Dan Kelly & Tyson Pedro score big at UFC 209; Mark Hunt knocked-out

Australian based Daniel Kelly and Tyson Pedro both came away with huge wins at UFC 209 in Las Vegas earlier today however the same could not be said for Mark Hunt who was knocked out in the third round of his heavyweight bout.

Kelly caused a huge upset earning himself the biggest win of his career by defeating former UFC light-heavyweight champion Rashad Evans by split-decision. The Melbourne judoka showed vastly improved striking in a fight that stayed predominantly on the feet. He landed several hard shots on the former champion and once again showed his legendary durability and toughness.

The win is Kelly’s fourth straight inside the octagon and brings his overall record to 13-1. Kelly was clearly overcome with emotion as the decision was read as he realized he had just defeated a legend of the sport.

Congratulations @DanKellyJudo on an awesome performance at #UFC209 to defeat @SugaRashadEvans pic.twitter.com/usgFhDLFoH

— UFC Aus/New Zealand (@UFC_AUSNZ) March 5, 2017

In the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan he made it clear that he wants a ranked opponent next.

Opening the main card, Mark Hunt suffered a devastating knock-out loss at the hands of Dutch veteran Alistair Overeem. Hunt managed to land some low-kicks early while Overeem utilised his reach well, maintaining distance and landing with his jab. With arguably all to fight for in the third round, Overeem took it out of the judges’ hands landing the brutal knockout blow in the clinch, dropping Hunt with a huge knee that saw him fall face first into the canvas.

Hunt, who is now 42 years old and in the midst of a lawsuit against the UFC, dropped his record to 12-11-1.

On the preliminary portion of the card, Sydney’s Tyson Pedro earned himself his 6th first-round finish and his second UFC victory by dismantling the previously undefeated Paul Craig by TKO. The win brings Pedro’s undefeated record to 6-0 while Craig drops to 9-1.

All class from @Tyson_Pedro_ at #UFC209. Remains undefeated in the UFC. pic.twitter.com/86JOCIBDzf

— UFC Aus/New Zealand (@UFC_AUSNZ) March 5, 2017

Hailing from Scotland, Craig appeared to eager to grapple with Pedro which opened himself up to some hard punches early. Pedro landed a number of knees in the clinch which led to a straight right that dropped Craig. Pedro followed Craig to the canvas moving into side-control before securing the mounted-crucifix position. Pedro reigned down an onslaught of elbows onto the defenseless Craig before the referee had to intervene at the 4:10 mark of the opening round.

The TKO victory from the mounted-crucifix position is only the 6th of its kind in UFC history.

The main event was headlined by a UFC welterweight title fight with current champion Tyron Woodley edging out Stephen Thompson to reclaim his belt.

Results (Main Card):

• Tyron Woodley (c) def. Stephen Thompson via Decision (Majority) – UFC welterweight title
• David Teymur def. Lando Vannata via Decision (Unanimous)
• Daniel Kelly (Australia) def. Rashad Evans via Decision (Unanimous)
• Cynthia Calvillo def. Amanda Bobby Cooper via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), Rd 1, 3:19
• Alistair Overeem def. Mark Hunt (Australia/New Zealand) via KO (Knee), Rd 3, 1:44

Results (Preliminary Card):

• Marcin Tybura def. Luis Henrique Barbos de Oliveira via TKO (Punches), Rd 3, 3:46
• Darren Elkins def. Mirsad Bektic via KO (Punches), Rd 3, 3:19
• Iuri Alcantara def. Luke Sanders via Submission (Kneebar), Rd 2, 3:13
• Mark Godbeer def. Daniel Spitz via Decision (Unanimous)
• Tyson Pedro (Australia) def. Paul Craig via TKO (Elbows), Rd 1, 4:10
• Albert Morales def. Andre Soukhamthath via Decision (Split)