This evenings early prelims opener for the historical UFC 300 card was Deiveson Figueiredo vs Cody Gabrandt. This card is stacked from top to bottom and this proved to be a fitting start for 300.
Deiveson Figueiredo Subs Cody Gabrandt in Second Round at UFC 300
Opening for this card is no easy feat and these former champions had pressure on them to deliver. These fighters are no strangers to pressure Figueiredo previously being the 125 king and Gabrandt dethroning 135 GOAT Dominick Cruz. Pressure can create coal or diamonds and both fighters have demonstrated the capacity to be diamonds.
Gabrandt hopes to carry on his recent win streak building momentum after an emphatic KO of Brian Kelleher in round 1 at UFC 296. This is a big step up for No Love following his recent low level competition but Gabrandt is no stranger to elite competition. This fight proves risky for Cody with Figueiredo being known for his KO power and Gabrandt being known recently for his questionable chin and leaky defence. But, Gabrandt also has one shot KO power and quick hands so cannot be written off. If Cody wins in impressive fashion this could rekindle his hopes for gold at 135.
Figueiredo looks to keep momentum successfully debuting at 135 impressively defeating Rob Font at UFC Fight Night Dariush vs Tsarukyan. The god of war is campaigning for the 135 title and these aspirations can continue with a win over Gabrandt. This match up is favourable for Figgy with Gabrandts style of rushing forward with his hands low and questionable chin. That combined with Figueiredo’s power could be the perfect combination for a KO victory for the God of War.
What Unfolded?
The first fight of the card got off to a tentative start with neither fighter committing to anything big. Gabrandt opened with leg kicks targeting Figueiredo’s wide stance . Cody then commits to an exchange clipping and stunning Figueiredo with a left hook but Figgy recovered. The god of war then timed a takedown as Cody pressured forward as the opening round drew to a close.
The second round opened with far more urgency Figueiredo scoring an early takedown. And after Cody hit the ground he was in constant danger Figueiredo taking his back. Cody managed to get his back to the canvas but Figueiredo secured an arm triangle. Cody survived this attempt and tried to get to his feet surrendering his back. Figgy pounced on this opportunity taking his back and secured a rear naked choke.
