Jamahal Hill after his win over Johnny Walker (Credits: Yahoo)
UFC Vegas 59: Santos vs Hill – Take a look at the results and also the ones who received the bonus
The UFC light heavyweight division witnessed one of the greatest title clashes in the history of the company, when Jiri Prochazka and Glover Teixeira clashed at UFC 275. The dynamics of the division has taken a turn for good, with a fresh dose of excitement seen after a long time since Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier days. Between October 2021 to June 2022, the title has changed hands twice now, and the division is currently reigned by Polish fighter Jiri Prochazka. To add to the excitement, fresh talents are emerging in the division, and two of them competed this weekend. Former title challenger Thiago Santos and rising challenger Jamahal Hill clashed at UFC Vegas 59.
The first round began with both fighters weirdly choosing to play the action at one corner of the octagon. Jamahal Hill opted for a wide stance, that opened up the leg kicks for Santos. Although Santos was landing, Hill could see every shot coming and maintained octagon control. The Brazilian advanced with a takedown attempt that was stuffed masterfully by Hill.
Both fighters engaged in a grueling clinch contest. Santos tried to attack the inside leg for a trip but Hill kept his balance. Hill accidentally hit Santos on his cup, and referee had to stop the action briefly. The round continued in similar fashion as Hill advanced with control and discipline.
Second round began with low kicks from Hill, one of which caught Santos’ attention.Head kick, body kick, and jabs attempted by both fighters. Body kick by Santos, who takes Hill down against the fence. Hill immediately gets back to his feet. Santos tries a single-leg, then tries to spin. Hill cracks him with a right hook on the exit and looks to swarm before tying up on the fence. Hard knee from Santos gets Hill to separate. Check hook by Hill, 2-3 from Santos. Santos swinging heat and finds the mark with a clean right hook. Two minutes to go.
In round 3, Hill landed a body kick, but fell prey to a takedown by Santos. The Brazilian had a hard time keeping Hill down. Santos runs the pipe, tries to jump on his back, but slips off the top. He shoots in once again. Hill defending against the fence. Two minutes in. Another successful takedown from Santos. Hill working his way up against the fence, eats a knee. Two minutes to go.
Another takedown from Santos, who looks for the back. Hill stands again, lands some hard knees. He avoids a takedown and Santos comes out swinging before Hill ties up with a minute to go. Santos reverses and changes levels. Punches from Hill as he defends. Good body shot from Santos, who eats a hard knee in return. One more takedown. 10-9 Santos.
In round number four, Santos came out as the aggressor, trting a body kick, a flying knee. He eats a combo, lands big shots in return. A clean 1-2 by Hill lands who eats a body kick and low kicks in return. Santos tries to run to gets space and eats a heavy flurry. Trading bombs on the fence. Big right hook and down goes Santos. Hill trying to put him away, pouring on damage on the ground. Monstrous elbows and in comes the ref.
Thiago Santos vs. Jamahal Hill — Hill def. Santos by TKO (elbows) at 2:31 of Round Four
Vicente Luque vs. Geoff Neal — Neal def. Luque by KO (punches) at 2:01 of Round Three
Zac Pauga vs. Mohammad Usman — Usman def. Pauga by KO (punch) at 0:36 of Round Two
Brogan Walker vs. Julianna Miller — Miller def. Walker by TKO (punches and elbows) at 3:57 of Round Three
Augusto Sakai vs. Sergey Spivak — Spivak def. Sakai by TKO (punches) at 3:42 of Round Two
Erick Gonzalez vs. Terrance McKinney — McKinney def. Gonzalez by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:17 of Round One
Sam Alvey vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk — Oleksiejczuk def. Alvey by TKO (punches) at 1:56 of Round One
Bryan Battle vs. Takashi Sato — Battle def. Sato by KO (head kick) at 0:44 of Round One
Josh Quinlan vs. Jason Witt — Moved to UFC San Diego
Miranda Granger vs. Cory McKenna — McKenna def. Granger by submission (Von Flue choke) at 1:03 of Round Two
Stephanie Egger vs. Mayra Bueno Silva — Silva def. Egger by submission (armbar) at 1:17 of Round One
These are the fighters who cashed in the extra $50,000 bonus for their brilliant performances at UFC Vegas 59
Performance of the night- Bryan Battle, Mohammed Usman, Geoff Neal
Fight of the Night – Thiago Santos, Jamahal Hill
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