Kicking off the main card of UFC 276 tonight was a bantamweight contest featuring one of the bigger stars in the sport. The Suga Show returned as “Suga” Sean O’Malley (15-1) took on his highest ranked opponent to date in Pedro Munhoz (19-7).
Pedro Munhoz is clocking in at ninth in the current UFC bantamweight rankings. You’d think that’s high for a guy who is just 1-4 in his last five. However, the four losses all came against guys who have worn UFC gold and one was a decision that could’ve easily gone his way. He was looking to snap a two-fight losing streak tonight.
Since losing his lone professional fight to Chito Vera, Sean O’Malley has gone 3-0 with three knockouts. Granted, the competition level hasn’t been that high. This is the type of fight he needs to get him to the next level.
UFC 276 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 276 bantamweight contest starts with an exchange of low kicks. O’Malley holding the center and Munhoz is very light on his feet. Lots of feints from O’Malley in the opening minute. Front kicks to the body for O’Malley and two calf kicks from Munhoz.
Another front kick for O’Malley and another calf kick for Munhoz. Looks like Munhoz is really investing in those calf kicks. Big jab from O’Malley lands. Another low kick from Munhoz and O’Malley ups the pressure.
Nice jab from O’Malley who is trying to keep this fight at range. Spinning back kick from O’Malley and Munhoz responds with three straight calf kicks. Two minutes left in the round and there still hasn’t been any big moments. Just as I say that, O’Malley lands a big right over the top.
O’Malley works his way in and lands a left. Munhoz responds with several kicks. Jab from O’Malley and Munhoz tries to pressure. Another low kick from Munhoz and O’Malley tries a high kick. Spinning back kick from O’Malley and a leg kick from Munhoz. Round comes to a close and I have it 1-0 Munhoz at UFC 276.
Round 2
Entering the second at UFC 276 and honestly that first could’ve gone either way. Low kick from Munhoz starts the striking and O’Malley starts the pressure. O’Malley pressures and he lands a nice right over the top and just misses a nice wheel kick.
Munhoz right back on the leg kicks. Body kick from Munhoz and he tries to follow with a leg kick. Calf kick from Munhoz and now O’Malley tries to up the pressure to stop the kicks. Nice 1-2 from O’Malley and Munhoz lands a leg kick counter.
Halfway through the round and this round is anyone’s for the taking, but Munhoz continues chopping at the legs. Another leg kick lands. Jab from O’Malley stings Munhoz but Munhoz just circles away. Double jab from Munhoz lands then an accidental eye poke pauses the action.
The eye poke is going to end the fight. Munhoz can’t see and this one ends in a No Contest at UFC 276.
Sean O’Malley and Pedro Munhoz fight to a No Contest