Gegard Mousasi, Stefan Struve, Jimi Manuwa, More Score Big Top-15 Wins At UFC 205
UFC 204 wasn't the most stacked card, by any means, but had implications on four divisions with top-15 fights.
Gegard Mousasi continued his hot streak, and may have ended the relevance of former UFC Light Heayvweight Champion Vitor Belfort. The #9 Mousasi dominated #5 Belfort on the feet, before following him to the ground in round two for a TKO finish. Belfort hasn't won outside of America since 2011, and hasn't managed a victory over anyone outside of Dan Henderson since TRT was banned. Mousasi has now won 5 of his last 6, defeating three title challengers or former champions along the way.
Jimi Manuwa earned the biggest win of his career, brutally knocking out former interim title challenger Ovince Saint Preux in horrifying fashion. OSP controlled the first round, controlling Manuwa on the ground after a failed guillotine attempt. #5 OSP was seen limping before round two, and #8 Manuwa took advantage, by stealing OSP's soul with a sick left hand. OSP was folded up and the fight was mercifully ended. It's Manuwa's first win against a top-15 opponent.
Stefan Struve looked in peak form with his dominant victory over Daniel Omielanczuk. #12 Struve showed some of the most impressive grappling of his career, constantly stifling his #14-ranked opponent before finishing things off with a second round D'arce choke. After the fight, Struve expressed his desire to take on a top-5 opponent, citing his victory over current Heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic.
Highly-touted prospect and #15 featherweight Mirsad Bektic made his much anticipated return after an ACL injury sidelined him for over a year. Bektic faced late-replacement opponent Russell Doane, and treated him accordingly. Bektic ragdolled Doane on his way to a rear-naked choke victory int he first round.
You can check out our full UFC 204 coverage at this link.