UFC Vegas 95 Results: So… About Last Night | Tybura vs. Spivac 2

Last night (Sat., Aug. 10, 2024), the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to Las Vegas, Nevada at the UFC Apex for UFC Vegas 95. It was arguably the least anticipated event of the year. The main event featured a rematch that no one really asked for, and half of the competitors either withdrew or missed weight in the final days. In total, though, there were still 20 athletes there to put it all on the line, which always guaranteed at least a few interesting moments… but not much more, if we're being honest.

Let’s take a look back at the best performances and techniques from UFC Vegas 95:

Spivac takes revenge

Serghei Spivac avenged his 2020 loss to Marcin Tybura in excellent fashion. It didn't last very long, but the Moldovan “Polar Bear” was still able to show improved hand speed, quality wrestling and excellent jiu-jitsu in just about half a round. We've never seen Tybura forced to submit in his professional career, let alone with the classic armbar from full guard.

It's an award for Spivac, a testament to his progress and potential. At 29, Spivac isn't the most spectacular heavyweight prospect, but he could still reach elite caliber if he continues to improve. At the very least, he has a long career ahead of him, one in which he can defeat heavyweights who can't wrestle at all (Tybura does). not fall into this category), which is not a bad way to earn a living.

Photo by Al Powers/Zuffa LLC

Mariscal overpowers Jackson

The co-main event between Chepe Mariscal and Damon Jackson was supposed to be a highlight, and the duo delivered. The atmosphere was chaotic from the start, as both wrestlers chased takedowns and reversals.

Mariscal's judo background made all the difference, allowing him to land a few nifty throws when clinch work threatened to stall. In addition, Mariscal was able to pull away with devastating close-range strikes. Whenever he gained a momentary position of control or even blocked a blow from Jackson, Mariscal would hit his opponent in the nose with surprisingly hard arm strikes.

Those punches and the fast pace really wore Jackson down over time. What started as a competitive fight turned into a total rout by the end of the second round. Jackson got a little second wind in the third round and saw the final bell, but Mariscal's undefeated UFC run continued regardless.

He just has to make the weight next time.

Photo by Al Powers/Zuffa LLC

A tale of two BANGER rounds

Toshiomi Kazama vs. Charalampos Grigoriou was unexpectedly great.

Japan's “Silent Finisher” went into this fight with a must-win mindset after losing his first two UFC fights. He started off strong and got into his stride immediately – and I mean immediately! On the ground, he showed off his slick transitional grappling, switching positions and attacking submissions with impressive speed.

Grigoriou was also looking to score his first UFC win and found that the first round did not go so well. “The Ferocious” New Yorker lived up to his nickname, storming forward with wild swings and knocking Kazama to the ground. The beating did not stop there, because Kazama, barely conscious, had to take a dozen hard elbow strikes while lying on the ground.

Kazama wasn't really there, but somehow he managed to hold on to the guard and survive the onslaught. When Grigoriou finally ran out of steam, Kazama applied a triangle choke and forced his opponent to submit! It was an impressive display of endurance after a beautiful grappling show. While it wasn't the cleanest win anyone could get, it was absolutely memorable.

Photo by Al Powers/Zuffa LLC

Further considerations

• Karol Rosa Defeats Pannie Kianzad by unanimous decision: Rosa has emerged as a rare bright spot in the 135-pound division, a division I couldn't care less about overall. This division seems to be constantly overrun by the same handful of aging contenders, but Rosa is an exception! At 29, she is developing into a real contender with excellent kickboxing and devastating calf kicks. Her last two fights have been a lot of fun and have made her a real standout in the division, which just wasn't the case a few years ago. She brutalized Kianzad, hacking her leg to pieces and then delivering nasty cuts with repeated elbow strikes, while also scoring a few takedowns along the way.
• Youssef Zalal Defeats Jarno Errens by Rear Naked Choke in the second round (HIGHLIGHTS): “The Moroccan Devil” was one of the biggest favorites on the card and he looked it too! Zalal's moves immediately left his opponent running into empty space while he dished out hard kicks to the calf. He controlled the exchanges well and had a perfect time for a takedown towards the end of the first round. As soon as Errens got up, Zalal jumped on his back and locked him in the body triangle. The choke came soon after, securing Zalal his second flawless UFC win of 2024.

The complete results and match reports for UFC Vegas 95: “Tybura vs. Spivac 2” can be found here: HERE!