UFC Vegas 34 Highlights: Jared Cannonier Edges Kelvin Gastelum
After a week off, the UFC returned with a card that saw contenders emerge in the middleweight and flyweight divisons, and also featured a knockout of the year contender on the undercard. Check out those highlights and everything else after the jump.
Jared Cannonier def. Kelvin Gastelum via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
In a closely contested middleweight contender fight, Jared Cannonier emerged victorious over Kelvin Gastelum. Cannonier dropped Gastelum in the 2nd, tho Gastelum showed off his world-class chin by hopping right back to his feet, and essentially showing no ill effects. The fight wasn’t exactly packed with top-level highlights, but it maintained a consistent pace throughout, and reliably had action. Good main event.
A lot on the line for these MW contenders!
— @KillaGorillaMMA vs @KelvinGastelum happens NOW!
[ #UFCVegas34 Tune in NOW on @ESPN & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/0PsREVzZpA— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
#——————– —
[ @KelvinGastelum #UFCVegas34 ] pic.twitter.com/9b9HFNjdzT— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
All business —
[ @KillaGorillaMMA #UFCVegas34 ] pic.twitter.com/1ydlGdqFVK— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
— @KelvinGastelum starting to find his range in the 2nd! #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/EOeTyDgYeK
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Oh my! @KillaGorillaMMA connects! #UFCVegas34 live now on @ESPN and @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/4OgESBfS3r
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
It’s back in the win column for @KillaGorillaMMA at #UFCVegas34 — pic.twitter.com/kPJLVHwl91
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
“I’m broke so I need to fight… Hopefully I get that title shot” -Jared Cannonier pic.twitter.com/T9lwmgaqoB
— (@FTBVids_YT) August 22, 2021
Mark Madsen def. Clay Guida via Split Decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)
In a matchup between two of the UFC’s most accomplished wrestlers, of course we saw almost no wrestling what-so-ever, and instead got a mostly low-powered kickboxing affair between Clay Guida and Mark O. Madsen. This was a very close fight to score, because there wasn’t a lot of signature moments, but in the end Madsen got the nod via split decision. Not exactly a thrilling affair.
The Olympian makes his entrance —-
[ @MarkTheOlympian #UFCVegas34 ] pic.twitter.com/tWcNqJwVda— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
As expected ——
[ @ClayGuida #UFCVegas34 ] pic.twitter.com/wnrnmhWl5K— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
This one already has us like —- #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/68CxZk90Xl
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Listen in to @ClayGuida‘s corner after RD 1 — #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/m0D0Pz4mt2
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
And they go the distance How’d you score it?
[ #UFCVegas34 Tune in NOW on @ESPN & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/SIWgpE0eIx— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Still undefeated ——@MarkTheOlympian gets the win via split decision at #UFCVegas34. pic.twitter.com/puBKPlp5NA
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Parker Porter def. Chase Sherman via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
In a pretty dull bout between unranked heavyweights Parker Porter came out on top. There wasn’t many big action moments in the bout, and Porter larger won on workrate. An easily skippable fight.
Heavyweights looking to steal the show —
— @Parker_Porter and @ChaseShermanUFC head to the Octagon! #UFCVegas34 live now on @ESPN & @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/mdDqGzCoEi
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
— @Parker_Porter turning up the pace! #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/EmBpRn4eZ1
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
That’s back-to-back wins for HW prospect @Parker_Porter! #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/81DgAybF1D
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Saidyokub Kakhramonov def. Trevin Jones via Technical Submission (D’Arce Choke) (Rd. 3 4:39)
Making his UFC debut on just four days notice, Saidyokub Kakhramonov made a highly impressive performance in defeating Trevin Jones. Kakhramonov displayed some impressive judo moves in the first round, and closed the fight out with an lethal d’arce choke to put Jones to sleep. While he did miss weight, you’d think he gets a bit of a pass for that considering he had to fly from Uzbekistan, and only had 4 days to prepare.
Talented bantamweights on deck!
5 Star @TrevinAJones welcomes newcomer @SaidYokubMMA.
[ #UFCVegas34 Tune in NOW on @ESPN & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/r7d9OTXdof— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
How’d he get out of that one?! — @SaidYokubMMA bringing the pressure early at #UFCVegas34. pic.twitter.com/CvV3CTKCdD
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Welcome to the UFC @SaidYokubMMA!!!! —- #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/DO7RvOQIQk
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Only 4 days notice! —@SaidYokubMMA makes quite the impression at #UFCVegas34.
[ Tune in NOW on @ESPN & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/U0Umqa622L— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Vinc Pichel def. Austin Hubbard via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
In a fight that turned into a slobberknocker, Vinc Pichel emerged victorious over Austin Hubbard. While Pihel consistently got the edge, Hubbard accounted for himself very well, displayed a mighty chin, and kept coming til the final bell.
Keeping the #UFCVegas34 momentum on a roll —@FromHellPichel vs @AustinHubb155 heads to the Octagon now.
[ #UFCVegas34 Tune in NOW on @ESPN & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/wdmLnjj8CN— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Pichel lands in the 2nd! #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/5uG9iTXjpO
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
— @FromHellPichel turning up the pace in the 3rd!
[ #UFCVegas34 live on @ESPN & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/2H8T2EWiw0— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
WHAT. A. FIGHT —
This one goes down to the wire! Who’s up on your scorecard? #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/voWskl0M7O
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
That’s 3️⃣-straight for @FromHellPichel! #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/ah7HU5HlmM
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Alexandre Pantoja def. Brandon Royval via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (Rd. 2 1:46)
After an insane mile-a-minute first round that featured the type of grappling scrambles we’ve come to expect from the flyweight division, Alexandre Pantoja finally found the back of Brandon Royval at the early portions of the second round and get the finish. Royval threatened with a leg lock in the first, and accounted himself quite well in the losing effort. An excellent bout that is probably the early leader for Fight Of The Night. Post-fight Pantoja called out the champion Brandon Moreno in the kindest possible way imaginable.
Opening the main card with some flyweight HEAT —
—- @PantojaMMA and —- @BrandonRoyval go head-to-head next!
[ #UFCVegas34 We’re LIVE on @ESPN & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/yAcWnN2mWv— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Already a scramble from the beginning! — #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/RjbKMbooXQ
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Already a crazy pace from these two! #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/55j4kDQbQt
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
How about THAT — @PantojaMMA locks in the sub early in RD 2. #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/hv7Fcf4XbN
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
The nicest callout we’ve seen? —- @PantojaMMA is ready to take the call with the champ. #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/cypvdCNn2M
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Austin Lingo def. Luis Saldaña via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In a gusty performance from both men, Austin Lingo prevailed over Luis Saldaña. Saldaña looked amazing in the first, especially with his kicks, however, he injured his left foot at some point in the round, and once the second round came around Lingo started to take over. The damage Lingo survived early on, including the cuts make this win one he can be proud of.
A featherweight clash closes out our #UFCVegas34 prelims —
— @AustinLingo vs @SaldanaMMA happens NOW!
[ Prelims live NOW on ESPN2 & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/74DnVUQE0G— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Lingo with the late knockdown!
[ #UFCVegas34 Prelims are LIVE on ESPN2 & @ESPNPlus] pic.twitter.com/5gagHlPMA5— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
“Lights Out” @AustinLingo grinds out a UD win at #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/skNhlEqd4I
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Brian Kelleher def. Domingo Pilarte via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
In a professional workmanlike performance, Brian Kelleher rather easily defeated Domingo Pilarte. Kelleher secured an early takedown in each of the rounds and was able to stay in top position for most of the fight. Not the most exciting fight, but a very effective one. In the post-fight interview, Kelleher called out “Sugar” Sean O’Malley”.
BWs looking to get in the win column —
— @BrianBoom135 takes on Domingo Pilarte!
[ #UFCVegas34 Prelims are LIVE on ESPN2 & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/NkezgtyEC8— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Some intense shots from both guys at the end of RD 1– #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/xMKmN3rOni
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
— @BrianBoom135 putting the pressure on in the last few seconds of RD 3!
[ #UFCVegas34 Prelims are LIVE on ESPN2 & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/RcTyKH9AcK— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Business is BOOMING for @BrianBoom135 — #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/dZh5gVOsDy
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Josiane Nunes def. Bea Malecki via Knockout (Punch) (Rd. 1 3:58)
The fight between Josiane Nunes and Bea Malecki that looked like a mismatch based on size, and reach wound up with the opposite result. Malecki was over 7 inches taller and had as much of a reach advantage, but Nunes came out aggressive and flurried very impressively against Malecki who could do nothing but cover up. Late in the first round, as Malecki was starting to show the effects, Nunes caught her with a looping left hook that closed the fight. Great prelims thus far, all action.
Bantamweight prospects continue the prelim action!
—- @BeaMalecki faces newcomer —- Josiane Nunes next!
[ #UFCVegas34 Prelims are LIVE on ESPN2 & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/rFiJ1nZXKI— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Josiane Nunes letting it all go in the first!
[ #UFCVegas34 Prelims are LIVE on ESPN2 & @ESPNPlus] pic.twitter.com/fh8grPTjSL— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
WOOOOW! WELCOME TO THE UFC Josiane Nunes!!!
[#UFCVegas34 Prelims are LIVE on ESPN2 & @ESPNPlus] pic.twitter.com/lRpjDI7nOx— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
William Knight def. Fabio Cherant via Knockout (Left Hook) (Rd. 1 3:58)
William Knight displayed shocking power by knocking out Fabio Cherant with one of the shortest left hooks you will ever see. How he was able to generate the power required to shut Cherant’s lights out with a completely straight arm is baffling, and Knight is a name to watch going forward.
An entertaining LHW matchup is on deck —
— @Knightmare205 vs @BuffaloMMA8
[ #UFCVegas34 Prelims are LIVE on ESPN2 & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/hbqdMvuUln— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
The Knightmare is ALIVE AND WELL —— @Knightmare205 #UFCVegas34 pic.twitter.com/NJExLh6sB7
— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
What a performance from @Knightmare205 —
[ #UFCVegas34 Prelims are LIVE on ESPN2 & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Etzby0Szmr— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Ignacio Bahamondes def. Roosevelt Roberts via Knock Out (Spinning Wheel Kick) (Rd. 3 4:55)
A very good performance by Chile’s Ignacio Bahamondes was capped off by a knockout of the year contender just seconds before the fight ended. Bahamondes pieced up Roosevelt Roberts over the course of the three-round fight, mixing up attacks to the head, legs, and especially the body. Instead of cruising to what likely would’ve been a safe decision victory, Bahamondes put an exclamation point on the fight with a spectacular spinning attack to get the finish. Wow.
155ers hit the stage —
—- @GoGetta_Rowskii and —- @JaulaBahamondes make their way to the Octagon NOW! #UFCVegas34 live on ESPN 2 pic.twitter.com/9HviAyRZcL
— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2021
Heavy volume by Bahamondes in the first —
[ #UFCVegas34 Prelims are LIVE on ESPN2 & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/uiaXrLjU7e— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2021
OH MY GOODNESS!
[ #UFCVegas34 Prelims are LIVE on ESPN2 & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/eb31qfJ4bq— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
No judges needed —
Ignacio Bahamondes earns his first UFC win in impressive fashion!
[ #UFCVegas34 Prelims are LIVE on ESPN2 & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/czHwXfjf8C— UFC (@ufc) August 22, 2021
Ramiz Brahimaj def. Sasha Palatnikov via Technical Submission (Rear Naked Choke) (Rd. 1 2:33)
Ramiz Brahimaj absolutely dominated Sasha Palatnikov with a brilliant display of grappling. Brahimaj came out aggressive and secured the takedown, quickly passed the guard, and took the back. While Palatnikov fought the choke for as long as possible, he eventually was put to sleep.
Welterweights open up the show —@PalatnikovMMA vs @170Ramiz
[ #UFCVegas34 Prelims are LIVE on ESPN2 & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/tqI939BZpA— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2021
Locked it in TIGHT —-@170Ramiz gets it done in RD 1 at #UFCVegas34! pic.twitter.com/Ar5uHLCNgd
— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2021
Fightful has all of your MMA needs covered. Follow us on Twitter for updates, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, lists, news updates, and predictions.