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UFC 296 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas marked the final UFC event of 2023.
Two Champions defended their titles while rising stars made their marks. Let’s dive into each matchup of this final event of the year.
Leon Edwards (C) Vs. Colby Covington
Leon Edwards triumphs over Colby Covington with a unanimous decision victory, scoring 49-46 across all judges’ cards.
Leon Edwards delivered a performance that silenced critics and fans alike. Against Colby Covington, Edwards showcased a masterclass in technical striking and defensive grappling. The fight was charged with tension, particularly after Covington’s comments about Edwards’ deceased father. Edwards, however, remained unfazed.
In the early rounds, Edwards was tactically superior, maintaining distance and landing precise strikes. Covington seemed unusually cautious, hinting at a possible rib injury. Edwards’ confidence grew as the fight progressed. He successfully defended takedowns and even attempted a choke in the fourth round.
The final round saw Covington secure a big takedown. Edwards, however, continued to grapple effectively, attempting an armbar. Covington managed some ground and pound, but it was too little, too late. Edwards emerged as a dominant defending champion, thanks to his composure that’s on another level inside the Welterweight division.
Alexandre Pantoja (C) Vs. Brandon Royval
Alexandre Pantoja retains his title against Brandon Royval, winning unanimously with scores of 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46.
Alexandre Pantoja defended his Flyweight title against Brandon Royval in a grueling five-round battle. Pantoja dominated with heavy strikes and superior grappling, outmaneuvering Royval throughout the fight. Despite a gassed appearance in the fourth round, Pantoja maintained control.
Royval’s efforts in the fifth round to seek a knockout were met with Pantoja’s resilience. The champion secured another takedown, sealing his victory. Pantoja’s consistent performance and ability to handle pressure underlined his championship caliber.
Shavkat Rakhmonov Vs. Stephen Thompson
Shavkat Rakhmonov secured a victory through a rear-naked choke submission against Stephen Thompson at 4:56 in the second round.
Shavkat Rakhmonov continued his undefeated streak, overcoming Stephen Thompson with a well-executed game plan. Thompson’s striking was not enough to deter Rakhmonov, who closed distance early, clinched and eventually took the fight to the ground. Rakhmonov’s submission victory hinted at his readiness for a future title shot.
Tony Ferguson Vs. Paddy Pimblett
Paddy Pimblett earns a unanimous decision win against Tony Ferguson, with all judges scoring it 30-27.
Paddy Pimblett showed a new level of maturity and focus against Tony Ferguson. Sporting cornrows, Pimblett was patient, strategically picking off Ferguson with strikes. He almost finished Ferguson in the first round and maintained top control for significant periods in the second.
Ferguson’s comeback in the final round highlighted his gas tank, but Pimblett’s early dominance proved to be the decider. The win showcased Pimblett’s evolving skill set and mental fortitude against a new class, even if it is the old guard.
Josh Emmett Vs. Bryce Mitchell
Josh Emmett delivers a stunning KO against Bryce Mitchell with a right hand at 1:57 of the first round.
Josh Emmett stunned fans with an overhand right knockout over Bryce Mitchell. Emmett’s punch halted Mitchell’s wrestling plans, marking a challenging phase in Mitchell’s career. Emmett’s victory underscored his striking power and ability to upset the odds.
Alonzo Menifield Vs. Dustin Jacoby
Alonzo Menifield edges out Dustin Jacoby by unanimous decision, with judges scoring the fight 29-28 on all cards.
The Light Heavyweight bout between Alonzo Menifield and Dustin Jacoby was a striking masterclass. Menifield’s slick dodging and counter shots were impressive. Jacoby shone in the third round, but Menifield’s power and significant strikes turned the tide, earning him a unanimous decision.
Irene Aldana Vs. Karol Rosa
Irene Aldana bests Karol Rosa in a unanimous decision, with scores of 29-28 from all three judges.
Irene Aldana overcame Karol Rosa’s brutal leg kicks in a fierce battle. Aldana’s overwhelming pace and output earned her a decision victory with one of the bloodiest dog fights we’ve seen for a while. Joe Rogan suggested the bout as a potential Fight of the Year, if not at minimum the Women’s Fight of the Year.
Cody Garbrandt Vs. Brian Kelleher
Cody Garbrandt claims victory over Brian Kelleher with a right-hand KO, clocked at 3:42 of the opening round.
Cody Garbrandt marked his return with a stunning surprise knockout over Brian Kelleher. Garbrandt called out Deiveson Figueiredo for a future fight, signaling his intent to climb back to the top of the Bantamweight division.
Casey O'Neill Vs. Ariane Lipski
Ariane Lipski overcomes Casey O’Neill with an armbar submission at 1:18 in the second round.
Ariane Lipski dominated Casey O’Neill in striking exchanges. Lipski’s improved striking skills were evident as she wobbled O’Neill multiple times. A well-executed armbar submission sealed her victory, showcasing her grappling pedigree.
Tagir Ulanbekov Vs. Cody Durden
Tagir Ulanbekov defeated Cody Durden with a rear-naked choke submission at 4:25 of the second round.
Tagir Ulanbekov faced a tough challenge from Cody Durden’s heavy-hitting offense. Ulanbekov’s resilience and skill in overcoming Durden’s onslaught were commendable, emphasizing the depth of talent in the Flyweight division.
Andre Fili Vs. Lucas Almeida
Andre Fili achieves a TKO victory over Lucas Almeida with strikes at 3:32 in the first round.
Despite a recent personal loss, Andre Fili returned with a clinical finish over Lucas Almeida. Fili’s short right hand while slipping a punch sealed a commendable victory. Almeida being on a three-fight losing streak likely means he will soon be departing the UFC.
Martin Buday Vs. Shamil Gaziev
Shamil Gaziev triumphs over Martin Buday via TKO with strikes, concluding at 0:56 in the second round.
The Heavyweight bout between Martin Buday and Shamil Gaziev was a display of the potential power of Gaziev, winning the fight confidently as the referee called an early stoppage with Buday taking too many successive blows.
UFC 296 was a fitting end to 2023, a year of mostly enjoyable main cards. But 2024 might be the year when things really heat up, with UFC 300 just around the corner.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joe Bloom is the founder and editor behind MMAHive.com. He’s a mixed martial arts fanatic who has been covering the UFC and MMA for years utilizing his proficiencies in journalism, fitness, and martial arts expertise.
