UFC Vegas 97: Trevor Peek vs. Yanal Ashmouz: Live round-by-round updates
UFC lightweight contenders Trevor Peek and Yanal Ashmouz will square off in a pivotal encounter on the main card of the UFC Vegas 97 showcase.
Peek has recorded a 2-2 his first four UFC fights, alternating between wins and losses. The 29-year-old graduated from the ranks of 'Dana White's Contender Series' with a TKO victory over Malik Lewis. He entered the UFC as an undefeated fighter. However, he has dropped two unanimous decision losses against Jose Mariscal and Charlie Campbell and will be keen on restoring the form of his dominant self against Ashmouz.
Meanwhile, Ashmouz made his promotional debut against Sam Patterson at UFC 286 and won the fight by knockout. He succumbed to the first loss of his professional career against Chris Duncan in his last octagon outing by unanimous decision. 'Red Fox' boats an 86% finish rate, a testament to his killer instinct in fights.
Fight fans can catch the coverage of UFC Vegas 97 on Sept. 7 on ESPN+. The prelims will begin at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT, followed by the main card at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live updates and play-by-play coverage of the Trevor Peek vs. Yanal Ashmouz clash.
Round 1
Peek starts as the aggressor with straight punches. Ashmouz fires back with overhand rights and tries to get in with the double leg. This has been a fistfight over who can lead the dance so far. Peek over commits to the overhand right swing and gets taken down with a beautiful double leg by Ashmouz. He laces the legs and applies pressure from the top to establish top control. Peek manages to circle back and escapes the clinch to reestablish center control. He lands five quick jabs and Ashmouz enters with a body clinch attempt. He scores with a few rabbit punches against the fence. A good start to the fight so far!
Our Score: 10-9 Ashmouz
Round 2
Ashmouz seems to be waiting for Peek to make a mistake and counter. Peek pressures his opponent against the cage and stifles him with two looping punches. The American lands a stinging combination moments later that suggests a stronger round for Peek. The Tennessee native is sacrificing defensive standards for brute force and gets taken down by Ashmouz again. The Israeli tries to establish top control but Peek manages to posture up and establish a stronger frame against the cage. Ashmouz takes down Peek again clocking his seventh takedown of the fight so far.
Our Score: 10-9 Ashmouz
Round 3
Peek puts his foot on the pedal with recognition that he might need a finish to snatch the win. He opens up with body kicks and gets the better of his rival in range. Peek's team urges him to invest in the bodywork and switch stances. Ashmouz initiates a grappling exchange with the clinch and opts for the whizzer in the battle of underhooks. He takes Peek down momentarily and attacks with his knees to the body. Peek taps into the dwindling reserves of energy and fuels a fiery exchange against Ashmouz. The Israeli recognizes the risk of being involved in a firefight and resorts to his grappling prowess. He scores a ninth takedown and finishes the fight on top.
Our Score: 10-9 Ashmouz
Official Result:
Yanal Ashmouz defeats Trevor Peek via unanimous decision with scores of 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28.