Cyril Asker is becoming a force to be reckoned with.
The UFC was live Saturday morning from Shanghai, China featuring a former champion looking to rebound from his title loss 3 weeks ago. The card was filled with Chinese fighters all looking to make a great impression in their home country. The card was headlined by former Middleweight Champion Michael “The Count” Bisping (31-9 #2 Ranked Middleweight) and Ultimate Fighter Season 17 winner Kelvin Gastelum (15-3). We got a ton of debuting prospects from China and many of them delivered. This card may have started early in the morning stateside, but it was the perfect wake up call. Also, the excitement coming from this leading into next week’s double shot of fights is excellent for the UFC. Let’s get to the recap.
The morning kicked off with Heavyweights as Cyril “Silverback” Asker (9-3) took on UFC newcomer Yaozong “Bad Boy” Hu (3-1). Asker worked his way right inside and went for a takedown almost immediately. He was able to get the fight to the ground immediately and was working to keep Yaozong on the mat. Yaozong made it back to his feet and immediately grabbed for a standing guillotine. The guillotine was tight, but Asker was able to escape and separate. Asker was landing his jab very easily, and it set up yet another takedown that was successful. Asker was landing some good shots on the ground, but Hu got back to his feet. That was short lived however as Asker pulled him right back to the mat and was unloading hammer fists from the back. Asker was working to transition to the back however he was unable to fully sink in. Asker just continued to pepper the body and head as the round ended. Yaozong landed a nice right hand and then a low kick to start off round 2. Asker moved forward and missed with an uppercut, but came in again and landed. Hu tried again for the standing guillotine, but a takedown came from Asker and then ground and pound. Asker transitioned to the back position he ended round 1 in and was continuing to try and land a mixture of shots. After a ton of ground and pound, Asker eventually slipped in a rear naked choke. The choke was not on super long, but very effective. Asker is still on the outskirts of the Heavyweight top 15, but this was a big win to get his UFC record to 500.
Rolando “Dy Incredible” Dy (9-6-1 1NC) welcomed a newcomer to the UFC in Wuliji “Beast Master” Buren (10-5).Buren led right out looking to take control of the Octagon, however the first strike landed was a leg kick from Dy. Buren came bursting in with a body kick, but ate a huge left hand from Dy that dropped him to his backside. Buren was able to recover and get back to his feet. Buren then went for his first takedown and was able to secure it. Dy battled back to his feet, but Buren stayed on his back. Buren dragged him to the mat and was trying to work for a rear naked choke. Dy got back to his feet and landed a stiff left hand on the separation. Dy landed a nice leg kick that reverberated through the Octagon-side mics. These two then really were trying to outsmart each other with counters. Buren landed a nice right hand, but Dy was staying right in there for it. One last takedown attempt from Buren was stuffed by Dy as the round expired. Round 2 started with Buren immediately came in with a takedown, and was able to secure it. Dy reversed the position almost immediately and ended up in side control. Dy did not do a ton of damage on the mat, and Buren was able to get back to his feet. Buren ripped a big right hand that landed, but the leg kicks kept coming from Dy. Dy continued to land the low kicks as the round came to an end. Buren moved forward early in round 3 and immediately went for a takedown that was successful. Buren did a good job keeping Dy down while trying to transition to a more advantageous position. Buren was staying on top, but not doing a ton on damage outside of a few short left hands. Dy scrambled away and got back to his feet. Buren was relentless however landing a big right hand and then immediately going for a takedown. Dy was able to stay on his feet and avoid a big right hand that was thrown. Dy fired a big overhand right that connected and was followed by a hard low kick. The kick grazed the cup and we had a short stoppage. Buren was looking to land his jab on the restart and avoided a huge swinging shot from Dy. Buren grabbed a hold of Dy’s back, but Dy was able to escape and land a heavy elbow on the break. Dy stuffed a takedown attempt and landed another elbow. Dy had the clinch game going against the cage it was reversed right at the end of the round and fight. The judges scored this close one 30-27, 29-28, and 30-27 for the unanimous winner Rolando Dy. 30-27 seems a bit much, but he did put out a good performance. The first win for Dy was a big one, and may have the ability to start moving up the rankings, but still is far away.
In the Women’s Bantamweight Division Wu “Mulan” Yanan (9-2) took on UFC veteran Gina “Danger” Mazany (5-1). Mazany came flying out with a big left hand that landed. Mazany then grabbed for a clinch and had Yanan pressed up against the cage. The clinch battle ensued with each fighter trying to get the upper hand. Mazany took a spill and ended up on the mat against the cage. Yanan landed a good punch, but Mazany battled back to her feet and in the dominant cage position in the clinch. Mazany was able to sweep the leg and end up on top on the mat. Mazany almost found herself in an armbar, but managed to escape. Yanan got back to her feet, but Mazany took her right back down landing multiple hammer fists on the way down. Yanan took the outside position in the clinch and landed a nice open hand palm strike right as the buzzer sounded. Mazany came right out with a left hand followed by a left head kick that landed. Yanan rushed forward and grabbed for the clinch as she recovered. Mazany, however, was able to reverse the position and secure a takedown. Yanan got back to her feet, but Mazany stayed right on top of her with another takedown. Mazany landed a slew of punches on the mat, and Yanan was forced to try and get back on her feet. Yanan continued to be warned for her hands in the fence in the clinch as she had Mazany pressed up against the cage. Referee Mar Goddard stopped the fight and then gave an official warning for grabbing the fence and sent them back to the center of the Octagon. The round came to an end with a flurry and Yanan went to the corner holding her shoulder and complaining about it being hurt. In the replay, it appears that Yanan’s shoulder may have popped out of socket however she answered the third round bell. Yanan led off with a side kick up in the head area that missed. Mazany rushed in with a superman punch that landed. They started to really trade with each other in the center of the Octagon. Mazany caught a punch from Yanan and went right into the clinch and followed up with a takedown. Mazany fought off any submission attempts and kept her weight on Yanan. Mazany avoided a triangle and landed three big elbows from the top. Mazany continued to work the top position with elbows all the way until the final bell. The judges scored this one 30-27 across the board for Gina Mazany. This was a big first UFC victory for Gina Mazany who showed a ton of solid grappling and just a relentless pace.
A few UFC veteran Heavyweights were up next as Chase “The Vanilla Gorilla” Sherman (11-4) and Shamil “Abrek” Abdurakhimov (18-4) met in the Octagon. The Heavyweights came out and touched gloves. Sherman landed the first strike with a low leg kick about 35 seconds in. Abdurakhimov landed a nice long left hand that connected. The fighter’s trade with Abdurakhimov landing a big left hand that landed. Another left hand followed by a right hand stunned Sherman and sent him wobbling. One last big right hand and Sherman dropped to his knees and this fight was over. This was an impressive return after his last loss from Shamil Abdurakhimov he showed that left hand is nothing to be messed with.
Two fighters new to the UFC were next as Yadong Song (10-3 2NC) took on the first Indian born UFC fighter Bharat Kandare (5-3). Song led right out with a kick to start the fight. Song then threw a spinning wheel kick that missed. The pace slowed a little and they two danced around. Kandare swung a huge right hand that Song ducked and answered with a short right hand. Yadong ducked another shot and landed a big overhand right. Yadong followed up with another combination that landed flush. Yadong Song was just applying a ton of pressure keeping Kandare against the fence. Kandare landed a solid jab, but a leg kick from Yadong landed just above the ankle. Yadong landed a big left hook and then another low leg kick. Kandare threw a wild spinning back fist that missed. Then almost out of nowhere a huge overhand right from Yadong Song send Khandare to the mat. Kandare tried to recover and shot in for a takedown, but found himself in a choke. The guillotine was in deep, and it was just a matter of time before the 19-year-old Yadong Song got his first UFC victory. Yadong Song has nothing but potential in him. His skills were very sharp and his striking was devastating. The calm after the knockdown was one of the more impressive things. The sky is the limit for him as he can only improve.
Kailin Curran (4-6) returned to the Octagon to welcome another newcomer to the Women’s Strawweight Division in Yan “Nine” Xiaonan (8-1). The striking of Yan was on display early landing a big right hand that sent Curran to one knee. The attempted takedown from Curran was stuffed relatively easily by Yan. Curran got the fight to the cage with the clinch and was trying to do some damage. The fighters separated and Yan was looking to unload some heavy strikes. Curran changed levels again and shot in for a takedown, but the balance of Xiaonan kept her on her feet. Curran was kneeing the thighs in the clinch and trying to apply as much pressure as possible on her. Xiaonan landed two big left hands after they separated that was answered by body shots from Curran. Leaving the clinch Xiaonan landed a really nice short elbow that landed. The two went back and forth clinching until the end of the round that landed with one more big shot from Xiaonan. A hard left hand came from Yan and then a side kick to the body. The exchanges kept coming and Xiaonan was getting the better of the exchanges including a hard straight right hand. Curran landed a takedown, which gave her some room to breathe on top. Xiaonan was able to force her off of her and worked her way back to her feet. Curran had her pressed up against the cage in the clinch. Curran was continuing to keep the pressure on her with the clinch. Xiaonan was able to reverse the position and escape back to the center of the Octagon. Xiaonan landed a big right hand that stumbled Curran, but there was no follow up as Curran immediately clinched. They separated again briefly, but Curran grabbed on for the clinch again and had her pressed against the fence until the 2nd round bell. Curran’s corner let her know she needed to get the finish, and she came out moving forward. She was immediately dropped by Xiaonan, but recovered quickly to get back to her feet. Curran grabbed for the clinch and ripped a hard knee to the body, but Xiaonan seemed unaffected and continued to return fire. Curran was able to wrap up the clinch and score a takedown and end up on top. Curran was on top landing ground and pound punches, but there was nothing really behind them. Xiaonan was holding Curran in her guard until with a minute left she was able to push Curran off and get back to her feet. With under 30 seconds both fighters began swinging for the fences trading heavy shots. The fight came to an end with that crazy action. The judges scored this one 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28 all for Yan Xiaonan. This was an impressive debut for Xiaonan who showed off some very nice striking skills. Expect her to continue to make her way in a 115lb division that could use some more contenders.
A debut in the 170lb division was next as Kenan “The Assassin” Song (12-3) entered the cage taking on Bobby “Nashty” Nash (8-4). These two came out with a glove touch and an immediate low kick from Song. Immediately on the restart, a big right-hand crumples Nash to the mat. Song dives on him and showers more punches on top of him. Nash went limp, but still had a hold of the single leg. Herb Dean jumped in and was explaining to Nash that the fight was over. In just 15 seconds Kenan Song made a very impressive UFC debut. Hard to know what the future s after only seeing 15 seconds of Kenan Song, that power was a great thing to put on display early.
Closing out the prelims was Zabit Magomedsharipov (12-1) and the debut of Sheymon Moraes (9-1). Zabit came out looking to use his kicks early, and landing shots to the legs. Zabit went for a spinning kick, but it came up short. Moraes landed a head kick of his own. After some kickboxing between the two Zabit took out the leg of Moraes and ended up on top. When Moraes tried to battle back Zabit was able to take his back and had full control for a short amount of time. Moraes battled back to his feet but was dragged right back to the mat by Zabit who ended up in side control. Magomedsharipov was on top and transitioned into mount while landing shots briefly to the round coming to an end. Magomedsharipov led right out with a spinning back fist that missed. A 360 jumping spin kick missed for Magomedsharipov and it opened up a takedown attempt from Moraes. Moraes found himself in mount, but Zabit was able to reverse it and end up on top. Moraes was trying to get up, and multiple times it ended with Zabit on Moraes’ back. Magomedsharipov was all over him and landing punishing shots. Magomedsharipov found himself in full mount just punishing Moraes on the floor. Magomedsharipov moved to try and set up a crucifix position but was unable to fully lock it in. Magomedsharipov was just all over him from the top position, and not allowing Moraes any shot at getting out and back to his feet. Zabit ended the round on top and continuing to pick his spots for punches to sneak through. The third round was on and Magomedsharipov spun without throwing, and then landed a hard leg kick that took out the legs of Moraes. Zabit allowed him to stand and they battled on the feet with Moraes landing a tough uppercut. Magomedsharipov unloaded a flush spinning back fist that led to a clinch and slam attempt, but Moraes kept his footing. The grappling from Magomedsharipov continued to be on display as he constantly held the back clinch on Moraes. Magomedsharipov kicked his legs out and ended up on top in mount. Moraes continued to try and battle out of the position, but it was for naught. Magomedsharipov transitioned to quarter guard and scrambled back to almost being in mount. Moraes tried to escape, and Magomedsharipov locked in an anaconda choke. Moraes tried to survive, but after a few seconds the tap came and it was over. Zabit Magomedsharipov is a scary good 145lb fighter. His size and skill could very well mean a top 15 fighter much sooner rather than later, as he is the future at Featherweight.
UFC veteran Alex “The Dominican Nightmare” Garcia (14-4) welcomed another new 170lb fighter Muslim “King of Kung Fu” Salikhov (12-1).Garcia wasted little time trying to shut down the striking of Salikhov with a takedown attempt. Salikhov tried to keep himself upright, but Garcia completed the takedown. Garcia was applying a lot of top pressure on the mat. Garcia was trying to work for a head and arm choke, but Salikhov was able to throw Garcia off him and back to the feet this fight went. Salikhov was trying to find success on the feet, but in turn, Garcia attempted another takedown. This time, however, the takedown was stuffed and they ended up back in the center of the cage. Salikhov landed a hard body kick as he avoided a big overhand right from Garcia. A great takedown from Garcia saw him try to land heavy shots on the ground right as the round expired. Salikhov was trying to get his striking going in round 2. Garcia, however, was getting the better in the exchanges. Garcia landed a big right hand over the top only to be met by one from Salikhov. Garcia tried for a takedown, but Salikhov was able to sidestep and land a hard body kick. Garcia went for another takedown and worked hard for it before securing the takedown. Garcia was working on transitioning and found himself in side control unloading some big shots. Garcia then quickly transition into a rear naked choke. The arm didn’t look like it was fully under the chin, but the squeeze was enough to get the tap. Alex Garcia shut down the hype surrounding the former pro kickboxer. The finish was very technical and this was a huge win for Alex Garcia who showed he was more than one punch power.
Alex “Bruce Leeroy” Caceres (13-11 1NC) stepped into the Octagon next with another new UFC fighter Guan “The Dongbei Tiger” Wang (17-1-1). Guan led right out with a counter straight right that snapped back the head of Bruce Leeroy. Guan was continuing to pepper the legs, while Caceres returned the favor with kicks to the legs and body. Caceres landed a low shot at almost the exact same time that Caceres was hit low. There was a stoppage in the fight for the break. On the restart Caceres was trying to lean in and land. Guan landed a jumping body kick, and then a hard straight right to the body. Caceres came in and Wang landed a straight left that wobbled Caceres. Guan was relentlessly trying to attack the UFC veteran. Caceres gave Guan a smile, and then a clinch battle ensured with them both spinning each other around before separating back to the middle. Caceres dipped in again and missed while having to eat a left hook. The two then traded big combinations with Caceres landing a big left cross. These two continued to really go at it as Caceres landed another big left hand and a body kick. Guan threw a hard low kick that was checked. Caceres went to throw a left and was met with a punishing left hand from Guan that sent Caceres to the mat. Caceres had to be helped to his corner and walked to his stool. The cornermen was doing a great job trying to get Caceres ready to go, and he was able to make the bell. Round 2 started with another big shot from Guan, and Caceres trying to recover still from the end of round 1. Caceres was seeming to get his wits about him and threw a hard body kick. Guan was not pressing forward as much until a vicious combination with a big right hand that stumbled Caceres and Guan tried to follow up with a jumping knee that missed. Caceres landed a low kick, but Guan wasted no time saying he was ready to continue. Caceres was back to himself throwing kicks and being able to avoid the kicks and shots from Guan. Caceres missed with a big right hand, and Guan tried to grab for Caceres back. Guan landed yet another big right hand that stung Caceres. The round end was strong from Caceres who landed a few combinations to close it out. The 3rd round started with Caceres firing off a high kick that was blocked. Guan was really doing a good job avoiding the shots of Caceres and even catching a body kick. Guan returned fire with a right hand that put Caceres back on his backside. Caceres was able to get right back to his feet and try to move forward. Caceres was trying his best to move forward to try and get a finish. Guan was avoiding a lot of the offense from Caceres while returning short shots of his own. Caceres landed a nice body kick while continuing to try and stalk Guan. Caceres landed yet another low shot to the groin that caused a stop in time. On the restart Caceres came out like a bat out of hell trying to land anything to get a finish. Caceres landed a right hand, but could not follow up due to a clinch from Guan. Caceres threw a few more big lefts and a hook, but this one was decided by the judges. They scored it 29-28 Caceres, 29-28 Guan, and 29-28 for the split decision winner Guan Wang. This was a nice debut victory over a long time UFC veteran for Guan. He showed some nice power, and the ability to stick with an unorthodox fighter for 3 straight rounds. We will see where he goes from here in a stacked 145lb division.
The Co-Main event of the evening was next in the 170lb division and it featured China’s own Li “The Leech” Jingliang (14-4) and Zak “The Barbarian” Ottow (15-5). The fighters came out and touched gloves and Jingliang was landing some leg kicks early. Ottow through a kick of his own followed by another kick this one up towards the head but it was blocked. Ottow was coming forward and feinting constantly, but not throwing any big shots. Ottow was throwing kicks up towards the head and then threw a right hand where Jingliang was able to counter with a heavy right hand. These two were both trying to find openings, and a left hook counter from Jingliang stumbled Ottow. Ottow threw a low kick and Jingliang ripped a right hand right through his arms dropping Ottow. Jingliang swarmed and pummeled Ottow with hammer fists. Ottow attempted to recover, but the pressure was too much and the Herb Dean stopped the fight. This was a solid win extending his streak to 4 victories. It is almost a guarantee that we see a Top 15 170lb fighter next for him. This was also a great moment for the fans supporting their countryman in a big way after the stoppage.
The Main event was next as recent Champion Michael “The Count” Bisping (31-9 #2 Ranked Middleweight) stepped in on 3 weeks’ notice after dropping his title to take on Kelvin Gastelum (15-3 #9 Ranked Middleweight). These guys came out and touched gloves and almost immediately Gastelum tried to land an over the top left hand. Gastelum continued to move forward and landed a hard body kick. Bisping answered with a counter right hand. Gastelum was continuing to try and land low kicks to set up his hands. Bisping threw a combination that finished with a body kick. Gastelum came forward again but was eating counters from Bisping. Bisping was feinting Gastelum back as Gastelum danced across the cage. Bisping feinted another right hand. Bisping was starting to move forward, and then a counter right-left shut off the lights of the former Middleweight Champion. The biggest win of Kelvin Gastelum’s career came via first-round knockout. He is a contender for sure even if he may be a tad undersized for 185lbs. For Bisping, this is a tough loss and will bring out all the questions of the short notice fight and if it was a smart decision, and after that result, it was not. What a win for Gastelum though, this will surely launch him into the top 5 and potentially set up a big showdown with another title contender.
The night/ morning in Shanghai certainly had a ton of fireworks. The car even if it was at 3:45 am Eastern Time certainly delivered. We saw brilliant knockouts and submission throughout the card. The co-main and main event were two excellent displays of power and striking that both ended in first round stoppages. With two events on the horizon for next weekend, this event certainly satisfied the UFC fan. This Friday we get The Ultimate Fighter Season 26 finale with the crowning of the first ever Women’s Flyweight Champion followed by the absolutely stacked UFC 218 card featuring the Featherweight Title rematch between Max “Blessed” Holloway (18-3 Featherweight Champion) and former champion Jose Aldo (26-3 #1 Ranked Featherweight). That card also features an old guard Alistair “The Demolition Man” Overeem (43-15 1NC #1 Ranked Heavyweight) facing a new generation in rising star Francis “The Predator” Ngannou (10-1 #4 Ranked Heavyweight). The card has a ton of fun fights and the main card does not have a fighter ranked lower than #6 in their division. That will be an unbelievably fun card to watch to close out a very busy weekend for the UFC.
