Author: Chandra Moulee Das
Heavyweight: Tai Tuivasa vs Alexander Volkov
Alexander Volkov dashed the hopes of Australian fans who were rooting for his countryman Tai Tuivasa to secure a victory at UFC 293. In the co-main event at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, “Drago” scored a second-round submission victory over “Bam Bam”.
From the opening bell, Volkov dominated the fight, employing a strategic combination of kicks and jabs to establish control. This tactical approach posed significant challenges for Tuivasa, who found it difficult to mount any effective attack without finding a well-placed jab or a kick to the middle of the body. Volkov closed the round with a series of impactful punches.
Although Tuivasa managed to land a few leg kicks, they were no match for the damage inflicted by Volkov. These kicks eventually led Drago to drop him, paving the way for Ezekiel’s choke, which ended the fight in the Russian’s favor.
Flyweight: Manel Kape vs. Felipe dos Santos (BRAZIL)
Manel Kape vs Felipe dos Santos
Kape wins by unanimous decision in a great fight. pic.twitter.com/Zw99KPrqnT– EduCRFla (@EduCRFlamengo) September 10, 2023
Manel Kape, originally scheduled to face Kai Cara-France but forced to withdraw due to concussion, put in an impressive performance to secure the win. Despite his relative obscurity and rookie status, in a fight on short notice, Felipe Dos Santos impressed MMA enthusiasts and Kape himself after his unanimous decision defeat (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).
Throughout the fight, Kape maintained a significant degree of control, although Dos Santos had his moments. Especially in the first and third rounds, the 22-year-old Brazilian showed remarkable proficiency in striking. However, Kape continued his offensive relentlessly.
His persistence paid off, gradually wearing down Dos Santos’ countenance. When the final gong sounded and almost 15 minutes of clinching action had been completed, Kape was proclaimed the winner.
Featherweight: Shane Young vs. Gabriel Miranda (BRAZIL)
Gabriel Miranda submits Shane Young via Rear Naked Choke – Round 1 – 0:59 pic.twitter.com/vXLK1zqgd2
– The Final Strike Podcast (@FinalStrikePod) September 10, 2023
In just 59 seconds, Gabriel Miranda quickly knocked Shane Young unconscious at UFC 293. Miranda executed a precise takedown, held Young’s back and applied pressure until he succumbed to unconsciousness.
Despite coming in 3.8 pounds over the weight limit at Friday’s weigh-in, Young showed tremendous resilience, refusing to tap and fighting in a last-ditch attempt to escape. Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain as he succumbed to his fourth consecutive defeat.
Miranda secured his first win in the UFC, recovering from an unsuccessful promotional debut against Blake Bilder, which he lost by unanimous decision in February.