Nathan Fletcher debuted versus Zygimantas Ramaska earlier tonight (Sat., Sept. 7, 2024) at UFC Vegas 97 LIVE on ESPN/ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. In a dominant showing, Fletcher knocked his debut win via arm triangle choke in the second round.
Both men were members of the latest Ultimate Fighter (TUF) cast, but a broken leg in the first round of the tournament disrupted Fletcher’s chances of advancing. The 26-year-old Featherweight was looking to make up for lost time here, and he did just that with a fast start. He grounded Ramaska right away, and the Lithuanian was largely content to throw up submissions from his back.
Ramaska definitely put Fletcher in some iffy spots, but it’s hard to win fights in the UFC from bottom position. Fletcher slowly began to land more ground strikes and continually advance position, and any time Ramaska got back to his feet, Fletcher returned him to the canvas with authority. By the second, he was able to advance into side control and attack the arm triangle choke, forcing the finish.
Check out the final moments below:
Nathan Fletcher taps Zygimantas Ramaska in the second pic.twitter.com/UimNfQZVjC
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) September 7, 2024
It’s a quality debut from the English prospect, who looks to be a welcome addition to the talent-rich Featherweight division. Not counting his TUF defeat — which is technically an exhibition match — Fletcher is now riding a three-fight win streak and improves his pro record to 8-1. Ramaska, conversely, drops to 9-3 and may not see a second UFC fight based on the careers of previous TUF signees.
For complete UFC Vegas 97 results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.