Performing spectacularly, Justin Gaethje defeats Ferguson at UFC 249 and is the interim lightweight champion | combat

– I know I’m a murderer every time I’m here. The adrenaline runs through my veins, it is a job that runs through my veins, I work every day for it and I never look back. Today I am better than yesterday. I have a world class coach, I have sensational boys by my side, I knew that I had hit him many times, I was having too much fun and, at this level, you have to get here and fight the best in the world. I have been preparing for four years for such challenges, I am happy to represent the United States against Dagestan. I can’t wait to face Khabib.

Ferguson was cautious with the aggressiveness of Gaethje and bet on the movement, without totally giving up the center of the octagon to his rival, in addition to betting on kicks to control the distance. Gaethje performed powerful crosses with low kicks, but played most of the punches in a vacuum. Ferguson’s move made it difficult for his rival to play his familiar combinations. In the final stretch, they still traded crosses and kicks, but they absorbed well.

At the start of the second round, Ferguson went up and hit a jab and right, but a left-handed Gaethje entered the first minute of the round. Aiming to undermine his rival’s movement, Gaethje attempted low kicks at the request of his coaches. His crusaders began to enter, but Ferguson still did not move. The fight became more open at the end of the round and, at the last second, an uppercut saved Gaethje by the bell.

The fast pace continued in the third round. Recovered, Gaethje was in danger with his crusaders and, almost halfway through the assault, he finally made Ferguson feel one of his hands. Another direct forced Tony to walk backward, but he walked forward again and delivered boxing matches. Ferguson reopened in the closing seconds, but this time he took the worst hit.

At a disadvantage, Ferguson was more exposed, but Gaethje repulsed the attacks with precise crosses. A hook at the waist line made Tony Ferguson sway, but he ran out of range and back into the center of the octagon. In the last minute of the round, Gaethje was kicked in the genital area and the fight briefly stopped. On the return, a low kick unbalanced Ferguson, who tried to respond with punches and heads, but failed to be effective.

Ferguson’s chin was raised. At the beginning of the fifth round, two crusaders exploded in his face without knocking him down. Another Gaethje shook him directly, but he was still standing. The blows went in and on, and the central referee, even with Ferguson conscious and on his feet, opted for the interruption to preserve his physical integrity, ending the confrontation with his face badly damaged.

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