Noche UFC marked an important event for the company’s history. With many fighters sporting the Mexican flag on their walks to the cage, it was only right the UFC celebrated Mexican independence day and give those fighters a special night to compete on. Stacked top to bottom with some of Mexico’s brightest talent, the card was headlined with a women’s flyweight championship belt between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko.
While the headline title fight finished in heavy controversy with Grasso retaining her belt via split draw, many other fighters stepped up on their biggest night of the year and put on a performance for the ages.
UFC Noche: Raul Rosas Jr.
Without a doubt Raul Rosas Jr. was the night’s biggest winner. Coming off a disappointing loss against Christian Rodriguez at UFC 287, Rosas Jr. had many doubters in the lead up to this fight. Many believed the eighteen year old simply wasn’t cut out for the big show yet. Rosas Jr. had different plans. He faced off against Terrance Mitchell and showcased why he’s one of the biggest and brightest talents on the entire UFC roster.
Rosas Jr. known for his fantastic grappling showed everyone on Saturday night that he is very capable in a striking match. “El Niño Problema” dropped Mitchell early in the first round and finished the fight via TKO. The youngest fighter on the UFC roster earned himself another ‘Performance of the Night’ and left with another 50k in his pocket.
“I’m different. I have potential to be a superstar. Break all these records,” Rosas Jr. said in the post-fight press conference. “ I’m blessed, and I’m just being myself. I’m blessed that I am the way I am and I know I have potential to become one of the biggest superstars [in] this company.”
Loopy Godinez
Another Mexican fighter that dominated her respected bout was UFC women’s strawweight, Loopy Godinez. After her bout with Sam Hughes was canceled for Noche UFC, Godinez found herself slated to face Elise Reed. Reed also saw her opponent, Cynthia Calvillo, pull out of her fight on the card. The two both agreed to fight one another on short notice to stay on the historic fight night. Godinez dominated the fight for as long as it lasted.
Known for her strong wrestling and submission skills, Godinez showcased a refined striking game that earned her a first round knockdown, the first knockdown she’s landed in her UFC career. Perhaps thanks to her move to Lobo Gym MMA to join Alexa Grasso and Irene Aldana.
Once the fight inevitably hit the ground, it was Godinez who dictated every transition or submission attempt thrown Reed’s way. Reed was able to escape a set of crafty armbar attempts thrown her way to enter a second round. Despite an early hip toss from Reed in the second round, Godinez instantly reversed the position and eventually sunk in a rear naked choke to end the fight in the second round.
The win marks three straight for the Mexican prospect who will likely take another large step up in competition the next time she competes.
“[The performance] was so special. I can feel the crowd, I can feel the energy. I can feel it all,” Godinez said in her post-fight interview with UFC.com. “Switching to Lobo Gym has been a blessing to me. I can feel it, I show it and I’m just so happy. I’m happier than ever. I feel better than ever and from here I’m just gonna keep improving. I have so many challenges in that gym.”
Roman Kopylov
Russian middleweight Roman Kopylov proved Saturday night that he is a real threat in the division. Despite starting his UFC career 0-2, Kopylov came into this fight sporting a three fight win streak that saw all fights end in a TKO finish. Kopylov entered the Octagon to face Josh Fremd, and from the opening bell showcased his much improved skillset. On the feet, Koplyov butchered the American middleweight with heavy kicks and punches. When Fremd felt overwhelmed, Kopylov stuffed all five takedown attempts. It was clear early on in the fight that Kopylov was close to another TKO finish.
The finish came in the second round after a nasty bodyshot sent Fremd crashing to the canvas. With four straight TKO/KO finishes, it’s clear that Kopylov has evolved well past his early losses in the UFC. It’s likely the Russian middleweight prospect is nearing a ranked fight as he continues to put away whoever the UFC throws his way.
Let us know your thoughts on Noche UFC in the comments below!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
