UFC 282 Results: Ilia Topuria forces submission out of Bryce Mitchell in Round 2
Ilia Topuria delivered on his promise to turn heads with his performance at UFC 282. The featherweight power puncher submitted grappling specialist Bryce Mitchell to snap his undefeated record.
'El Matador' was the aggressor from the opening sequence of the fight and made his intentions of chasing the finish quite clear. Mitchell was backtracking in an attempt to avoid heavy punches with Topuria hot on his heels.
Ilia Topuria scored a huge knockdown in the second round with an overhand right and jumped in for a guillotine attempt. Bryce Mitchell scrambled his way back to the feet only for 'El Matador' to land a vicious uppercut and a bunch of follow-up shots that floored 'Thug Nasty'.
Instead of wasting his time with ground-and-pound, the 25-year-old transitioned to an arm triangle attempt, forcing the tap out of his opponent at the 3:10 mark of the second round.
Watch the finish below:
Ilia Topuria submits Bryce Mitchell!!!!
https://t.co/J7z9F1fmpe
With this statement-making performance, Ilia Topuria is ready to catapult into the featherweight title contention conversation and the fiery Spaniard extended his undefeated record to 13-0.
After only five fights under the UFC banner, Topuria has emerged as a chronic threat to fellow 145-pound contenders. Four of his five victories in the UFC have come by means of a finish, making him an exciting prospect and surging contender.
Ilia Topuria calls out Brian Ortega for a fight in Spain
Ilia Topuria sure knows how to make an impression when it matters the most. 'El Matador' opened the massive UFC 282 pay-per-view card with an exciting performance that enthralled the fans in attendance.
The Georgian-Spanish contender submitted Bryce Mitchell, an accomplished grappler with nine submission victories under his belt.
ILIA TOPURIA TAPS BRYCE MITCHELL IN ROUND TWO #UFC282 https://t.co/ssYJ7y0S1R
Speaking with Joe Rogan in the post-fight octagon interview, 'El Matador' called for a title shot and a fight against former title challenger Brian Ortega:
"I want a title fight next. If not, bring T-City [Brian Ortega] to Madrid city. Let's go! Let's do UFC Spain."
Brian Ortega is currently recovering from a dislocated shoulder he sustained in his last fight against Yair Rodriguez in July earlier this year. The American is currently on a two-fight losing skid and a victory over the No.3-ranked contender will get Topuria closer to the title contention spot.
Watch Topuria's post-fight interview below: