In this breakdown, we dive deep into the recent UFC action from UFC Baku, covering everything from Rafael Fiziev’s sharp striking to Ignacio Bahamondes' impressive spinning back kick knockout, and the controversial fight between Curtis Blaydes and Rizan Kunov. You’ll hear why Jamahal Hill (yes, that’s right, Jamahal Hill) might just be the worst champion in UFC history (sorry, Niko Montano) and how his performance was exposed by Khalil Roundtree Jr in a dominant victory. Seriously, this fight wasn’t exactly the barnburner fans were hoping for, but Roundtree’s tactical gameplan was on point as he systematically shut down Hill's footwork with some vicious low kicks.
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Not to mention, we talk about the unique ways these fighters execute game plans, from Roundtree's hammerfists to Fiziev's elite footwork and counterstrikes. The breakdown also highlights some of the weaknesses in Hill's game (he’s got horrible footwork, guys), and how Roundtree managed to expose that at UFC Baku. After all, this isn’t just about a ‘punching contest’ – it's about disrupting your opponent's rhythm, and that’s exactly what Roundtree did, while Hill stood there flailing.
We’re also getting into the latest on the UFC rankings, including where Bahmondes stands and what’s next for him after a hard-fought loss to Fiziev. With Fiziev showcasing his skills and making a statement that he’s still a top contender in the lightweight division, Bahmondes still has time to grow – he’s young and dangerous. He’s the kind of fighter you’ll want to keep an eye on in the coming months. Who’s next for him? A run at Michael Chandler or Benoit Saint-Denis sounds fun. And Fiziev? He’s still a problem for anyone in that division, and he’s got the chops to make a serious title run.
We also get into some of the more controversial moments, including Blaydes’ win over Kunov, which was a bit of a robbery in my eyes. Blaydes controlled the first round with his wrestling, but Kunov clearly hurt him. It wasn’t the cleanest win for Curtis, but hey, a win is a win, right? We also touch on the state of the division and Blaydes’ ongoing struggles against top-tier opponents. He’s still a solid fighter, but he's got some serious holes to address if he wants to make a run at the top of the division.
But of course, no UFC event is complete without some of the typical frustrations – the fights that don’t deliver or the guys who think they can talk their way into relevance without putting on a real show. Like Jamahal Hill after his loss to Roundtree, getting upset that his opponent didn’t brawl with him. Roundtree’s style was calculated, and Hill’s reactions just made him look childish. UFC is a sport, not a bar fight. If you’re not willing to fight smart, you’re going to get exposed. And that’s exactly what happened.
In the wider UFC landscape, we’ve got Jon Jones retiring, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest of all time – but not without a few question marks over the last decade of his career. A bit of a disappointing end, but the skill was there. We talk about his legacy and what could have been had he fought better contenders and defended his title more often. Still, happy retirement to Bones – what a ride it’s been.
From bare-knuckle boxing to karate, we also give a preview of what's coming up in Fightfinders 3, featuring the journey of Ikeville and Noeva in BKB. It's brutal, it's raw, and it’s the kind of content that’ll get you hooked on the gritty side of combat sports. Plus, don’t miss the upcoming Fightfinders episode with Tom Scott – karate fans, you’re going to want to tune into that one.
We wrap up with a reminder that while the UFC might be going through a rough patch with some underwhelming cards, the fighters continue to impress and we’ve got some exciting things on the horizon. So stick around, subscribe, and let’s keep talking all things UFC, MMA, and beyond.
Remember, we’re all here for the same reason – to watch great fights and hear the analysis that cuts through the BS. Let’s keep it real, and I’ll catch you on the next one.
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