UFC Vegas 38 is in the books and Thiago Santos won a closely contested decision win against SBG Ireland’s Johnny Walker.
The co-main event at UFC Vegas 38 inside the Apex pitted the outspoken Kevin Holland against Kyle Daukaus. The first round started fast. Initially, it seemed as though Holland’s time spent working on his wrestling was paying off. However, about three minutes into the contest, the two engaged, and a horrible accidental headbutt resulted in Holland being knocked unconscious.
As the fighter fell to the floor face-first, the referee considered halting the contest. Although, once the “Trailblazer” hit the mat he immediately woke up and began fighting again. Much of his resistance was futile, as Daukaus capitalized on a hurt opponent and snatched a rear-naked choke that was simply too tight for Holland to fight. While it appeared a victory for Daukaus was on its way to Bruce Buffer’s hands, instead, after many of the officials got involved cage side, the bout was declared a No Contest due to an accidental headbutt.
Ohhhhh no fuck !!
— C H🖕🏽T O🇪🇨V E R A (@chitoveraUFC) October 3, 2021
I know Holland has a serious headache right now ! 😬 that head butt was vicious ! #UFCVegas38
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) October 3, 2021
Restarting the fight would have been fun
— Brian BOOM Kelleher (@brianboom135) October 3, 2021
Then, the main event looked like it would be fireworks, but many were skeptical given the knee injuries Thiago Santos has been nursing since the Jon Jones title loss. Against a wild striker in Johnny Walker, Santos turned in a calculated performance and landed the harder shots throughout the course of five rounds.
Walker landed effectively early in round one, but the younger fighter was struggling to establish range with the seasoned veteran. After Santos got Walker’s momentum and began to land his patented body kick, the fight seemed to be steadily swaying in the 37-year-old’s favor. In the end, Santos, while tentative, got the job done and landed the hardest and most significant shot in round five against Walker.
The card had plenty of underrated action on it, but many were disappointed by the lack of action between the two Brazilians who are known for finishing fights. Since Santos fought down in the division at UFC Vegas 38, perhaps his next fight will be against a step up in the light-heavyweight rankings.
Fighters React To UFC Vegas 38
That was the slowest Brazilian dance I've ever seen, and I watch a lot of videos on Worldstar #UFCVegas38
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) October 3, 2021
Fairly even at this point…@ufc#ufcvegas38
— Aleksandar Rakic (@rakic_ufc) October 3, 2021
10 more mins and still not 1 jab lmao these boys in trouble!!!
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) October 3, 2021
Wow that was 🗑
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) October 3, 2021
I feel like nothing as happened this whole fight
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) October 3, 2021
Man these two are about to go for it this last round
— Eryk Anders (@erykanders) October 3, 2021
That’s dumb he tapped! #UFCFightNight
— Ian Heinisch (@ianheinischmma) October 3, 2021
What was your biggest takeaway from UFC Vegas 38?
