The UFC put on a show in Newark, New Jersey tonight, and one with big consequences for several divisions in the UFC.
In the first fight on the main card, we had Sage Northcutt facing off against Bryan Barberena.
Northcutt, the youngest member of the UFC aged just 19, came into the fight drawing his usual attention. His media appearances (ones that could be summed up with a beaming emoji), along with his freakish physique draws eyes.
Usually a lightweight, Northcutt fought tonight against Bryan Barberena instead as a Welterweight after a late change in opponents.
With Firas Zahabi in his corner, ‘Super Sage’ looked a lot more controlled in this fight than in his previous appearances. Spending the first round landing combinations of right and left hands, before closing the distance to clinch up.
The second, however, was where it all went wrong. Going for a flashy capoeira kick, Northcutt ended up underneath Barberena, who took full opportunity and beat on the younger man for the best part of the round. Barberena got Northcutt in an arm-triangle and Northcutt tapped. UFC commentator Joe Rogan made note that the submission perhaps wasn’t in as tight as it could have been, begging the question if Sage can handle when the pressure is turned on him.
Perhaps the loss is in fact the best thing to happen to Northcutt. Had he gone on to win, then each performance would have brought with it a heavier focus and scrutiny. With the first loss out of the way, the pressure is off, and instead Northcutt can focus on improving his very young, but very promising ability.
In the co-main event of the evening, we saw former Heavyweight champion Josh Barnett face off with number 7th ranked Ben Rothwell.
Rothwell has been on a tear of late, and the bout with Barnett was seen as a golden opportunity for Rothwell to push his name forward towards title contention. The fight went at a slow pace, with both men clearly well aware of the power each possess. The two both stood on the outside, trying to work their way forward.
The end came very suddenly, when Barnett went for a takedown, before getting caught in a choke by Rothwell. Barnett had no choice but to tap, something which he has never done before in the UFC. It’s not just a huge win for Rothwell, but the manner of victory, a submission over the veteran makes it a truly spectacular win.
That makes it four straight for Rothwell.
In the Main Event, Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson faced off against Ryan Bader for what is likely to be the next in line for the UFC Light Heavyweight title shot.
And so whether it be current champion Daniel Cormier, or the returning Jon Jones, it looks like Johnson has another title shot in his future. Bader, as suspected, went for a takedown right from the offset of the fight. Johnson sprawled, held Bader to the ground and from then on it was almost a formality. Bader attempted to grab an arm to attempt a Kimura lock, but by doing so allowed Johnson to maneuvre into a favourable position. A few heavy hands from mounts later, and Bader was rendered unconscious.
It’s a sorry end for Bader, who had recently been on a tear in the division. Had he won the fight, it would have been his first title shot in his career, and with the loss it’s hard to see him ever being able to break through the glass ceiling at 205lbs.
Johnson, who fought for the title against Daniel Cormier and lost, has claimed a new found motivation for gold. His power is second to none in the division, and he will forever be a terrifying opponent to any who face him.
UFC Fight Night Full Results:
Anthony Johnson def. Ryan Bader via first round KO
Ben Rothwell def. Josh Barnett via submission
Jimmie Rivera def. Iuri Alcantara via unanimous decision
Bryan Barberena def. Sage Northcutt via submission
Tarec Saffiedine def. Jake Ellenberger via unanimous decision
Diego Ferreira def. Olivier Aubin-Mercier via unanimous decision
Rafael Natal def. Kevin Casey via third-round TKO
Wilson Reis def. Dustin Ortiz via unanimous decision
Alexander Yakovlev def. George Sullivan via first-round KO
Alex Caceres def. Masio Fullen via unanimous decision
Randy Brown def. Matt Dwyer via unanimous decision
Levan Makashvili vs. Damon Jackson ends in majority draw
Tony Martin def. Felipe Olvieri via submission
