UFC Brasilia results: Moicano submits Hadzovic for card’s first finish

Photo by Buda Mendes/Zuffa LLC

On the UFC Brasilia main card, Renato Moicano quickly submitted Damir Hadzovic, and Nikita Krylov took a unanimous decision over Johnny Walker.

The UFC Brasilia main card is in progress, and Renato Moicano made quick work of Damir Hadzovic, sniffing out a rear-naked choke submission in a sporty 44-seconds. He came out, got the takedown, and found the choke. Just like that! After the match, there was a little back-and-forth between the two fighters, but security stepped in and broke it up. This was Moicano’s debut in the UFC’s lightweight division, moving up as the promotion’s #7 ranked featherweight, and boy did he make a statement. In his post-fight interview, he called out Paul Felder.

Before that, top-ranked light heavyweights went the distance, and the company’s #12 ranked Nikita Krylov earned the nod over the #10 ranked Johnny Walker. The bulk of this fight took place on the mat, and was quite the grind. Krylov was on a mission to plant Walker’s back on the canvas, and did just that. Walker had his moments where he would reverse into top position, but Krylov would find a way to take it back. Krylov is now 2-2 in his second stint in the UFC.

Opening up the main card portion of UFC Brasilia, Francisco Trinaldo and John Makdessi went the distance in a rather underwhelming affair. Trinaldo brought the pressure early, prompting Makdessi to get on his bike for the bulk of the first-two rounds. The final round spent a lot more time in the middle of the Octagon, but lacked any real wow moments. At the end, it was Trinaldo who took the unanimous decision. At the age of 41, Trinaldo has won three of his last four bouts.

Main card:

Renato Moicano def. Damir Hadzovic by submission at :44 of round 1: Lightweight

Moicano went for a takedown right away and went right to the back. He secured the body triangle and instantly started attacking the choke. Hadzovic was dead to rights and forced to tap out!

Nikita Krylov def. Johnny Walker by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2): Light Heavyweight

Walker came out exploding with strikes, prompting Krylov to initiate a clinch. Krylov worked hard for a takedown and eventually achieved it. He controlled his foe, and was able to land small punches as Walker was sitting against the fence. Walker finally stood up and landed a stinging elbow on the break. Krylov rocked Walker with a right hand, and then picked up another takedown. Walker did not return to his feet until the bell sounded.

Krylov pressed forward behind his strikes in the second stanza, and quickly secured a takedown. Walker tried to sweep and escape, but the control from Krylov was on point. Walker spent a lot of time on his back, but did throw up a short-lived triangle attempt at one point. He was also able to finally find a sweep, with about a minute remaining in the round, and landed some hard ground strikes before the bell.

Krylov wasted no time in hunting for a takedown in the final round. Just as he got it, Walker rolled into top position. As soon as he made it to full mount, Krylov reversed into top position. From the full guard, it was Walker who was landing elbows while Krylov kind of just hung out on top. Krylov advanced his position when Walker rolled for an arm, and that’s when he was able to land some blows.

Francisco Trinaldo def. John Makdessi (30-27 x2, 29-28): Lightweight

Trinaldo began aggressively, forcing Makdessi to dance around on the outside. Makdessi would throw a few kicks here and there, but Trinaldo was landing punches and throwing kicks. There were no takedown attempts to be found in this round.

Makdessi opened the second act with a strong body quick. It wasn’t long before Trinaldo got back to his pressure and Makdessi was staying far on the outside. Makdessi was pumping out kicks as his opponent was chasing him, but they weren’t landing flush. Trinaldo landed some clean punches in the round, but nothing that caused any visible damage.

Trinaldo stuck with his boxing in the final round and Makdessi stayed true to his kicks. The Brazilian didn’t bring as much pressure as the first-two rounds, so Makdessi wasn’t on his bike as much. A punch opened up the bridge of Makdessi’s nose in an exchange, which seemed to be the most significant damage dished out in the fight.