- In the main event of the evening, Demian Maia defeated Ben Askren via submission in the 3rd round. With the victory, 41-year old Maia secured his 22nd UFC win, the 2nd most in UFC history (behind only Donald Cerrone with 23.)
- Discussing the victory and his opponent’s fighting style, Maia said: “This fight was a very intriguing fight for me, I didn’t know what was going to happen. I think I was doing well on the stand up and when I fell on the bottom, he was strong. He’s a great wrestler, but I was able to pull some tricks I used in my jiu jitsu training many years ago. I knew he was waiting for one kind of sweep that I do in the half guard, so I trained other stuff to confuse him. For me, this is a great win. In my opinion, he and I are the best grapplers in the game, pure grapplers who really represent the grappling arts. You don’t see anybody like me – efficient at representing just one art. And he represents mainly wrestling. So it was an interesting clash of styles. I didn’t know what to expect, but I trust very much in my game.”
- Scottish native Stevie Ray secured a decision victory over UFC veteran Michael Johnson in the night’s co-main event. “Braveheart” has now won 7 of his last 11 contests and will be hoping the victory can help him advance through the lightweight division.
- Delighted with the victory, Ray said: “It’s hard to remember the whole fight. The first round was close. I believed I’d lost the second round. My coach knew I’d do a good third round if I thought that. So I came out and dominated the third round and got the body triangle. To be honest, that’s my favorite position in the gym, I finish a lot of guys there. I could have tried a twister from there, but I thought I’d just punch him until the ref pulled me off. I was so happy when I got the decision. I didn’t know what would happen if I lost, so I had to go out there and make sure I won. I tried to fight, that’s what I’m good at, putting on a show for the fans. The crowd seemed to like it. Next I’d like a top fifteen guy. I’ve just proved that I can hang in there with some of the best in the world. I believe I deserve top fifteen, and then start working towards the title. “
- French rising star Ciryl Gane continued his impressive start to his UFC career with a heel hook submission over fellow prospect Don’Tale Mayes. With the victory, “Bon Gamin” has now improved his professional MMA record to 5-0.
- After the fight, Gane outlined what he felt he still needs to improve upon: “I’m about 75% satisfied with my performance. I wanted to finish the fight in the first round. But he’s big, so I knew it was going to be hard. At the end, I just took the opportunity when it came, to get the submission. We worked on it, so it wasn’t too surprising for us. I’ll show more in the next fight. I think I can give more volume punches, combos, and show my wrestling. I feel good, because I’m going home with the green. I would like to fight again quickly.”
