This fight had some disappointing fight cards but some definitely produced and some matches that were not expected. And here they are:
10. The Ultimate Fighter: Team Edgar vs. Team Penn – Corey Anderson vs. Patrick Walsh
There’s no doubt this was a disappointing season. However, if there was a better match in the worst season this would be it. Team Edgar teammates Corey Anderson and Patrick Walsh were chosen to face each other in the semifinals of the light heavyweight division of the season. After some controversy involving training, they finally faced each other. Anderson ended up coming away with the win.
9. UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens – Ricardo Lamas vs. Hacran Dias
Following his loss to Jose Aldo February, Ricardo Lamas was looking for a rebound going into this match. However, he had to face Aldo’s teammate Hacran Dias to do so. It wasn’t easy as most Nova Uniao members are. Just the same Lamas was able to control the match for the most part. Though he didn’t finish Hacran, he got the decision just the same and achieved his redemption.
8. UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens – Cezar Ferreira vs. Andrew Craig
This match was a pretty close one. Cezar Ferreira was without a doubt the favorite going into this bout. Andrew Craig was looking for an upset to perhaps establish himself. While Craig did put up a good fight it was Ferreira’s match from the start. However, Craig did put up a good fight. Ultimately the decision went to Ferreira.
7. UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens – Kelvin Gastelum vs. Nico Musoke
While Kelvin Gastelum has a lot of momentum after winning The Ultimate Fighter season 17, he’s also had weight issues. This came back to bite him in the butt this time around when he couldn’t make weight and was ultimately fined for it. However, opponent Nico Musoke opted to accept the fight just the same. Gastelum was able to come away with the win. He also apologized in classy fashion afterwards.
6. UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens – Oleksiy Oliynyk vs. Anthony Hamilton
There are people who don’t have to make a living fighting but choose to do so anyways. Oleksiy Oliynyk is one of those fighters as he is a lawyer in his native Russia. For him fighting is more of a passion and he is good at it. Anthony Hamilton found this out the hard way when was bullied and ultimately submitted by the veteran Oliynyk. Oliynyk established himself with a win in the UFC.
5. UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens – Clint Hester vs. Antonio Braga Neto – Upset of the Month
This match was kind of surprising but at the same time showed some potential in an up and comer. TUF 17 cast member Clint Hester definitely showed potential on the show but he was not the favorite in this match up. Antonio Braga Neto had more potential and was a little more well rounded compared to the boxing centered Hester. However, Hester showed that he is adaptable and his athleticism definitely help him. Hester ultimately did well enough to demonstrate to the judges that he had won the match.
4. UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens – Cub Swanson vs. Jeremy Stephens – Comeback of the Month
Going into this match there was no doubt that the winner would be propelled into the title picture at featherweight. Cub Swanson had been building momentum since the first time he faced champion Jose Aldo. Jeremy Stephens had a lot of momentum for him after moving down to featherweight. Both men went at it and Swanson had to come back to win. They got Fight of the Night honors for their efforts as well.
3. UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens – Carlos Diego Ferreira vs. Colton Smith – Submission of the Month
Carlos Diego Ferreira is a good submission artist and he kept up this reputation against Colton Smith. The Ultimate Fighter standout Smith had come out of the show with some good momentum. Ferreira went into the UFC with high hopes and he didn’t disappoint. Ferreira needed less then forty seconds to get a rear naked choke on Smith. He also earned Performance of the Night honors as well.
2. Legacy Fighting Championships 32 – Thomas de Almeida vs. Caio Machado – Knockout of the Month
This fight went pretty much under the radar. Texas based Legacy Fighting Championships held its’ thirty second regular fight card. In the main event was a bantamweight championship match between rising prospect Thomas de Almeida fighting Caio Machado for the vacant title. Almeida proved to be the better fighter as he finished Machad with a liver kick. He also got a finish bonus from one of the sponsors.
1. UFC Figh Night: Swanson vs. Stephens – Joe Ellenberger vs. James Moontasri – Fight of the Month
There is no better opportunity for a fighter to demonstrate his heart and skill then in the Octagon. Both Joe Ellenberger and James Moontasri were making their UFC debuts and both saw the opportunity to prove themselves. They didn’t disappoint as both fighters went back and forth, demonstrating some promising skills. Ultimately the decision went to Ellenberger. Both have very promising careers.
Are there any fights you thought were left out in June? Feel free to leave a comment!