5 best finishes from UFC Vegas 31

#4. Islam Makhachev wins his first UFC main event by submitting Thiago Moises at UFC Vegas 31

UFC Vegas 31: Makhachev v Moises

Islam Makhachev locked horns with Thiago Moises in the main event of UFC Vegas 31. Although Islam Makhachev was a huge favorite coming into this fight, Thiago Moises proved to be much more of a challenge than the odds had predicted him to be.

The fighters battled on their feet for the majority of the first round. Islam Makhachev looked confident on the feet and very efficient with his striking. Thiago Moises, too, was efficient on the feet with his precision.

However, Moises was unable to maneuver the fight around. He inevitably got his back against the fence during most of the exchanges on the feet throughout the fight. This provided Islam Makhachev with an ideal situation to switch and shoot for takedowns when he felt the need to.

Another win for Coach Khabib! 🙌[ @TeamKhabib | #UFCVegas31 ] pic.twitter.com/A2l46AYrPr

— UFC (@ufc) July 18, 2021

Islam Makhachev used his impeccable wrestling skills to keep the judges' scorecards in his favor. In round four, he was able to slip in a hook from behind and successfully lock in a clean rear-naked choke.

Thiago Moises, having defended various other attacks before with great skill, was unable to do so this time around and tapped.

Islam Makhachev won the fight via submission in round four of the fight.

Islam Makhachev (-700 ML/+300 by submission) made light work of Thiago Moises 🔥(via @UFC)pic.twitter.com/UaXt4CHNGp

— br_betting (@br_betting) July 18, 2021

#3. Mateusz Gamrot bursts onto lightweight scene with quick win over veteran Jeremy Stephens

UFC Vegas 31

Mateusz Gamrot put on a stellar performance at UFC Vegas 31 as he took on a staple of the UFC roster for many years: 'Lil Heathens' Jeremy Stephens.

Gamrot recognized the powerful striker in Jeremy Stephens and shot for a takedown as soon as the fight started. He successfully got Jeremy Stephens on the ground and scrambled to establish a side guard. Thereafter, Gamrot locked in a Kimura hold and pushed with strength to make Stephens tap out.

Lightweights beware 🇵🇱[ @Gamer_MMA | #UFCVegas31 ] pic.twitter.com/4OgZf0BGNv

— UFC (@ufc) July 18, 2021

In only 1:05 of the very first round, Mateusz Gamrot defeated Jeremy Stephens via Kimura submission.