Nate Diaz dominated Tony Ferguson in a very entertaining fight in the main event of UFC 279 at Chris at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Diaz’s striking was on point throughout the fight, and while Ferguson found success with leg kick in Round 3, it wasn’t enough to slow down Diaz.
In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev demolished Kevin Holland for a first-round submission victory to stay unbeaten.
Also on the main card, Irene Aldana finished Macy Chiasson in Round 3 with an impressive a rarely seen up-kick to the liver.
On the prelims, heavyweights Jake Collier and Chris Barnett delivered a vintage performance, with Barnett recovering from an early Collier attack to win by second-round stoppage. Barnett then pulled off a frontflip to remember, sparking plenty of commentary across social media.
Here’s what fellow fighters and and other sport superstars had to say:
A lot of unnecessary drama this week, but Khamzat Chimaev is BAD MAN! Such a special talent #UFC279
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) September 11, 2022
I really didn’t think it was gonna be that easy for Chimaev. Terrible look for Holland.
— Funky (@Benaskren) September 11, 2022
Chimaev does not deserve a title fight if they try to push that narrative 😒 #ufc279
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) September 11, 2022
I always say wrestling wins fights but damn I wanted to see khamzat so more than wrestle but why does he need to?
— Terrance ‘T Wrecks’ McKinney (@twrecks155) September 11, 2022
Crazy, @KChimaev is a legend.
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) September 11, 2022
Heel kick to the liver! Viva la Mexico! @IreneAldana_ 🇲🇽 #UFC279
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) September 11, 2022
Aldana (14-6, 6-4 UFC) was down when she kicked Chiasson (9-3, 7-2 UFC) right in the liver, forcing Chiasson to stay down for the finish.
Crazy ending to a very competitive and fun fight…well done ladies 👏 #ufc279
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) September 11, 2022
I’ve never seen that in the history of the sport ! #ufc279
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) September 11, 2022
Up kick Liver kick 😳😳😳 has that ever happened before
— Funky (@Benaskren) September 11, 2022
Lets goooo Irene Aldana!!! What a freaking fight 👏🏻 #ufc279
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) September 11, 2022
😊 LFG CHRIS!!!! 🔥🔥🔥
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) September 11, 2022
Fan favorite Chris Barnett not only got the victory, but his celebration post-fight was as impressive, prompting fellow fighters to react, with former bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo posting on Twitter: “A star is born.”
A star is born @Beastboy61 👏🏽 #UFC279
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) September 11, 2022
No matter what you say, Chris Barnett is a warrior and a fun entertainer 🤣.
Congrats man 👏🏾 #UFC279— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) September 11, 2022
Barnett living his best life 😂 #UFC279
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) September 11, 2022
This was most fun I’ve had in long time. Wow Chris Barnett did it! #UFC279
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 11, 2022
Chris Barnett is a vibe 🔥🔥🔥 #UFC279
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) September 11, 2022
Bruuuh! What a come back!! #UFC279
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) September 11, 2022
How can you not love Barnett #UFC279
— Gerald Meerschaert (@The_Real_GM3) September 11, 2022
Yo this is insane 🤯 that is hands down the come back of the year!!!#UFC279
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) September 11, 2022
