In the co-main event of tonight’s UFC Vegas 12 card, Bryce Mitchell (13-0) took on Andre Fili (21-7). Thug Nasty was looking to remain unbeaten while Touchy Fili was looking to remain sort of a gate keeper of the UFC‘s featherweight division.
Over the last few years, Fili has fought some of the best guys in the world. He’s put together some good wins, and he’s only lost to some of the best that the division has to offer. If Mitchell could get by Fili, it would say a lot about where Thug Nasty is in the UFC‘s featherweight division.
UFC Vegas Co-Main Event
As the UFC Vegas 12 co-main event got underway, Fili looked to work the jab. Mitchell landed a really nice leg kick to get his striking started. Thug Nasty shot in for a nice takedown in the opening minute. Fili defended well initially, but Mitchell was able to get him down.
Fili kept trying to work his way up, but every time he did, Mitchell got him back down. Halfway through the round and Mitchell started landing some good ground and pound. After Fili forced a scramble, Mitchell took him right down and landed in the mount position.
Fili did get back to his feet finally with a minute left, but was taken right back down. Dominant opening round for Thug Nasty. Mitchell opened the second round with some solid strikes. Thug Nasty was getting the better of the striking in the second.
Fili did start landing some clean jabs a minute into the round. Mitchell went in for a takedown, but Fili landed a clean knee that backed up Mitchell. Fili started walking Mitchell down, but Mitchell was able to fire back. Mitchell shot deep in for a takedown, but couldn’t land it.
After Fili landed a couple of additional clean shots, Mitchell shot in deep for a takedown and got it. Mitchell tried to lock up a choke from side control, but Fili defended well. Mitchell kept the fight on the ground, but a scramble allowed Fili up in the final few seconds.
Thug Nasty’s Superior Grappling
Entering the final round of the UFC Vegas 12 co-main event, I had the fight one round a piece. Fili seemed fresher as the final round started. However, Mitchell landed some really clean shots to open the final frame.
Mitchell got in deep on a shot in the opening minute and took Fili down. Fili was able to work his way back up to his feet after a minute on his back, however, Mitchell took him right back down. Fili exploded into a reversal that found him on top.
Mitchell worked his way back up to his feet almost immediately. Thug Nasty landed a clean right on the feet before taking Fili right back down. Mitchell was able to work his way to the mount, however, Fili defended well. However, Fili was running out of time in this one.
As the fight entered the final minute, Mitchell started landing some clean ground and pound. Fili forced one final scramble in the last few seconds, but Mitchell took him down again before the bell. Very impressive performance from Thug Nasty who remained perfect in his UFC career.
Bryce “Thug Nasty” Mitchell def Andre “Touchy” Fili by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)