In one of the more anticipated bouts of UFC on FOX 21 tonight (Sat., Aug. 27, 2016), which took place inside Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight champion Anthony Pettis made a successful Featherweight debut opposite 145-pound strangler Charles Oliveira.
Advertisement
But with the fight likely very close headed into the third, Pettis’ inability to stop Oliveira’s takedowns seemed like it might be the deciding factor. Oliveira transitioned to get a takedown of his own.
Oliveira’s game plan was on display early and often, as he began the fight looking to take Pettis to the mat, only to get stalled out and forced into a stand-up battle with a unsafe striker. This time, however, Pettis sunk a guillotine choke and dropped to his back, forcing Oliveira to submit. A spinning back kick to the body landed for Pettis.
On the feet, Pettis was easily the sharper fighter, picking Oliveira apart with his crisp punches. Stiff right hand by Pettis. Pettis appeared to gas in the middle period, however, but rallied to choke out the submission specialist with a guillotine choke in the third round.
Oliveira continued to take Pettis down throughout the fight, but each time, Pettis would reverse and return the fight to standing, where he would out-duel Oliveira. Oliveira pushing forward and tagging Pettis. A punch to the body found the target for “do Bronx”. Once again Oliveira went for back mount at the midway point of round 2.
Pettis admitted the new weight class gave him some trouble. Oliveira attacked the neck but Pettis defended well. A better round for Oliveira but still taking some major shots. They fell to the mat and Oliveira tapped at 1:49 of the final round. Oliveira with a takedown to end the 2nd. Pettis fought off the first attempt, but a minute-and-a-half later had given up his back to the jiu-jitsu player Oliveira. Pettis going for an armbar but Oliveira avoids it. Oliveira swept again and Pettis had his right knee on Oliveira’s arm.
Advertisement
Official result: Anthony Pettis def.
