Summary
Marretinha celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Gabriel Marretinha took the biggest step of his career last Saturday (6). In a dominant performance in the main fight of UFC Vegas 118 , the Brazilian convincingly defeated Belal Muhammad , former holder of the welterweight belt (up to 77 kg), securing a place in the top-5. Excited by the triumph, the fighter took the opportunity to challenge the also former champion of the category, Jack Della Maddalena.
Immediately after having his arm raised, Marretinha used the post-fight interview to send a direct message to the Australian. Riding a five-fight win streak in the UFC, the Brazilian stated that he doesn't intend to remain among the top five in the rankings and asked for an opportunity to get closer to a title shot.
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" Jack Della Maddalena , get ready, because you're my next opponent. I don't want to stay stuck in the top 5, I want to fight you," the fighter said while still in the octagon.
The challenge gained even more traction in an interview given to UFC Brazil backstage at the event. Confident after neutralizing one of the division's most experienced athletes, Marretinha indicated that he believes he has sufficient credentials to face JDM.
"I believe he should be my opponent because he's coming off two losses, he fought Carlos recently, and he got beaten by Carlos. It's my turn to beat him," the Brazilian declared.
The victory over Belal represented a milestone in Marretinha's career. A former champion and known for his strategic style, the veteran was considered the biggest test the Brazilian had faced in the UFC. However, throughout the five rounds, the athlete controlled the action, gained the upper hand in striking, and neutralized his opponent's main weapons.
Check out the results of UFC Vegas 118
MAIN CARD
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Gabriel Marretinha defeated Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Middleweight (up to 82,9 kg): Brendan Allen defeated Edmen Shahbazyan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Tom Nolan defeated Fares Ziam by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Bryce Mitchell defeated Santiago Luna by submission (katagatame) at 4:52 of round 3.
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Iwo Baraniewski defeated Junior Tafa by knockout (punches) at 1:25 of round 1.
PRELIMINARY CARD
Catchweight (up to 58,9 kg): Alessandro Costa defeated Matt Schnell by knockout (punches) at 2:32 of round 1.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Marcus McGhee defeated John Yannis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Edgar Chairez defeated Bruno Silva by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:13 of round 1.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Chelsea Chandler defeated Priscila Cachoeira by submission (armbar) at 3:42 of round 1.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Joanderson Tubarão defeated Jordan Leavitt by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:19 of round 1.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Jeisla Chaves defeated Yuneisy Duben by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Ketlen Souza defeated Ariane Sorriso by knockout (kick) at 1:32 of round 1.
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