UFC 289
Review
The spectators at Rogers Arena certainly got to see something. Concentrated Brazilian power and successful hometown heroes – for you in our UFC 289 review.
Obrigado Amanda
A great woman hangs up her gloves
25 wins, 12 title fights, 10 title defenses. These are the numbers that arguably the best female UFC fighter of all time is ending her career. At 35, Amanda Nunes has achieved everything she could have otherwise only dreamed of. The double champ and GOAT announced her retirement from the Octagon after a flawless performance against the defeated Irene Aldana.
The fight itself demonstrated once again that only the absolute martial arts elite can even come close to holding a candle to the "Lioness." However, after this performance, Irene Aldana can't be counted among them. The Mexican appeared passive and intimidated throughout the entire 25 minutes, dominated both on the stand and on the ground. The bare numbers speak for themselves: 196 strikes to 57, 6 takedowns to 0, and a whopping seven minutes of ground control. Irene Aldana missed her big opportunity – and Amanda Nunes bowed out with honor. A Fighter Focus will be uploaded to the platform in honor of the Lioness in due course, so stay tuned...
Charles "DoBronx" Oliveira
The Champion has a Name
The main event, which many considered rather boring, did not spoil the evening in any way thanks to one man. He's talking about Charles Oliveira. Many had already given the role of favorite to Beneil Dariush, who had previously won eight fights. To be fair, it was clear why. The American started the fight explosively and quickly managed to establish a dominant position. From top position, he pounded his fists on the Brazilian, who was lying on his back, and who was rarely able to counter with punches and elbows from a defensive stance. What followed, however, was "vintage" Charles Oliveira.
As in many previous fights, "DoBronx" showed that you always have to be on your guard around him, no matter how battered and outmatched he may be. After four minutes of being behind, Oliveira managed to break free from the clinch and get the fight back on its feet. A powerful head kick through the guard staggered Dariush. A series of good punches followed. Oliveira had tasted blood and was able to finish the fight in the final minute of round 1.
"Against Makhachev, you saw 10% of 'DoBronx,' now it was 120%," followed the post-fight interview. For a self-confident Oliveira, it's all about one thing: the title. Who can blame him after such an incredible performance?
Happy Canadians
Successful card in Vancouver
Of course, we don't want to withhold the three fights before the two main events from you. The two local heroes, Mike Mallot and Marc-Andre Barriault, had their fellow countrymen cheering. Both won their fights and went home with the Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonus, respectively. Also victorious was the American Dan Ige.
The almost 18,000 spectators in Vancouver got their money's worth that evening with the victories of their compatriots and the two Brazilian powerhouses.
What happens next?
Fresh wind in the female divisions, old title fight in the men's lightweight
After the rather surprising retirement of the GOAT, the women's bantamweight division will have a new champion. A fight between Raquel Pennington and former titleholder Juliana Peña seems very likely. According to Dana White, the women's featherweight division will likely be over.
The situation is quite different for the men's lightweight division. After this spectacular performance, Oliveira has definitely put himself in contention for a title shot, and we're certain of it. The following reason makes us so certain: Oliveira has defeated every top-five contender in the lightweight division, except for champion Islam Makhachev. The Brazilian definitely deserves a rematch.