Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to the hurt business last night (Sat., Jan. 27, 2018) for UFC on FOX 27 “Jacare vs Brunson 2,” which took place inside Spectrum Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina.
In the main event of the evening, Ronaldo Souza gave us all a case of deja-vu, as he once again knocked out Derek Brunson in the very first round, just like he did five years ago under the Strikeforce banner (see it). In the co-main event, Andre Fili managed to outgun Dennis Bermudez, taking home a split-decision win in what many are calling a controversial decision (recap).
Biggest Winner: Ronaldo Souza
He’s been gone for over a year, but it didn’t take long for “Jacare” to show the Middleweight division that it isn’t as open as many think, showing the crop that he is yet another viable contender to the title. After getting worked by Robert Whittaker a year ago, “Jacare” contemplated retirement, and it’s a good thing he stuck around as the 185-pound weight class needs an exciting fighter such as him. If he doesn’t take you down and twist you like a pretzel, he can knock you out. It’s basically pick your poison with this man. After a loss, it’s easy to writing someone off, but Souza is one you simply can’t do it with, as he can climb the ranks very quickly if he can keep doing his thing inside the cage. I expect him to get a high-ranked foe next, which could expedite his run at the strap.
Runner Up: Gregor Gillispie
Look out, lightweights, as Gregor is the real deal. Gregor has now won 11 in a row, four inside the Octagon, after steamrolling right through Jordan Rinaldi in the very first round. And he got to do it on the biggest stage under the bright lights of FOX, which means millions of people who hadn’t seen him scrap got a good look at just what he can bring to the table.
The much-desired press will surely draw more eyeballs to his next fight, which could come against a ranked opponent who could help him break into the top 15. Keep an eye out on Gregor, he could do big things.
Biggest Loser: Derek Brunson
Derek just can’t seem to get over the hump, as it seems his momentum is always halted right as he’s on the cusp of getting a shot at the tile (or on the verge of asking for one). His latest setback is a bit tougher to swallow, as it was against the same man who knocked him out under the Strikeforce banner years back. Unfortunately, Derek didn’t get the much-desired revenge he wanted, as he was once again seeing stars thanks to the Brazilian bomber. Now, he’ll look to regroup in an attempt to climb himself back into the title conversation. And h can do it quickly, too, as he has shown he can end fights early, turn right back around and do it again in no time. FIrst things first, hehas to get his mental in the right place, as having his momentum stopped once again can’t be good for his mindset.
To get full UFC on FOX 27: “Jacare vs Brunson 2” play-by-play updates and results click here.