The last event of the year 2022 for promotion, UFC Vegas 66, took place at UFC APEX on Dec. 17, featuring the middleweights Jared Cannonier and Sean Strickland. Markedly, the Fight Night event on Saturday had no title fights, but the event offered fighters a chance to rise to the occasion and jump in the ranks. While the event almost flew under the radar in its build-up, the stacked event offered exciting matchups and high-paced action. Similarly, the event had the potential to leave an imprint on the upcoming year. However, one prelims card fight involving Rafa Garcia and Maheshate attracted the attention of the fans, which ended with a pool of blood on the mat.
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Notably, both fighters engaged in a back-and-forth fight where the Mexican fighter scored a victory via unanimous decision after going to a war front.
How did the fans and UFC fighters react to the bloody fight at UFC Vegas 66?
While some fans praised the ability of Rafa Garcia to take shots, others expressed their concern for the fighter who appeared in a bad state throughout the fight.
The UFC fighter Terrance ‘T Wrecks’ McKinney commented, “It’s a crime scene in there”
It’s a crime scene in there
— Terrance ‘T Wrecks’ McKinney (@twrecks155) December 17, 2022
Another UFC star, Belal Muhammad, wrote, “Garcia is a tough fight for anyone”
Garcia is a tough fight for anyone
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) December 17, 2022
A fan penned, “It’s okay guys I think Garcia doesn’t have any blood left to bleed.”
It’s okay guys I think Garcia doesn’t have any blood left to bleed.
— Tommy Toe Hold (@TommyToeHold) December 17, 2022
— MMA Fire 2.0 (@FireMMAVids) December 17, 2022
SO MUCH BLOOD#UFCVegas66 pic.twitter.com/Ce48oVhisB
— MMA mania (@mmamania) December 17, 2022
Garcia is a tough fight for anyone
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) December 17, 2022
Isn't it absolutely hilarious when Dominick Cruz complains about decisions when he shows quite clearly on commentary he hasn't a clue what he's talking about with the criteria. Incredible. Robbery!
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) December 17, 2022
Live look at Rafa Garcia's chin pic.twitter.com/CrhDHgbfrN
— Boogerbeard (@Boogerbeard1) December 17, 2022
Hell yeah #UFCVegas66 pic.twitter.com/wIlqsg052U
— Connoisseur of Combat (@ConOfCombat) December 17, 2022
What happened in the fight?
Both the fighters fought a competitive first round and exchanged some mouth-watering combos. However, the scene shifted quickly in the second as the Mexican fighter appeared with blood dripping from his face.
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The situation worsened as the second round progressed, prompting commentators to call for the stoppage of the fighter. But, the referee remained stern in his stand, so as ‘Gifted’ to not give up.
The 28-year-old fighter relied on grappling skills to catch his breath and give himself some space to work out the fight. Therefore, the Elevation Fight Team representative, while bled, never gave his younger opponent a chance to capitalize.
The 15-3 record holder effectively employed the same tactic in the third round. Thus, he ended with a ground control time of 6 minutes, which boosted his chances of a win after being on the verge of doctor-stoppage after the end of the second round.
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What do you think of this bout? Let us know in the comments below.
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