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UFC Vegas was hit by the unfortunate cancelation of two bouts - Trevin Giles vs Kevin Holland and Ed Herman vs Gerald Meerschaert. In the first one, Trevin Giles had passed out. In the second bout, Gerald Meerschaert had tested positive for COVID-19, forcing him to withdraw from the card.
Regardless, the card went on as proceeded with just four fights, including a three-round main event. The card was originally scheduled to be headlined between former UFC Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm and Irene Aldana, but Aldana tested positive for COVID-19 and we had a three-round main event at UFC Vegas 5 instead.
#4. Lando Vannata vs Bobby Green open UFC Vegas 5
Round 1: UFC veteran Lando Vannata started on the front foot against Bobby Green and landed a right hook that caused Green to lose balance. Vannata took his back and attacked him. Green knocked Vannata down with a right and though he got back on one foot, he was taken down immediately. Vannata managed to get out of it. Green ended the round with a solid jab.
Round 2: Bobby Green went for a close clinch and hit the knees to open the round. Vannata was on the front foot right after and had his hands down momentarily, for some reason. He landed a good shot and went for a guillotine attempt. It then led to the two keeping their distance and attempting jabs and Vannata got the takedown, but couldn't keep him down for long. Vannata landed a jab to seemingly secure the second round.
Round 3: The third round started with a vicious exchange and a counter punch landed clean for Green and he knocked Vannata down. Vannata managed the recovery well and landed a big shot in the round with a minute left. Green landed a one-two and ate a right hand. Vannata landed a body shot to end the fight.
Bobby Green def. Lando Vannata by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
#3. Vicente Luque vs Randy Brown
Round 1: Vicente Luque started going after Randy Brown's lead leg to try and take away his jab. Randy Brown wasn't checking the constant leg kicks. Luque landed a vicious right that knocked Randy Brown down. Brown stalled Luque by wrapping his arm around Luque's head - to no effect. They were back on the feet. Brown grabbed the fence momentarily as well, but it was a clear round for Luque.
Round 2: A kick to the groin of Randy Brown started round two. A calf kick knocked Randy Brown down and Luque allowed the fight to get back to the feet. Another kick to the legs caused an imbalance to Brown and he fired back, only to get pressed against the fence again with the pressure. Randy Brown landed a nice shot and then a nice takedown. A knee to Brown saw the beginning of the end and three shots meant a great finish for Vicente Luque.
Vicente Luque def. Randy Brown by KO (Round 2, 4:56)
After the fight, Vicente Luque called out Nate Diaz, who is a rank below him.
#2. Joanne Calderwood vs Jennifer Maia
Joanne Calderwood didn't need to take this fight, as she had already secured a title shot against Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko. However, she chose to remain active and cement her place, while Jennifer Maia tried to play the spoilsport.
Round 1: Joanne Calderwood and Jennifer Maia started with a stand-up exchange right away. Maia came in with the boxing approach and she landed the first two major strikes. Maia continued to outland Calderwood but was caught with a front kick and taken down. Calderwood utilized it brilliantly but Maia caught her arm in a submission attempt. Jennifer Maia secured the first-round submission to make Joanne Calderwood tap out.
Jennifer Maia def. Joanne Calderwood by submission (armbar) (Rd 1,
Jennifer Maia secured a Top 5 ranking in the Flyweight division following her fifth submission victory and her sixth first-round finish. However, given that Joanne Calderwood was next in line for a title shot, it certainly throws a wrench in the Flyweight title plans, since Maia was coming off a loss to Katlyn Chookagian.
However, Valentina Shevchenko tweeted out and seemed to confirm that Maia will be next in line for a shot.
#1. Derek Brunson vs Edmen Shahbazyan
Round 1: Derek Brunson started with a head kick attempt that was blocked. Ronda Rousey's training partner Edmen Shahbazyan landed a body shot in the first thirty seconds. He landed another and within the next minute, he started to block Brunson's kick and landed a clean shot. Brunson landed a shot and got a takedown on Shahbazyan. The young prospect landed a right after escaping and started using his power, with Brunson retreating. Herb Dean stopped it momentarily for a possible groin shot, but Brunson didn't seem bothered.
Shabazyan tried a knee but was caught and Brunson transitioned into a takedown. Shahbazyan got the clinch and they soon separated. Brunson ate a small elbow but had a smart round.
Round 2: Shabazyan landed a big body kick to start round two. Derek Brunson got a takedown but couldn't do anything to it. Brunson tried to get in the left hands immediately but Shahbazyan managed to escape. Shahbazyan was affected by an eye poke from Brunson. Herb Dean asked if he needed a Doctor to come in, but he refused.
Derek Brunson started with his flurry of left-hand shots after the fight resumed. Shahbazyan was answering back with shots of his own. Brunson was going with the pressure and utilized foot stomps. Brunson pinned Shahbazyan down and landed a couple of shots before taking his back. Shahbazyan was in major trouble and he was opened up. While it looked like Brunson finished the fight, he was saved by the buzzer. Herb Dean didn't stop the fight, but he called the doctor in.
Round 3: Derek Brunson was quick to land shots and a takedown with an easy sweep. With Shahbazyan having no answer to Brunson's offense, Herb Dean was quick to stop the fight.
Derek Brunson def. Edmen Shahbazyan by TKO (Rd 3, 0:26)
