UFC 224 is over and it was one of the more exciting cards of the year. From the fights on Fight Pass all the way through the main card, every fight seemed to have some sort of exciting finish to go with it. Whether it was Oleksiy Oliynyk’s Ezekiel choke over Junior Albini or Machida’s front kick knockout of Vitor Belfort, this card had something for everyone. Here we will look at the predictions, results, and the rest of the fallout from UFC 224.
No. 5. Vitor Belfort vs. Lyoto Machida
Prediction: Vitor by TKO/KO
Result: Lyoto Machida by KO
When it comes to channeling a shocking knockout, do not count Machida out. We had thought that the days of “The Dragon” being able to front kick knockout people were well behind him, and we were wrong. Lyoto earned himself a nice “Performance of the Night” bonus for the front kick that put Belfort on dream street. Interestingly enough, it was close friend and training partner Anderson Silva that used the very same technique to finish Belfort years ago.
While UFC 224 was Machida’s night indeed, Vitor would leave the octagon on a rather somber note. After entertaining millions throughout his career, “The Phenom” decided it was time to hang up the gloves once and for all. We have learned in the past to never take retirements after a knockout too seriously, but for anyone who has the “one foot out the door” mentality, perhaps retirement is the right move for Belfort. We definitely love and appreciate Vitor for all the great fights and moments he gave us, may retirement treat him well.
No. 4. Brian Kelleher vs. John Lineker
Prediction: Brian Kelleher by decision
Result: John Lineker by KO
John “Hands of Stone” Lineker proved to be too tough of a test for Brian Kelleher to overcome Saturday night. Kelleher would find himself on the wrong side of some hard shots thrown from Lineker that would dictate much of the fight. Credit goes to Kelleher for toughness though for almost lasting 3 rounds with Lineker, who added another knockout to his record Saturday.
After his performance against Kelleher, Lineker made his demands known after the fight, letting the UFC know that he is ready for another top five ranked opponent and a title opportunity. Perhaps a shot against Raphael Assuncao (provided he wins his next fight) could be next for Lineker? It would definitely be a huge fight in the division, worthy of determining who should fight for the Bantamweight Championship.
No. 3. Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Cooper
Prediction: Mackenzie Dern via Submission
Result: Mackenzie Dern by Submission
There’s not too much to say about this fight. Dern was impressive on her feet against Cooper, but the moment the fight went to the ground it was over. Dern’s submission skills were on showcase as she got Cooper to tap out due to a rear-naked choke. Dern’s biggest test isn’t quite inside the octagon, as the decorated BJJ champion has yet to make weight for her fights in the UFC. Perhaps a move up to the Women’s Flyweight division could help her out? Jumping up divisions worked out great for the next fighter on our list.
No. 2. Ronaldo Souza vs. Kelvin Gastelum
Prediction: Kelvin by KO/TKO
Result: Kelvin by Split Decision
We are talking about none other than Kelvin Gastelum, who put on an elite showing against “Jacare” Souza, in a very close fight. The “Fight of the Night” performance both men put on is worth a watch so if you haven’t watched it yet, you need to. Kelvin found himself hurt by “Jacare” a few times in the fight but managed to hang in there against the Brazilian. Kelvin’s take-down defense was truly incredible on Saturday as he was able to stuff take-down attempt after take-down attempt from Souza, which is worth bragging about.
In the end, and in a very close decision, Kelvin got the nod from the judges and will now move one step closer to a championship opportunity. Kelvin’s next fight could be the winner of Whittaker/Romero as the only other options would be Rockhold or Weidman (who is still recovering from an injury). We think Gastelum has proved himself enough throughout his career and deserves a chance to fight for the Middleweight Championship. As for Souza, he would prove an interesting match up for Rockhold/Weidman or perhaps against someone looking to climb the rankings?
No. 1. Amanda Nunes vs. Raquel Pennington
Predictions: Nunes by Decision
Result: Nunes by TKO
Amanda Nunes’ reign as the Women’s Bantamweight Champion is far from over, and it will take a truly special athlete to take that championship from her. Nunes’ showcased her championship skills yet again against the ever so tough Raquel Pennington on Saturday Night. Nunes dominated the whole fight, which isn’t a shock considering the lay off Pennington had before stepping into the octagon. Almost 2 years away from the sport to fighting for a championship is one of the largest obstacles a fighter to overcome. Nunes’ victory isn’t quite the biggest news to come out of the fight.
The biggest news from the championship bout on Saturday night would be the controversy that came from Pennington’s corner. In between the 4th and 5th rounds Pennington told her corner that she was “done” and was ready to give up the fight. Pennington’s corner told her that she needed to go out and finish the 5th round to the shock of many. This lead to outrage from fans and media, as it felt apparent that fighter safety was totally disregarded. Corner-men have been subject of criticism many times in the past for not making the right decisions for their fighters regarding safety. Pennington would continue the 5th round, only to find herself on the receiving end of a TKO finish from Nunes just a few moments later.
After the fight, Pennington addressed the controversy by stating her corner-men made the right decision, but it remains a point of contention among critics and fans of the sport. What do you think about the controversy in the main event? Would you have let Pennington keep fighting or thrown in the towel? Do you have any ideas on who should be next for Amanda Nunes or any of the other fighters on our list? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!