Brazil has another representative in the top 15 of the Ultimate's welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg). In the co-main event of UFC Nashville , this Saturday (12), Gabriel Marretinha defeated veteran Stephen Thompson and secured a place in the next update of the category's ranking. In a strategic performance, the 27-year-old Brazilian won by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28) and should take over the 12th position in the division, which belongs to 'Wonderboy'.
The victory over former title challenger Stephen Thompson was the biggest of Gabriel Marretinha 's career , marking his third consecutive win and leaving him with only one loss in five fights in the organization.
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At 42, Thompson is going through a difficult time after suffering his third consecutive loss in the Octagon. "Wonderboy" has won only one of his last six UFC fights.
With a strategic performance, Gabriel Marretinha defeats Stephen Thompson in a balanced fight
With his traditional karate stance, Stephen Thompson started by exploiting low kicks, and Gabriel Marretinha responded in kind. The American attempted the first high kick, which exploded against the Brazilian's guard. Midway through the round, Marretinha made his first attempt at a double leg takedown. Thompson defended, but the Brazilian persisted, clinched, and executed a beautiful takedown on the American. Marretinha tried to stabilize himself on Thompson's back and lock in the choke, but 'Wonderboy' escaped and landed some ground and pound strikes before getting back to his feet. The Brazilian connected with a good jab and straight combination before the end of the first round.
Stephen Thompson started the second round working body kicks on Gabriel Marretinha , who dove for a single leg takedown, but the American defended the attempt. After the takedown was denied, the Brazilian pressed Thompson against the cage, but 'Wonderboy' escaped and returned to the center of the octagon. The American advanced with a combination of punches, but Marretinha responded with a hard left hook. Thompson threw a very quick spinning kick and the Brazilian almost managed a takedown at the exact right time. Gabriel persisted and secured a back take from his opponent while standing. The American managed to get to his feet and escape the hold. Thompson threw a strong high kick that exploded on the Brazilian's guard. Gabriel Marretinha connected with a straight right hand at the same time as a low kick from the American, who hit the ground and bounced back. Immediately afterwards, Thompson threw another high kick against the Brazilian, who, even defending, felt the impact of the blow. At the end of the round, Stephen Thompson had a deep cut on his left shin.
Gabriel Marretinha started the third round diving for Stephen Thompson 's leg , which Thompson defended. The Brazilian held his opponent against the cage and, strategically, struck Thompson's shin with his heel, causing it to bleed immediately again. Back in the center of the octagon, the American attacked with a good side kick to Gabriel's torso. The Brazilian again sought the fight against the cage and worked some knee strikes. Thompson managed to reverse the position and put Marretinha on his back against the cage before releasing his grip and returning to the center. The American connected with a high kick to the Brazilian's head, which he absorbed well. Marretinha dove for a double leg takedown and partially secured it. Thompson got to his knees and stood up, but Marretinha passed the takedown and took him down again, but the American got back up. In the final minute, Gabriel Marretinha opted to hold Stephen Thompson against the cage until the fight ended.
Steve Garcia dominates Calvin Kattar and extends his winning streak
Steve Garcia defeated Calvin Kattar at UFC Nashville (Photo: Twitter/UFC News)
The Ultimate Fighting Championship's featherweight division (up to 65,7 kg) will have a new name in the top 15. In a main card bout at UFC Nashville , Steve Garcia dominated and defeated Calvin Kattar , securing a place in the next ranking update for the division. Aggressive as usual, Garcia didn't manage a knockout, but did enough to win by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
The victory over Calvin Kattar was Steve Garcia 's sixth consecutive win in the UFC, but the first of the sequence achieved by judges' decision. The American should occupy the 14th position in the ranking in the update next Tuesday (16).
On the other hand, Calvin Kattar finds himself in a very delicate situation after suffering his fifth consecutive defeat in the organization. The former title challenger hasn't won since January 2022 and is likely to drop out of the top 15 in the division.
In a chaotic fight, Morgan Charriere knocks out Nate Landwehr in the third round.
Morgan Charriere knocked out Nate Landwehr at UFC Nashville (Photo: Twitter/UFC News)
Valid for the featherweight division (up to 65,7 kg), the third fight on the main card of UFC Nashville delivered exactly what fans expected: a show of violence between Morgan Charriere and Nate Landwehr . After two very eventful rounds, the Frenchman went all out and knocked out the American with an overwhelming sequence in the first seconds of the third round.
With this result, Morgan Charriere recovers from his defeat against Nathaniel Wood in March, and adds his third victory in five UFC fights.
On the other side, Nate Landwehr suffers his second consecutive defeat and his third in his last four appearances in the octagon.
UFC Nashville Results
MAIN CARD (22pm Brasília time)
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Gabriel Marretinha defeated Stephen Thompson by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Steve Garcia defeated Calvin Kattar by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Morgan Charriere defeated Nate Landwehr by technical knockout (punches) at 27 seconds of round 3.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Vitor Petrino defeated Austen Lane by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:16 of Round 1.
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): George Tokkos defeated Junior Tafa by submission (katagatame) at 4:25 of round 2.
PRELIMINARY CARD (19pm Brasília time)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Chris Curtis defeated Max Griffin by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Jake Matthews defeated Chidi Njokuani by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:09 of the first round.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Eduarda Moura defeated Lauren Murphy by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Valter Walker defeated Kennedy Nzechukwu by submission (heel hook) at 0:54 of the first round.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Mike Davis defeated Mitch Ramirez by technical knockout (flying knee and punches) at 4:08 of the second round.
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Fatima Kline defeated Melissa Martinez by technical knockout (head kick and punches) at 2:36 of the third round.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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