'Ultimate Pastor' struggles in grappling and 'revives' veteran at UFC Vegas 116

Jafel Filho faced Cody Durden at UFC Vegas 116. Photo: Reproduction UFC Vegas 116

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Jafel Filho had a night to forget at UFC Vegas 116, held this Saturday (25). The 'Pastor of the Ultimate' faced Cody Durden on the preliminary card of the event and, even with his rival accepting the fight at the last minute, ended up being dominated and defeated by the judges' decision.

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With the defeat, Jafel now has three wins and three losses in the UFC. Meanwhile, veteran Cody Durden secured his 18th career victory, ending a four-fight losing streak.

Jafel Filho is defeated by Cody Durden after a balanced fight and dominance on the ground.

Jafel started the fight looking for an exchange of blows right from the first minutes. Shortly after, Cody Durden caught a kick from the Brazilian and executed a takedown. However, he was swept by "Pastor," who quickly took his back. In the final stretch of the round, the Brazilian attempted a leg lock, but didn't have enough time to finish.

In the second round, Durden returned more tired and began to feel the low blows. From his corner, Dedé Pederneiras encouraged Jafel to take advantage of the moment, but the American managed to take the Brazilian down again.

After an intense exchange of blows, the fight returned to a frenetic exchange. At a frantic pace, Jafel responded with a takedown, took his opponent's back, and almost locked in a rear-naked choke.

The third round began with both fighters battling for control of the center of the octagon. After a takedown attempt by Durden, Jafel landed a powerful elbow strike in the clinch, followed by a cross. However, he was subsequently taken down by the American.

After a long period of dominance on the ground by Durden, Jafel gave up his back while trying to stand up. Despite still threatening with a rear-naked choke, the Brazilian was eventually controlled again, with the American maintaining the position on his back until the end.

Francis Marshall dominates Lucas Brennan and spoils the former Bellator fighter's UFC debut.

Cheeky little sweep from @FranMarshallMMA 🧹

[ #UFCVegas116 | LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/kRcsQIE0C8

— UFC (@ufc) April 25, 2026

In a lightweight bout (up to 70,3 kg), Francis Marshall gave Lucas Brennan a tough welcome. The American prospects faced off on the preliminary card of the event, in a duel where 'Fire' came out on top in both striking and grappling, securing the result by judges' decision.

With the victory, Marshall reached his 10th career win and secured his second consecutive positive result, consolidating his good form in the UFC. Brennan, on the other hand, debuted with a loss in the world's largest MMA organization and, at 25 years old, now has three losses in his professional record.

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