Tonight we saw how a highly
anticipated heavyweight match between Curtis Blaydes and Tom Aspinall ended
just 15 seconds into the first round. But the UFC still had a thrilling match
for fans. As Jack Hermansson and Chris Curtis needed referee Marc Goddard between
them when Curtis gave Hermansson a double bird after 15 minutes in the UFC
London co-main.
Darren Till's loss in the UFC London
co-main event was devastating for Till, but it was a huge opportunity for
middleweight Chris Curtis. Curtis has been on a tear since joining the UFC last
year and had the biggest opportunity of his career against Jake Hermansson.
'The Joker' was originally scheduled
to face Darren Till at the event, but 'The Gorilla' had to pull out of the
fight due to injury.
The two started the bout patiently,
as Hermansson worked a low kick to the outside. Curtis was looking for his left
hand to counterpunch, but Hermansson remained restless. The first round was
largely a process of de-sensing. Both fighters struggled to find range on the
feet, and the Hermanssons couldn't preserve adequate timing on takedowns.
There was some frustration on both
sides at the stalemate heading into the second frame, but each persevered. With
about two minutes left in the round, Hermansson landed a punch that staggered
Curtis and backed him up against the fence. Hermansson fired back with punches
and elbows, but Curtis covered well and recovered his wits before the end of
the round.
Curtis didn't get out of first gear
until the third round when Hermansson used his superior height and reach to
build a strong lead. With Curtis' corner pleading to chase him down in the
final round, Hermansson was the one who came out with the most aggression as he
kicked the body and landed counter punches. Curtis couldn't make his big moment
happen, and Hermanson cruised to the win.
It wasn't the prettiest performance
ever, but Hermanson showed some real improvement in his footwork to take out
what was clearly a solid kickboxer. Curtis was furious at his strategy - a sure
sign of success!
Result: Jake Hermanson defeated Chris Curtis via unanimous decision.
UFC Fight Night 208 results include:
Curtis Blaydes def. Tom Aspinall via TKO (injury) – Round 1, 0:15
Jack Hermansson def. Chris Curtis
via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Paddy Pimblett def. Jordan Leavitt
via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:46
Nikita Krylov def. Alexander
Gustafsson knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:07
Molly McCann def. Hannah Goldy via
TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:52
Volkan Oezdemir def. Paul Craig via
unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Ludovit Klein def. Mason Jones via
unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Marc Diakiese def. Damir Hadzovic
via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Nathaniel Wood def. Charles Rosa via
unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Jonathan Pearce def. Makwan
Amirkhani via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:10
Muhammad Mokaev def. Charles Johnson
via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jai Herbert def. Kyle Nelson via
unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Victoria Leonardo def. Mandy Bohm
via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Nicolas Dalby def. Claudio Silva via
unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)