UFC 163‘s main card featured a fight between middleweights Cezar “Mutante” Ferreira and Thiago Santos. And it didn’t take long to settle, as Ferreira crumpled Santos with an overhand left and a high kick, then rolled into a guillotine choke that compelled a submission in only 47 seconds.
Ferreira (6-2, 2-0 UFC), who now trains with friend and mentor Vitor Belfort and who cornered Ferreira Saturday night, is now on a bona fide roll. Meanwhile, Santos (8-1, 0-0 UFC) never got rolling at all and may just be one-and-done in the UFC.
What we’ll remember about this fight
The extended ground roll that resulted in the guillotine. Fun to watch Ferreira move from a headlock through to the choke with that much athleticism. Still, Santos is not exactly top competition. Mutante‘s on a roll, but it would be nice to see him get a serious opponent in his next contest.
What we learned about Cezar Ferreira
That he’s legitimate. With his big punches and a signature, Belfort-esque head kick, then that slick jiu-jitsu, it seems Mutante is ready for his professional close-up. Being Belfort‘s protege and training with the Blackzilians in Florida can’t hurt.
What we learned about Thiago Santos
He’s probably not UFC-caliber, at least not yet. You feel for the guy, especially because he was never really able to get going. It’s a cold business, I suppose.
What’s next for Ferreira
How about another The Ultimate Fighter competitor from another season in Great Britain’s Luke Barnatt? That could be entertaining. But if that’s not sizzling enough for you, how about another recent middleweight winner who was entertaining and impressive in the effort: a Mr. Ed Herman.
What’s next for Santos
Probably an awkward but firm phone call from the UFC legal department, then a return to the regional circuits.
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