Although the fight between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili has been debated for a while, the preliminary cards also packed a punch that was hard to defend. The Englishman Davey Grant (15-6) rose victorious over the Brazilian veteran, Raphael Assuncao (28-10), with a rare and effective reverse arm triangle at UFC Fight Night 221. The UFC Las Vegas card witnessed the Brazilian bantamweight legend retiring soon after.
Official Decision: Davey Grant defeated Raphael Assuncao via technical submission (reverse triangle choke).
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Undeniably, Grant’s fight was one of the most anticipated ones. And the fight did keep the fans on the edge of their seats. Assuncao is one of the feared fighters who has secured victory against the big names in UFC, like TJ Dillashaw, Aljamain Sterling & Jorge Masvidal. However, one could never have imagined the bantamweight veteran to be taken down with a spinning back-fist followed by a reverse triangle choke. Without a doubt, the fans had a lot to say about the fight.
Grant mesmerized the UFC world at UFC Fight Night 221
The match began with the 40-year-old Brazilian moving around the cage while ‘Dangerous’ seemingly mimics his opponent’s movements. Nevertheless, the two exchange blows and stand tall till the end of the round. The fight goes head-to-head in the second round, as well. Both fighters make a commendable show of their skills. However, Grant was warned for grabbing the fence.
Nevertheless, it was the final round that shocked the entire world. ‘Dangerous Davey’ was once again warned and a point deducted for grabbing the fence. However, he recovered quickly and was determined to win. After exchanging a few heavy blows, Grant spun on his back and connected his fist to Assuncao’s head. The Britisher scrambled away as his opponent lost balance. Without wasting any more time, ‘Dangerous’ put the 19-fights UFC veteran to sleep. Although the Brazilian had two significant victories against Dillashaw and Sterling, the world simply could not handle the way the Englishman defeated him.
Without a doubt, the submission stole the breath out of mixed martial arts fans. Even the professional fighters had a lot to say about Grant’s skills.
Jesus. Davey Grant going full maniac now
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) March 11, 2023
WOW. Just fucking wow
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) March 11, 2023
Raphael Assuncao retires after an underrated career. He had wins over Aljamain Sterling, Jorge Masvidal, TJ Dillashaw, Joe Lauzon, Pedro Munhoz, Marlon Moraes, and Rob Font. He also fought at several weight classes. That is a great career. #UFCLasVegas
— Adam Martin (@MMAdamMartin) March 11, 2023
Davey Grant with the reverse triangle submission 😱 #UFCLasVegas pic.twitter.com/XIPSrJ5Ab8
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 11, 2023
"I've been able to do this for 19 years and be one of the best, but I think my time has come." — Raphael Assuncao
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) March 11, 2023
Can’t play games in there ..
— C H🖕🏽T O🇪🇨V E R A (@chitoveraUFC) March 11, 2023
Woooooooow
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) March 11, 2023
WHAT A FINISH FROM GRANT! That is an all-timer!
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 11, 2023
OH MY GOD WHAT
— 🌴ᴛʜᴇᴀʀᴛᴏꜰᴡᴀʀ🌴 (@TheArtOfWar6) March 11, 2023
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He went out! Wow what a sub 🔥🔥🔥
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) March 11, 2023
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What are your thoughts about the fight? Were you impressed with the rare submission performed by Grant? Let us know in the comments down below.