UFC 240 delivered an interesting night of fights. Max Holloway shut out another legend in the featherweight division. Cyborg came back from her first loss in 13 years to put on a dominating performance over Felicia Spencer, who was a lot tougher than expected. Some rising stars got biggest wins of their career to date.
BEST WINNERS
Geoff Neal. Geoff Neal made a statement Saturday night. He was going up against his toughest fight to date and he looked great. He even stood and traded with Niko Price, which is Niko’s specialty. He stood there and bested a game fighter where his opponent had the advantage. He kept his undefeated streak going and he should be getting some respect in a tough welterweight division.
Arman Tsarukyan. For a 22 year old, going to Canada and fighting your toughest competition to date, Tsarukyan had a hell of a night. He dominated OAM. It wasn’t the most exciting fight. It was mostly grappling and clinch work. But Tsaryukan won this fight and it wasn’t close. OAM never had him in trouble.
Cris Cyborg. Cyborg looked good. She shook off that brutal KO loss to Amanda Nunes pretty well. And whatever Joe Rogan may have been smoking, she wasn’t gassed out in the first round. She couldn’t get the finish, but I think that’s more of a testament to Felicia Spencer than anything. With this win, Cyborg heads into contract negotiations with leverage. But then again, there aren’t even featherweight rankings so Dana White doesn’t have to give in to any of her demands.
Viviane Araujo. I had never heard of Araujo coming into this fight. I won’t forget her next time. This was an entertaining fight. Araujo’s stand up game was precise. She kept Alexis Davis away with a consistent jab. Araujo dominated this fight. She’s on a 5 fight win streak and is 2-0 in the UFC. Araujo and my flyweight crush Meatball Molly McCann would be one hell of a fight.
Deiveson Figueiredo. For not recalling any of Figueiredo’s fights even though he is highly ranked, I was impressed by his performance. He had one of the best performances of the night. He dominated the highly hyped Alexandre Pantoja. Figueiredo put a big statement out to all of the flyweights. I would say Benavidez for a shot at Cejudo, whenever Cejudo returns from surgery. But that has a Frankie Edgar v. Brian Ortega feel to it, and I don’t think Benavidez would go for that. That being said, I’d like to see Figueiredo get a rematch against Jussier Formiga.
BEST LOSER
Felicia Spencer. I don’t think anyone’s stock rose higher than Felicia Spencer’s did Saturday night. No one was giving her a shot to last all 3 rounds, and yet she did. She took Cyborg’s biggest shots and kept moving forward. She even opened a nasty cut above Cyborg’s eye. She showed a lot of heart and won many fans over Saturday night.
Niko Price. I love Niko Price. The guy just loves to fight and loves to put on a show for the fans. He doesn’t care who he fights. He went out against a very tough Geoff Neal. When the fight was stopped, maybe a little early, Niko jumped right back up like he was going to argue. But he smiled and hugged Neal and went on. When they were making the official decision, he was joking with Neal and referee Dan Miragliotta. Niko always puts on entertaining fights.
MY FIGHTER OF THE NIGHT
Frankie Edgar. Frankie Edgar has shared the octagon with some of the best fighters ever. He’s never backed down. He won a UFC Championship at lightweight, which is insane considering how small he looked in comparison to Holloway at featherweight. Frankie is a warrior and it’s impossible not to like the guy. He is one tough son of a bitch. He took Holloway’s best shots and survived the fight. Jose Aldo couldn’t make it the distance against Holloway in either of his fights. Anthony Pettis didn’t make the distance. Brian Ortega didn’t make the distance. Frankie may not have won, it wasn’t that close of a fight either, but the guy showed heart and toughness that everyone should appreciate while he’s still fighting.
PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT
Max Holloway. *Bias Alert* Max Holloway is my favorite fighter in the UFC. The guy is chill and never lets the moment get the best of him. He wants to fight the best guys ever. He doesn’t back down. He is an amazing UFC Champion. He is the anti-Conor McGregor. Holloway went up against one of the best wrestlers in UFC history, and stuffed 10/11 takedowns. He picked Frankie apart. He never looked like he was in danger. He put on another clinic and his dominance atop the featherweight division continues.
SAVAGE OF THE NIGHT
Gillian Robertson. I don’t know if I’ve ever heard of her before this fight. But damn, she is tough. She’s won all of her fights. None of her fights have gone the distance. She is a killer. I’d watch out if I was ahead of her in the rankings. She’s not taking any prisoners. I can get behind her. She’s going to make a serious run to the top of the division.
FIGHT OF THE NIGHT
Geoff Neal v. Niko Price
NOT FIGHT OF THE NIGHT
Olivier Aubin-Mercier v. Arman Tsaryukan