UFC on ESPN 2 Results - Barboza vs. Gaethje: Undefeated streak ends, two incredible one-punch knockouts!

Barboza vs. Gaethje lived up to all the hype!
Barboza vs. Gaethje lived up to all the hype!

#2. Paul Craig (10-3) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (6-0) (Lightweight)

Craig vs. Nzechukwu
Craig vs.
Nzechukwu

The Scottish Paul Craig was focussed on bouncing back from his last loss against Jim Crute from December 2018 as he took on the undefeated Nigerian-born Kennedy Nzechukwu.

Craig is known for his submissions and those were exactly what he was looking for right from the onset of the fight. He nearly got in a tightly-gripped armbar, however, Nzechukwu powered his arm out and gestured Craig to get back up to his feet.

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Nzechukwu showed some resiliency there despite seemingly having his elbow dislocated. Craig kept trying to take Nzechukwu down, but the African Savage kept getting back up, looking to attack and finish off the fight in a flash.

The second round's story was pretty predictable too as Craig kept shooting in for the single legs but Nzechukwu defended ably well. Craig couldn't replicate his first round's exploits as he kept eating shots while he level-changed and went for the takedowns.

Nzechukwu had more control in the second and landed the better strikes and kicks. However, Nzechukwu was warned for an eye poke which would come back to haunt him in the third round.

Nzechukwu poked Craig in the eye in the final round and a point was deducted for all his troubles. The fight resumed and Craig was as relentless as you'd expect him to be with his singles.

Craig got into full guard and began setting up the Triangle choke. A failed first attempt didn't dither Craig from going at it again. This time, with around 40 seconds left on the clock, he locked in the Triangle choke, rolled and forced Nzechukwu to tap.

Result: Paul Craig def. Kennedy Nzechukwu via Submission (Triangle Choke) (4:20, Round 3)

This was the Brazilian Jui Jitsu Brown Belt's tenth career submission victory. What makes it even sweeter is that it came against an undefeated fighter, Nzechukwu, who was handed his professional MMA loss as a result.

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Edited by Riju Dasgupta
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