Protagonists of an exciting battle on the main card of UFC Vegas 109, Jean Matsumoto e Miles Johns delivered what fans crave: war and violence. After a tense 15-minute duel, the Brazilian secured a split decision and dedicated his victory to his family and girlfriend.
In an interview while still in the octagon, Jean asked for the opportunity to perform in Rio de Janeiro on October 11th and challenged Rob font for a rematch, after explaining that he took the fight against the American on seven days' notice. At 25, Jean reached his 17th career victory and took another step towards the organization's elite.
Jean Matsumoto in victory at UFC Vegas 109. Photo: Reproduction/UFC News
On the other hand, Johns lamented his defeat and disagreed with the judges' decision. A veteran of the organization, the athlete suffered his second consecutive setback. His last triumph came in June 2024, when he overcame Douglas D'Silva by points.
See too
Matsumoto and Johns deliver battle at UFC Vegas 109
The fight began with fighters studying the best distance. Jean was the first to strike and used a medium kick, which was parried by his rival. Seeking a counterattack, Miles used his hands to surprise the Brazilian, but was unsuccessful at the range. Realizing Matsumoto was about to close the distance, Johns entered a takedown at the ideal time and took the prospect down. With a guillotine choke, Jean came close to finishing, but was thwarted by the veteran's great resistance, who struggled to breathe as he escaped the difficult moment. In the final minute, Jean attempted a flying knee and, after failing to connect, was pinned against the fence by his rival. Matsumoto attempted to return the attack in kind, but was unable to take his opponent down.
In the second round, Jean began by looking for low kicks and moving the fight from medium to close range. Successful in boxing, Johns troubled the Brazilian with connected strikes, but was unable to force Jean to retreat. With solid kicks, Matsumoto traded shins for punches with the veteran, delivering a fierce exchange. In a promising moment, Jean landed a knee and then went for a guillotine, which was well defended by Miles. In the final seconds, the fighters sought a frank exchange of blows and ended the round exhausted.
In the final round, Jean started landing kicks that bothered Johns, but the American remained active, trying to move forward. Trapped against the fence, the veteran tried to box but was frustrated by Jean's defenses and dodges. In a good moment, Matsumoto landed a blow that rocked Miles and began to show some promising moments in the fight. Feeling blows to his leg, Johns went for a takedown and successfully pinned the Brazilian to the ground. Determined to hold his opponent, the American used the fence to prevent Jean from getting fully up. In the final seconds, Jean broke free and decided to go for a takedown to try to finish the round on top, but ultimately failed.
Middleweight prospect delivers brutal knockout
Promising middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) in the UFC, Christian Leroy Duncan starred in another great victory in his career with the organization. Scheduled to face Erik Anders, the fighter opened the main card having problems with illegal blows against his opponent, but after escaping his rival's grappling fight, the Englishman had space to let loose and landed a brutal spinning elbow, which stunned the veteran and began the end of the duel.
With two straight wins, Leroy avoided naming potential opponents when asked who he'd like to face next. In his seventh fight for the organization, the fighter achieved his fifth victory and took another step towards the top 15 of the division reigned by Dricus Du Plessis.
On the other hand, Anders missed the opportunity to achieve a third straight victory. At 38, the fighter suffered his ninth loss in his UFC career and distanced himself from the chance to reach the elite.
You need login To comment.