The Apex has been the venue for all editions of UFC Vegas. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter UFC Japan
After more than four years, UFC Vegas reaches its 19th edition. What began as a way to ensure greater safety for athletes and employees of the organization amid the Covid-XNUMX pandemic, the format has become a recurring theme. Combined with the return of The Ultimate Fighter and the production of new documentaries, fans of the sport have become increasingly familiar with Apex, the company's private arena designed for events with smaller audiences.
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O SUPER FIGHTS broadcasts live and in real time the ufc vegas 100, which has the Brazilian Carlos Prates in the main fight against Neil Magny. But before that, we will remember some of the main moments experienced in these 99 events.
The debut with Brazil on top
G. Durinho (left) defeats T. Woodley (right) in the main fight of UFC Woodley x Durinho. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc_brasil
The first edition of UFC Vegas took place on May 30, 2020, during the height of the pandemic. Among several names such as Mackenzie dern e Jamahal hill, the event had Gilbert Durinho in the main fight, facing the former welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg.), Tyron woodley.
Gilbert Durinho, on the rise, dominated the former champion and won by unanimous decision, landing powerful strikes while standing and showing the world that there was a new force in the category. The triumph guaranteed the title fight for the Brazilian against Kamaru Usman No. UFC 258, also held at Apex.
The debut of the new format came as a great omen for Brazil. With the exception of Klidson Abreu, knocked out by Hill (the fight was later changed to 'no contest'), all the Brazilians won their fights.
One of the best fights in history
Poirier (left) beats Hooker (right). Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @UFConTSN
In June 2020 we were graced with one of the best fights in history at UFC Vegas 4. The punches of Dustin poirier e Dan Hooker, completely audible in the empty arena, were a delight for fans and media, as well as a reminder of the challenges faced by these athletes.
For 25 minutes, the two lightweights (up to 70,3 kg.) gave it their all in the octagon, with 'Diamante' emerging victorious by unanimous decision. The images of Hooker being taken to the hospital after the war are proof of the often brutal reality of MMA.
Les coulisses de l'après guerre Dan Hooker vs Dustin poirier
This is a special sports experience when I remember pic.twitter.com/XZX27XU30m
— ARENA (@MMArena_) November 21, 2022
The retirement of a legend
U. Hall shows total respect to A. Silva after beating the Brazilian in the UFC Las Vegas 12. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
After dominating the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg) for almost a decade, Anderson Silva came to an end at UFC Vegas 12, on October 12, 2020. On that occasion, the Brazilian faced the North American Uriah Hall, who in turn was seen as the 'new Spider' at the beginning of his career in the organization.
In this ocasion, Anderson Silva was brutally knocked out in the fourth round, making it his seventh loss in nine fights. After the fight ended, a sitting and visibly injured former champion announced his retirement from MMA in an interview with Michael Bisping.
Three years today since the last appearance of Anderson Silva in the UFC, defeated in a technical knockout by Uriah Hall. pic.twitter.com/HOFNlhFmPR
— MMA Melotto (@MMAmelotto) October 31, 2023
After years of putting on shows for fans in arenas around the world, the Brazilian hung up his gloves in the middle of the pandemic, without a crowd to applaud the end of one of the most successful careers in all of sports. Since then, Anderson has only participated in boxing matches.
Last minute fight
The fourteenth edition of UFC Vegas, held in November 2020, was expected to bring a very interesting duel in the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg): the former champion Rafael dos Anjos would face the promise (and future champion) Islam makhachev. However, the Russian had to abandon the fight the week of the event due to a staph infection. The solution found was impressive.
Paul felder, officially retired and scheduled to commentate the event, agreed to face RDA with just five days' notice. The Brazilian won by split decision, and both athletes received the Fight of the Night bonus.
Rafael dos Anjos defeats Paul felder by Split Decision in a 5 round thriller!
RDA (-210) ✅# UFCVegas14 pic.twitter.com/u66mpeQ6G4
— SportsBettingDime (@SBD) November 15, 2020
The King of Rio
At the end of 2021, Apex welcomed one of the most successful athletes of all time. At UFC Vegas 44, José Aldo achieved yet another victory in his illustrious career by halting the rise of Rob font in an impeccable performance. For 25 minutes, the 'People's Champion' gave a masterclass in striking against his opponent, securing victory by unanimous decision, beating the North American in every round.
J. Aldo (right) defeated R. Font (left) in the UFC Las Vegas 44. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The victory was the third in a row for José Aldo, who would then face the future bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg), Merab Dvalishvili, being overcome by unanimous decision.
poatan
Speaking of big names passing through Apex, the biggest star in Brazilian MMA today also passed through the arena. In ufc vegas 50, held in March 2022, Alex Poatán faced Bruno Blindado in the first fight of the main card, still in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). The event was headlined by Thiago Marreta e Magomed Ankalayev.
A. Poatan (left) and B. Blindado (right) faced each other in the ufc vegas 50. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
In a calm performance, Poatan avoided the main attacks of his compatriot and came close to knockout at some points in the fight. However, Blindado resisted the Brazilian's knockout power, becoming the only middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) to reach the end of the three rounds against the former Glory champion.
Alex Pereira & Bruno Silva just left it all in the Octagon # UFCVegas50 pic.twitter.com/OJVEyagbos
- UFC (@ufc) March 13, 2022
However, at the end of the 15 minutes Poatan was declared the winner by unanimous decision, continuing his rise in the category. He would later knock out Sean Strickland and would win the UFC belt against his archrival Israel adesanya.
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