After years of anticipation, Austin Vanderford finally made his long-awaited debut in the UFC. Patiently biding his time for a chance on the grand stage, ‘The Gentleman’ proved that, despite his age, he remains one of the best welterweights in the division. Stepping in on short notice against Nikolay Veretennikov at UFC Seattle, Vanderford delivered a dominant performance, defeating the Kazakh by knockout in the second round. However, there was an unexpected twist to the fight.

After securing the victory, Vanderford celebrated with his wife, Paige VanZant as well as his coaches. However, one’s victory is a defeat for the other and Veretennikov couldn’t handle his third consecutive loss as he approached Vanderford with malicious intent, he shoved him backward, prompting security to intervene. Even Vanderford appeared agitated by the reckless behavior, while fans expressed their disgust at Veretennikov’s actions.

In the fight itself, Vanderford showcased superior grappling, taking his opponent to the canvas and unleashing his barrage of strikes. After dominating the Kazakh in the first round, ‘The Gentleman’ overwhelmed Veretennikov in the second, delivering a relentless barrage of unanswered punches which forced the referee to stop the match.

Despite the unforeseen altercation with his opponent, Vanderford didn’t let it get to his head, and he was all smiles after his victory. Marking his entrance in the UFC through this win, ‘The Gentleman’ roared as he said, “It sounds amazing, especially considering I took this fight on four days’ notice.”

He further added, “Just stayed ready. I’m here, I’m ready. I’m happy, I would have liked to make the fight a little more exciting. Four days’ notice, I stepped up, I was ready and we came in and got the job done.” He might have let his opponent’s actions slide, but the MMA community did not.

Fans up in arms as Nikolay Veretennikov disappoints at UFC Seattle

After UFC Seattle, the UFC might have to cut Nikolay Veretennikov from the roster, considering they have given him three chances to prove himself in the Octagon, and he has failed on all three occasions. He lost his DWCS fight against Michael Morales, then fell short against Danny Barlow, and was ultimately humiliated by Austin Vanderford. Looking at this a fan stated, “he’ll be pumping my gas at Shell by Monday.” 

Dana White has little tolerance for crass behavior as he has a record of removing fighters after unsettling behavior. Last year Igor Severino was removed from the roster after noting his opponent Andre Lima in a fight and it appears Nikolay Veretennikov might follow the same fate, “Hopefully the UFC immediately cuts him. You don’t do that s— after the ref calls is.”

More fans called for Nikolay Veretennikov’s removal from the roster, “Bro did this as a 12-6 fighter. He’ll be putting the fries in the bag by Monday.”  The Kazakh fighter is currently on a three-fight losing streak under the promotion. Dana White might reconsider this signing after this antic.“Good way to get fired.” Last but not least, despite the performance, taking defeat gracefully is the mark of a true champion, but Veretennikov may have fallen short, “Nikolay was a big disappointment!”

UFC Seattle was indeed a victorious endeavor for Austin Vanderford. His arrival in the welterweight division might be a threat to some fighters. Given that, what are your thoughts on this fight? State your opinion in the comments below.