Cory Sandhagen finishes Song Yadong

The main event was declared a doctor's stoppage because of a cut above Song Yadong's eye. Credits to: Chris Unger-Zuffa LLC

Going into the fifth round of yesterday’s Bantamweight main event, Cory Sandhagen and Song Yadong were tied at two rounds apiece until the doctor called a stop to the contest due to a very large cut on Song’s eyebrow. The cut opened early into the fight, and right when it happened, the commentary team knew that it could hinder the result of the fight. Despite the fight being very competitive, the damage Sandhagen did to that cut affected Song’s vision as the blood trickled into his eye. Cory Sandhagen proved that with this win, he still belongs amongst the Bantamweight elite, and called out Merab Dvalishvili for a fight afterward.

Gregory Rodrigues fights back from the brink of being finished

Gregory Rodrigues gets treated in between rounds of his fight with Chidi Njokuani. Credits to: Chris Unger-Zuffa LLC

In the co-main event, Gregory Rodrigues proved exactly why his nickname is Robocop. Early into the first round, Njokuani landed a flush knee that opened up a massive gash on Rodrigues’ forehead. Blood gushed out of the wound into Rodrigues’ eyes, but he showed his extreme toughness by staying composed after a massive shot that rocked him. Rodrigues’ injury did not seem to affect him throughout the fight, as he went on to finish Njokuani in the second round by ground and pound, despite a high possibility that the doctor would stop the fight after the first. It was a huge win for Gregory, stopping the massive hype train of Chidi Njokuani, and he rightfully deserves a top fifteen opponent next.

Andre Fili Earns a Razor Close Decision Win

Andre Fili reacts after narrowly defeating Bill Algeo by Split Decision. Credits to: Chris Unger-Zuffa LLC

Andre Fili and Bill Alvey had a very competitive back-and-forth fight, in which all three judges could not agree on a winner. Two judges gave the fight to Fili, while one gave the fight to Algeo. According to the Verdict Scorecard, Fili narrowly won the first and third rounds to win the fight. Fili utilized a lot of grappling, with one takedown but almost a full round of control time.

Be Joe Pyfer!

Joe Pyfer drops Alen Amedovski in the first round. Credits to: Chris Unger-Zuffa LLC

Joe Pyfer impressed on his lone Dana White’s Contender Series appearance and earned a contract after winning by knockout. Pyfer made his UFC debut this weekend against Alen Amedovski, who badly needed a win, and landed a massive shot in the first round that finished Amedovski. I’m very excited to see what the UFC does with Joe Pyfer.

Damon Jackson Earns Big Win After An Emotional Week

Damon Jackson gets emotional following his first round knockout over Pat Sabatini. Credits to: Chris Unger-Zuffa LLC

Damon Jackson had a very tough fight week, as it was revealed that he lost his brother one week ago. Losing a family member is extremely difficult, but adding that pressure on you and preparing for a cage fight is something not a lot of people can do. Jackson went out and dominated Pat Sabatini in honor of his brother. Jackson earned the first-round knockout and is now on a four-fight win streak.

Overall, it was a very solid night of fights. Cory Sandhagen earned a much-needed win to snap a two-fight losing streak, and Gregory Rodrigues looks ready to face a ranked Middleweight next after derailing the Chidi Njokuani hype train. In addition, Joe Pyfer impressed in his UFC debut, and Damon Jackson earns the first-round knockout following the loss of his brother. The UFC will have a week off, aside from the usual Dana White’s Contender Series, but they will be back at the APEX on October 1st for another Fight Night card headlined by Mackenzie Dern and Yan Xionan.