UFC 282: Ilia Topuria emerges as the big winner after he submits a battered Bryce Mitchell

Benny A. King

Ilia Topuria styles himself after Conor McGregor. This initially detracted from the fact he’s actually a very skilled athlete.

Topuria’s beef with Pimblett overshadowed Pimblett’s actual event against Jared Gordon and the two pretty much took over the UFC presser ahead of UFC 282.

But while Pimblett was underwhelming, Topuria managed to pull off one of the most impressive wins of his career.

Both Topuria and Bryce Mitchell were undefeated heading into UFC 282. While Mitchell chanted prayers at Topuria, Topuria used eccentric methods of cutting weight and kept his head in the game.

When the buzzer sounded it was clear Mitchell was outclassed in the striking department.

Mitchell first ate a leg kick that clearly made an impression. He tried for a takedown in Round 1, but Topuria’s grappling is quite a site to behold and he managed to get right back up and free himself.

Mitchell landed another takedown – this time he landed inside TOpuria’s guard. He attempted to throw ground and pound from this position but had limited success. The subjective impression was that Topuria had won the round.

In the 2nd round, Topuria pressured Mitchell. Mitchell again shot for a takedown. Topuria stuffed it effectively. But things started quickly deteriorating for Mitchell who was eating significant shots in between grappling exchanges that clearly had him dazed.

In the end Topuria opted to try for a arm triangle near the fence and was successful in securing the tap.

Official Result: Ilia Topuria def. Bryce Mitchell by submission (arm-triangle choke), Round 2, 3:10