LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 03: Themba Gorimbo of Zimbabwe reacts after his knockout victory over Pete Rodriguez in a welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on February 03, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) The UFC Vegas 85 fight card took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, showcasing an exciting night of mixed martial arts action. The main event featured a majority decision win by Nassourdine Imavov, the No. 11 fighter in the official UFC middleweight rankings, over the No. 8 ranked Roman Dolidze. Additionally, Renato Moicano returned to the Octagon, securing a unanimous decision victory over Drew Dober in the co-headliner. Let's take a closer look at three standout performances from the event.
Themba Gorimbo, a fighter from Johannesburg, South Africa, made a strong statement with his knockout victory over Pete Rodriguez in their welterweight contest. Entering the bout as a significant favorite, Gorimbo utilized his height and reach advantage to control the fight from the opening seconds. Just 32 seconds into the first round, Gorimbo unleashed a powerful left hook that landed flush on Rodriguez's jaw, sending him to the canvas. Gorimbo swiftly followed up with ground strikes, prompting referee Herb Dean to intervene and stop the fight. Preventing Rodriguez from landing a significant strike, Gorimbo delivered a brief but impressive performance. In his post-fight interview, the 33-year-old called for bigger challenges and expressed his ambition to become the welterweight champion in 2024, regardless of who stands in his way. With this victory, Gorimbo improved his record to 2-1 in the UFC and holds a total MMA record of 12-4.
Randy Brown, a fighter who entered the UFC in 2016 after catching the attention of Dana White, secured a notable win over Muslim Salikhov at UFC Vegas 85. Brown showcased his skills and experience by employing his reach advantage effectively. Though Salikhov landed some calf kicks, Brown continued to press forward. With 1:48 remaining in the first round, Brown unleashed a powerful double jab followed by a devastating right hand that dropped Salikhov to the mat. This well-executed combination sealed the victory for Brown and added another highlight to his UFC career. After the bout, Brown expressed his desire for a matchup against fellow UFC veteran Michael Chiesa, emphasizing the importance of defending his ranking and proving his worth in the division. With this win, Brown improved his overall record to 18-5 and his UFC record to 12-5.
Molly McCann displayed resilience and determination in her strawweight bout against Diana Belbita. In a must-win situation, McCann delivered an impressive performance, securing her first submission victory in the UFC. Despite a two-fight losing streak and contemplating retirement, McCann dropped from flyweight to strawweight for this event and showed a renewed focus and confidence. Throughout the first round, she showcased her striking skills, walking down Belbita and scoring points. With less than a minute remaining in the opening round, McCann executed a takedown, gaining full mount. Recognizing an opportunity, she swiftly transitioned to an armbar, forcing Belbita to tap out. This victory reignited McCann's career and provided her with a fresh perspective, as she forgave herself for her past performances and embraced a new mindset. McCann's triumph reminded everyone of her tenacity and determination.
Overall, UFC Vegas 85 delivered memorable moments and outstanding performances. Themba Gorimbo, Randy Brown, and Molly McCann all showcased their skills, resilience, and determination, leaving a lasting impression on fight fans. As these fighters continue their journey in the UFC, we can expect to see more thrilling moments and exciting matchups in the future.
