The positives and negatives from UFC Vegas 22

Negative - More eye pokes and low blows

Eye poke and a kick to the bolas. Man can we make this a standard to take points right away? Maybe just ONE warning. You’ll see a lot of changes in how ppl throw and react

— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) March 20, 2021

If you thought last week’s main event would lead to a decline in eye pokes and illegal shots, you were mistaken. If you thought the referees would take a harder stance on eye pokes and illegal shots, you were also mistaken.

It took all of one round to get the illegal ball to start rolling. Bruno Silva treated JP Buys to a low blow and an eye poke in UFC Vegas 22’s first round of action. Perhaps not the way Buys hoped his UFC debut would start.

Mark Smith’s shout of “fingers” wasn’t enough to prevent the Brazilian’s blunder. Many watching on Twitter pointed out that more than just warnings are needed.

When are you going to penalize fighters for eye pokes, low blows? #UFCVegas22

— John Hyon Ko (@JHKMMA) March 20, 2021

Can we get through UFC 260 with no illegal shots or eye pokes? please?

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Negative - UFC 260 title fight canceled

Alex Volkanovski Media Opportunity

The featherweight belt will no longer be defended on the next PPV card.

During the prelims, a somber Brendan Fitzgerald appeared on our screens to bring us some unfortunate news. Alexander Volkanovski vs. Brian Ortega has been canceled.

Alongside the UFC Heavyweight Championship main event, the featherweight title bout was set for UFC 260 next weekend.

The reason for the fight’s removal from the card was revealed to be Covid protocol, which was later confirmed as a positive test for the champ. The disappointing development had led to the canceled UFC Vegas 22 co-main between Volkanovski’s teammate Brad Riddell and Gregor Gillespie.

Not much can stem the enthusiasm for a Fight Night mid-card like the announcement of a canceled title fight.