UFC Vegas 68: Lewis vs Spivak Results and Review
UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs Spivak Results and Review
UFC Vegas 68 was scheduled to take place in Seoul, South Korea, before an injured 'Korean Zombie' forced the UFC to shift plans toward the Apex in Las Vegas.
Either way, just the second Fight Night of the year treated us to top Asian prospects, in the prelims, from across the globe fulfilling their long-lived dreams of joining the UFC.
The main card then saw established UFC Asian fighters go toe to toe with some of North America's finest and a couple of Heavyweight showdowns to really strengthen an exciting event. If you missed the action, here are your results and review:
Serghei Spivak defeats Derrick Lewis in Round 1 via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) - Heavyweight Bout
Derrick Lewis cautiously waited for his opening to land his signature bombs. Instead, Spivac manoeuvres and lands a textbook Judo toss, gaining top position and giving Lewis a tough time on the ground.
A series of massive strikes and ground transitions almost found Lewis back on his feet, until the 'Polar Bear' managed to collapse the #7 UFC Heavyweight a further 6 times in a cycle of trips and takedowns.
A smoothly executed arm triangle choke forced the tap, giving Spivak his third win in a row to match his newly high-ranking heavyweight position.
Devin Clark defeats Da Woon Jung via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) - Light-Heavyweight Bout
Clark initiates the clinch almost instantly and a messy style of fight sets the tone. A hard-fought performance on both sides saw a very close bout.
Clark engaged the wrestling as much as possible but the size and strength of Jung posed a tough problem for the American.
The will and determination of Devin Clark swayed the judges and the fans in the Apex. A tiresome fought fight and a satisfying win for 'Brown Bear'.
Marcin Tybura defeats Blagoy Ivanov via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) - Heavyweight Bout
Both heavyweights were delighted to stand and bang. The second round saw a slugfest, both European fighters willing to trade in the pocket and neither fighter backing down.
Tybura had a clear game plan in the 3rd, which was to impose his grappling, maintain control and secure a safe point on the judge's scorecards.
This strategy worked to a tee, capturing the W and calling for the cancelled bout between him and Rozenstruik to be rescheduled.
Dooho Choi vs. Kyle Nelson via Majority Draw (29-27, 28-28-, 28-28) - Featherweight Bout
The long-awaited return of 'The Korean Superboy' saw heavy leg kicks early from Choi, but an impressive takedown from the Canadian, acquired some ground time.
A series of twists and turns proposed an eventual reversal opportunity for Choi allowing him the top position.
Kyle Nelson rocking his opponent was his biggest moment of round 2. Choi utilized the leg kicks harmoniously and presented as the sharper striker.
An intentional headbutt, as perceived by the referee, deduced a point reduction from the side of Dooho Choi resulting in a majority draw.
Adam Fugitt defeats Yusaku Kinoshita in Round 1 via TKO (Elbows) - Welterweight Bout
A fast and aggressive start from both fighters saw the American eat a heavy head kick early on in the first, forcing a takedown attempt to gain control.
Although a tricky striker himself, Kinoshita conceded a knockdown, where Adam was able to capitalize with a barrage of elbows on the ground.
Fugitt asked the commentary booth, "Was that violent enough?" as he upset the betting odds. An impressive win makes up for his UFC debut loss.
Early Prelims - Road to UFC
Road to UFC saw the event series in which top Asian MMA prospects compete to win UFC contracts, come to its finale. A set of characters, warriors and future contenders found the chance to actualize their dreams and fight in the UFC. Commitments to the organization were awarded to finale winners from Flyweight through Lightweight!
- Anshul Jubli defeats Jeka Saragih in Round 2 via TKO (Punches and Elbows) - Lightweight Bout
- Lee Jeong-Yeong defeats Yi Zha via Split Decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28) - Featherweight Bout
- Rinya Nakamura defeats Toshiomi Kazama in Round 1 via KO (Punch) - Bantamweight Bout
- Park Hyun-Sung defeats Choi Seung-Guk in Round 3 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) - Flyweight Bout
- Park Jun-Yong defeats Denis Tiuliulin in Round 1 via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) - Middleweight Bout
- Tatsuro Taira defeats Jesus Santos Aguilar in Round 1 via Submission (Triangle Armbar) - Flyweight Bout
Serghei Spivak will keep the rest of the division on their toes with a flawless performance against Derrick Lewis, who although beloved by all, needs a heart-to-heart with himself about his future. UFC Vegas 68 sees more Asian fighters enter the organization and show why the UFC and combat sports, in general, mesmerize the globe in terms of sports entertainment.
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