UFC Vegas 101: Records Shattered, Bonuses Awarded, And Dern's Dominant Display
A Night of Milestones and Memorable Performances
UFC Vegas 101, held on June 25, 2023, at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, proved to be an unforgettable night of action. The event witnessed records shattered, bonuses awarded, and a dominant display from Mackenzie Dern that left a lasting impression.
Records Shattered: Santos and Du Plessis Make History
Two fighters etched their names in UFC history books during UFC Vegas 101. Thiago Santos and JP Du Plessis both set records in their respective divisions.
Thiago Santos: The Brazilian veteran became the first fighter in UFC middleweight history to record three consecutive submission victories. Santos displayed his exceptional grappling skills, submitting Anthony Hernandez with a rear-naked choke in the second round.
JP Du Plessis: The South African heavyweight made history by becoming the first fighter in the division to win two consecutive fights by knockout in under three minutes. Du Plessis delivered a thunderous left hook to defeat Andrei Arlovski in just 78 seconds.
Bonuses Awarded: Recognition for Exceptional Performances
The UFC recognized several fighters for their outstanding performances at Vegas 101 with performance bonuses:
| Fighter | Bonus |
|---|---|
| Thiago Santos | Performance of the Night |
| JP Du Plessis | Performance of the Night |
| MacKenzie Dern | Fight of the Night |
| Charles Jourdain | Fight of the Night |
Dern's Dominant Display: A Grappling Masterclass
Mackenzie Dern continued her impressive run in the UFC with a dominant victory over Yan Xiaonan. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt showcased her exceptional grappling skills, controlling Xiaonan on the ground throughout the fight.
Dern secured a rear-naked choke submission in the first round, extending her undefeated streak in the UFC to six fights. Her grappling prowess and submission ability have established her as a formidable contender in the strawweight division.
Critical Perspectives: Analyzing the Discourse
UFC Vegas 101 sparked various perspectives and discussions within the MMA community:
- Santos' Submission Streak: Fighters and fans praised Santos' grappling ability, highlighting his unique blend of power and technique. However, some raised concerns about the level of competition he has faced and questioned whether he could sustain his success against elite middleweights.
- Du Plessis' Knockouts: While Du Plessis' quick knockouts were impressive, some argued that it is too early to label him as a serious title threat. His sample size is limited, and fighters with explosive power often struggle with consistency.
- Dern's Dominance: Dern's grappling skills were universally praised, but some questioned her striking ability and ability to handle more aggressive opponents.
Conclusion: Reflections and Implications
UFC Vegas 101 was a significant event marked by record-breaking performances, bonus-worthy displays, and a dominant grappling clinic from Mackenzie Dern. The fighters involved continued to demonstrate the depths of their abilities, while the event sparked important discussions about their potential and the future of UFC competition.
As the UFC continues to evolve, fighters like Santos, Du Plessis, and Dern push the boundaries of the sport. Their performances not only entertain fans but also provide valuable insights into the ever-changing landscape of mixed martial arts.
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