Istela Nunes via third-round rear naked choke: Carnelossi isn’t likely to impress anyone with her standup technique, but the Flyweight has serious strength and knows how to use it. Following a difficult first round, Carnelossi’s takedown attempts wore down her foe, though both were tired. In the third, Carnelossi was able to convince Nunes to give up her back in a scramble, which proved a fight-ending mistake.
For complete UFC Vegas 40: “Ladd vs. Dumont” results and play-by-play, click HERE!