In the co-main event of UFC Vegas 50, we saw a banger in the bantamweight division. Former title challenger “Magic” Marlon Moraes (23-9-1) returned as he took on the surging young contender in Song Yadong (18-6-1).
Entering UFC Vegas 50, Moraes is 1-4 in his last five fights including a three-fight losing streak. The last time we saw him was against Merab Dvialishvili at UFC 266. After a hot start, Moraes really gassed out and Merab ended up scoring the TKO win. In this current stretch, Moraes has been finished in all three fights.
While he’s not taking on the elite of the division, he’s taking on perhaps the future of the division. It’s crazy that Song Yadong will be fighting his tenth UFC fight and he doesn’t even turn 25 until December. Yadong entered the octagon tonight with a record of 7-1-1 the UFC.
UFC Vegas 50 Recap
Round 1
The UFC Vegas 50 bantamweight contest kicked off with a touch of the gloves. Yadong immediately comes forward and the two exchange combinations inside. Pressure from Yadong and Moraes looks to land his jab. Moraes light on his feet and then he almost gets sat down by a big right hand.
Big combination from Yadong who is very heavy on the pressure here. Huge uppercut from Yadong, but Moraes backs him up with a very stiff jab. Combination to the body lands for Yadong. Uppercut and straight right lands for Moraes.
Another nice right hand lands for Marlon Moraes. Jab lands for Moraes and then a massive combination lands for Yadong. Moraes is out and this one is over. Huge performance from Song Yadong at UFC Vegas 50.
Song Yadong def. Marlon Moraes by KO – Round 1