UFC 254 Main Card Video Highlights: Robert Whittaker Nearly Finishes Jared Cannonier
The UFC 254 main card, co-main event and down, did not disappoint with a Fight of the night contender, courtesy of Robert Whittaker and Jared Cannonier, and four finishes.
Whittaker and Cannonier went back-and-forth in a three-round battle that may assign the next UFC middleweight title challenger. The likes of Magomed Ankalaev and Alexander Volkov turned in impressive finishes further down the card. Take a look below for some of the UFC 254 main card highlights.
Robert Whittaker (no. 1) def. Jared Cannonier (no. 2) by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Whittaker showed off the skills that earned him a UFC middleweight title and multiple title defenses. He and Cannonier engaged in a competitive fight. The first two saw the middleweights exchanging stirkes; meanwhile, the third featured a big knock down by Whittaker and a near comeback from his opponent.
High level striking in this one!
Who took round 1️⃣ on your card? pic.twitter.com/P81Rh8nTS5
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
WHITTAKER CLIPS HIM!
This #UFC254 co-main —— pic.twitter.com/wF3921nmX3
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
—- The Reaper by UD!
Fight Island has been good to @RobWhittakerMMA!
[ #UFC254 main event is next on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/QRo69oxI0h ] pic.twitter.com/ThfIKwLKZk— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
Alexander Volkov (no. 7) def. Walt Harris (no. 10) by TKO via strikes (1:15, R2)
Volkov and Harris turned in an exciting dance led primarily by the Russian. The finish came in round two after Volkov landed an expertly placed front kick to the mid-section. The impact elicited an audible groan from Harris who was TKOed shortly after.
Highly ranked HWTs! —
—- @AlexDragoVolkov faces off against —- @TheBigTicket205 NOW!
[ #UFC254 on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/QRo69og6BH #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/wDNCcJbvtp— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
Landing HEAVY punches!
Exciting action through one at #UFC254. pic.twitter.com/q87UHqNNmL
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
—- Drago!@AlexDragoVolkov with a perfectly placed kick to get the finish!
[ #UFC254 on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/jNicTlj3d4 ] pic.twitter.com/z47q8mVWqB— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
Phil Hawes def. Jacob Malkoun by KO via strikes (0:18, R1)
“Hawes got paws!” UFC fighter Belal Muhammad put it perfectly. It took only 18 seconds for the cool, calm and crushing power of Hawes to separate Malkoun from conciousness.
— WENT TO WORK —
An incredible debut for @PhillipHawes5!
[ #UFC254 on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/QRo69oxI0h ] pic.twitter.com/WotQqCABnO— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
Middleweights take center stage —
—- Malkoun vs —- @PhillipHawes5 continue our main card on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/QRo69og6BH.
[ #UFC254 #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/k8c9IhkZPp— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
Lauren Murphy (no. 5) def. Liliya Shakirova by submission via rear-naked choke (3:31, R2)
Murphy took the fight to Shakriova, taking the back and finishing her midway through round two. During her post-fight interview, Murphy made her plea for a UFC title shot.
Is luck on her side? —
—- @LaurenMurphyMMA welcomes UFC newcomer Shakirova on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/QRo69og6BH.
[ #UFC254 #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/AuGa1D1NLu— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
Make it 4️⃣ in a row!
— @LaurenMurphyMMA stating her case at the top of the division!
[ #UFC254 continues on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/QRo69oxI0h ] pic.twitter.com/sQaMvT75C8— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
Magomed Ankalaev (no. 11) def. Ion Cutelaba by KO via strikes (4:19, R1)
Ankalaev put any doubt to rest by separating Cutelaba from conciousness in the closing minute of round one on the UFC 254 main card opener.
The rematch we’ve all been waiting for —
It’s —- @AnkalaevM vs —- @ICutelaba to start the #UFC254 main card!
[ On ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/QRo69og6BH ] pic.twitter.com/ueIvMTZKzw— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
NO CONTROVERSY THIS TIME AROUND!
—- @AnkalaevM with the finish at #UFC254 pic.twitter.com/cKmR3FnVTd
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
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