The main event of UFC Fight Night 123 featured #4 ranked Cub Swanson battling #6 ranked Brian Ortega in a battle of a seasoned veteran striker versus one of the divisions best submission artist. Tonight it was the submission game of Ortega that bested Swanson, submitting him in the second round.
Brian Ortega has made a career out of choking opponents out. But prior to Saturday night, he had never done so on a stage as big as a UFC main event against one of the sport’s most respected veterans.
Saturday, Ortega scored the most impressive victory of his career, as he submitted Cub Swanson in the second round of his UFC Fresno featherweight main event. The time of the stoppage to a guillotine choke was 3:22 of the second round at SaveMart Center.
Five finishes, every fight in the UFC I have a finish, the undefeated Ortega (13-0, 1 NC) said. I feel like a dark horse, I just have a different approach.
source: mmafighting.com
Official Result: Brian Ortega defeated Cub Swanson by Submission (Guillotine Choke, Round 2, 3:22)
Play-By-Play
Round 1 – They come feeling each other out in the first minute, no major strikes thrown or landed. Ortega throws a two-punch combo that Ortega blocks. A burst exchange happens, but they settle down quickly. Ortega lands a clean jab 2 minutes in. Swanson throws a head kick but to no avail. Ortega begins to show some good boxing, and Swanson suddenly gets very aggressive. He swings often, but Ortega does a good job staying out of the way. Swanson lands a nice right hand, but Ortega responds with a good combination moving away. Swanson throws an overhand right, followed by a head kick attempt, and a nice combo. Ortega is fine, though, and as they break away, he closes the distance and gets a hold of Swanson’s neck. Swanson is in big trouble as Ortega locks in a choke that transitions into a D’arce choke on the ground. It’s tight, and Swanson is in a panic. He’s saved by the bell. Both fighters had high moments. 10-9 Ortega.
Round 2 – Neither fighter pushes the pace to open things up. Swanson seems to be looking for big shots and finally lands consecutive straight rights. Ortega hasn’t thrown much in the first 2 minutes until he throws a head kick blocked by Swanson. Swanson responds with a shot to the body. Swanson’s boxing is starting to shine, with punches that are pelting Ortega one at a time. Ortega goes for a takedown, and they clinch with Swanson’s back to the fence. They jockey for position, and Ortega suddenly goes for a standing guillotine. He jumps on Swanson to pull full guard as Swanson stands up and struggles to get free. Ortega readjusts his hold and squeezes tight while wrapped around the body. Swanson struggles to get free, but he can’t. He taps. The fight is over suddenly. Ortega remains undefeated.
source: mmajunkie.com
COMPLETE EVENT RESULTS
Main Card (Live on FOX Sports 1, 10:00 PM ET)
-Brian Ortega defeated Cub Swanson by Submission (Guillotine Choke, Round 2, 3:22)
-Gabriel Benitez defeated Jason Knight by Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 29-27)
-Marlon Moraes defeated Aljamain Sterling by Knockout (Knee, Round 1, 1:07)
-Scott Holtzman defeated Darrell Horcher by (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
-Eryk Anders defeated Markus Perez by Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-25, 29-28)
-Benito Lopez defeated Albert Morales by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Preliminary Card (Live on FOX Sports 1, 8:00 PM ET)
-Alexis Davis defeated Liz Carmouche by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
-Andre Soukhamthath defeated Luke Sanders by TKO (Strikes, Round 2, 1:06)
-Alex Perez defeated Carls John de Tomas by Submission (D’Arc Choke, Round 2, 1:54)
-Frankie Saenz defeated Merab Dvalishvili by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Preliminary Bouts (Live on UFC Fight Pass, 6:30 PM ET)
-Alejandro Perez defeated Iuri Alcantara by Unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
-Davi Ramos defeated Chris Gruetzemacher by Submission (RNC, Round 3, 0:50)
-Trevin Giles defeatd Antonio Braga Neto by TKO (Punches, Round 3, 2:27)
