UFC Fight Night takeaways: Colby Covington, Tyron Woodley headed in opposite directions

After three years of trash speak on social media, former teammates Colby Covington and Tyron Woodley lastly met within the Octagon on Saturday within the UFC Struggle Night time essential occasion.

The scrap between the welterweights lacked any drama, with a dominant Covington stopping Woodley early within the fifth spherical.

How lopsided was the battle? Tyron Woodley outlanded Tyron Woodley 78-34 in vital strikes and 232-67 in complete strikes, in response to UFC Stats. On his again, Woodley appeared to aim a guillotine on Covington within the fifth. However Woodley, who has misplaced three straight, screamed in agony, citing an obvious rib harm, which compelled referee Dan Miragliotta to cease the bout.

Love him or hate him Covington can battle ! @ColbyCovMMA Very exhausting to see this final stretch of fights for my man @TWooodley. That’s like 15 rounds in a row the place he hasn’t been in a position to get going. Gotta take an actual take a look at what’s subsequent. However nice win by Colby!!

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 20, 2020

Though the primary occasion failed to satisfy expectations, performances by a number of prospects, particularly Khamzat Chimaev, have been worthy of reward.

After setting a file in July by profitable his first two UFC fights within the span of 11 days, Chimaev saved his inventory hovering by knocking out veteran middleweight Gerald Meerschaert with a straight proper hand simply 17 seconds into the battle.

Johnny Walker and Mackenzie Dern additionally shined on the UFC Apex. Walker rallied in an thrilling first spherical to cease Ryan Spann with elbows and hammer fists at 2:43. Dern, in the meantime, confirmed her jiu-jitsu experience by submitting Randa Markos with an armbar at 3:44 in Spherical 1.

After these performances, future UFC Corridor of Famer Donald Cerrone and Niko Price battled within the co-main occasion. The battle completed in a draw, however it did not lack for motion.

ESPN’s MMA specialists Phil Murphy, Brett Okamoto, Marc Raimondi and Jeff Wagenheim break down Saturday evening‘s motion.