UFC 153: What We Learned from Diego Brandao vs. Joey Gambino

Diego Brandao and Joey Gambino contested in a fast-paced featherweight showdown as part of the UFC 153 preliminary action. Though Gambino was game, Brandao took the fight to his foe for the better part of the 15-minute match, easily securing a una…

Diego Brandao and Joey Gambino contested in a fast-paced featherweight showdown as part of the UFC 153 preliminary action. 

Though Gambino was game, Brandao took the fight to his foe for the better part of the 15-minute match, easily securing a unanimous-decision victory.

The result moves Brandao to 2-1 as a UFC fighter, while Gambino drops to 0-2.

 

What We’ll Remember About This Fight

It was an action-packed match that certainly lacked nothing for excitement.

Beyond the entertainment value, we’ll remember this bout as the first time Brandao put together an impressive performance for a full 15-minute fight. 

 

What We Learned About Brandao

Brandao showed off many of the attributes we’ve seen from him before, namely a powerful right hand, strong takedowns and solid grappling. But he also showed—for the first time ever—that he’s more than just a one-round wonder.

Though he didn’t get the stunning knockout finish he was hunting for all night, Brandao‘s 15-minute domination exhibited his continued growth and lofty potential better than any quick finish could have.

 

What We Learned About Gambino

He’s a tough guy with a granite jaw, but he just doesn’t seem to be at the level necessary to hack it in the UFC.

 

What’s Next for Brandao

I’d love to see him take on Dustin Poirier or Max Holloway.

 

What’s Next for Gambino

More than likely, a dismissal from the UFC. Though there is a good chance he’ll return at a later date.

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