- George Chung
- Jun 8, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 16, 2024
In an electrifying evening of mixed martial arts, UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Imavov captivated fans at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. This marquee event not only showcased a series of thrilling bouts but also set a new attendance record, drawing an impressive 19,578 fans and generating gate sales of $2.5 million. Broadcasted live on ESPN+, the fight card featured fourteen bouts, including high-stakes knockouts and technical submissions.
The highlight of the evening was the middleweight showdown between Nassourdine Imavov and Jared Cannonier. In a stunning performance, Imavov secured a knockout victory over Cannonier at 1:34 of the fourth round. Utilizing a formidable combination of punches and knees, Imavov's striking prowess was on full display, signaling his rise in the middleweight ranks.
The co-main event saw Dominick Reyes return to form against Dustin Jacoby in the light heavyweight division. Reyes demonstrated his striking capabilities, ending the fight with a decisive knockout via punches and a knee at 2:00 of the first round. This victory marks a significant comeback for Reyes, positioning him as a serious contender in the division.
The bantamweight bout between Raul Rosas Jr. and Ricky Turcios was a showcase of grappling excellence. Rosas Jr. secured a submission victory with a rear-naked choke at 2:22 in the second round, highlighting his potential as a future star in the division.
In another middleweight contest, Brunno Ferreira delivered a spectacular knockout against Dustin Stoltzfus. A perfectly timed spinning elbow at 4:51 of the first round ended the fight, marking Ferreira's explosive UFC debut.
Julian Marquez faced Zach Reese in a middleweight bout that concluded dramatically. Reese's powerful uppercut followed by hammerfists led to a knockout just 20 seconds into the first round, signaling his arrival on the big stage.
The preliminary fights were not short on action, with standout performances across multiple weight classes. In the welterweight division, Miguel Baeza faced off against Punahele Soriano, who won by unanimous decision after three hard-fought rounds.
The flyweight rematch between Andrea Lee and Montana De La Rosa ended in a split decision in favor of De La Rosa, showcasing her improved tactical skills and determination.
In the opening bout, Puja Tomar from India was victorious in her strawweight battle against Rayanne Amanda, marking India's first ever victory in the UFC.
