FSM Essential Recap: UFC Fight Night – Covington vs Woodley – 9/19/2020

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Another night of fights is in the books and we were treated to some entertaining performances from start to finish.

 

The bad blood was settled in the octagon as Colby Covington defeated Tyron Woodley via 5th round TKO due to a rib injury to Woodley. Don’t let the injury fool you; this was Covington’s fight from start to finish.

 

Covington (16-2) showed his in-your-face patient style. Although more under control with his output, he still kept a high pace through five rounds. Woodley (19-5), who has a tremendous right hand, looked to settle for back-peddling, sticking close to the fence and not letting his hands fire off consistently.

But all credit goes to Covington as he mixed in his attack with going to the legs, body, and head of the former champ at a rate that not most fighters can withstand. The former Oregon State All American even got in a few takedowns, which again would keep Woodley guessing at what was coming his way next.

The two would engage in clinch work against the fence where Covington would land several elbows while Woodley tried to keep the distance close to avoid any big bombs. Unfortunately, as is the case with MMA gloves, eye pokes became an issue as at one point, Woodley needed the cage side doctor to come in a give him a look-see.

But eye poke or not, Covington was on a mission and would not be denied as in the final round, he would nail a takedown, and while in transition, Woodley yelled out in pain about his rib. The match was called, and it is unclear exactly how extensive the injury will be. Nonetheless, love him or hate him, Covington continues to show that come fight night, he’s all business.

 

Onto to what’s next? Well, immediately after the bout was called, Covington walked around the octagon yelling he wants his belt back (Karmaru Usman is the current welterweight champion) and even said Jorge Masvidal was on his hit list. Usman is set to face Gilbert Burns later this year, so the UFC could hold Covington in the wings if either fighter drops out. If not, he takes on the winner.

If the former Interim champion doesn’t wanna wait, he could see himself stepping across from former teammate-turn-rival Masvidal, who himself is looking to get back in the winners’ circle. Either match up will be entertaining to see as not only can he rub folks the wrong way, he sure can fight.

Where does Woodley, the former champion, go from here at 38 years old and now on a three-fight losing streak? In all three defeats, Woodley looked slow, hesitant, unwilling to be aggressive, and didn’t seem to have much urgency to get back in either bout when it was clear he fell behind on the cards.

There are still fights within the division for Woodley. Would a possible move up to Middleweight suit him better and light the fire back underneath him? Or has the sun finally set on one of the greatest welterweight champions of all time?

If this is the end, it’s been one hell of a run for the kid from Ferguson, Missouri.

 

The rest of the card gave us some exciting showings from some must see fighters.

 

In the co-main event, Donald Cerrone (36-15-1-1) and Niko Price (14-4-1-1) fought to a draw in a three-round battle. Price would’ve gotten the decision, but several eye pokes cost him points. Both warriors had their moments going back and forth, but it was clear, Price was the better fighter overall tonight as he hurt Cowboy several times throughout the bout. But credit to the veteran of the most finishes in UFC history. He hung tough and battled back, showing that he still had plenty of tread left on his tires.

 

Back in the octagon, Khamzat Chimaev improved to 9-0 with another first-round finish, this time over Gerald Meerschaert (31-14). The first punch he threw (a straight right) landed flush and clean, putting Meerschaert to sleep instantly. Chimaev, who is tied for the most wins of 2020 with three now, is the fastest fighter to win three fights in a UFC career as this was his third win in 66 days. This guy is a machine and is here to SMASH his opponents. Learn the name cause it’s here to stay.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace Mackenzie Dern (9-1 6 SUBs) got a first-round finish via armbar over Randa Markos (10-9). Dern wanted to show off her improved striking abilities, but the match quickly went to the mat. Dern herself said in a post-fight interview, she doesn’t know why these ladies want to go to the mat with her, but that’s fine; she’ll take it. She is now 4-1 in the promotion and is looking to see a step up in competition as she looks to find herself with a title shot soon.

Also, Light Heavyweight Johnny Walker (18-5 15 KOs) got the first-round finish as he put Ryan Spann (18-5) to sleep with elbows and a hammer fist. The once rising star at 205 is looking to work his way back into future title contention as the division is wide open. Long-reigning champion Jon Jones vacated the belt earlier this year.

 

Another good night of fights in the books as the UFC continues to entertain us week after week during this period we’ve been in. The night was fun and exciting and we were entertained by some fantastic performances.

 

Be sure to stay tuned on franchisesportsmedia.com for the latest in MMA and Las Vegas Sports.

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-Kalani Lua – Franchise Sports Media

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