In an exhilarating night at Rogers Arena, the energy reached its peak as the crowd erupted during the walkout of local hero Mike Malott at UFC 289’s main card.
Hailing from Ontario, Malott showcased his prowess inside the Octagon by securing his third consecutive victory, this time submitting the formidable welterweight contender Adam Fugitt in the second round.
However, it wasn’t the impressive win that dominated discussions on social media. Rather, it was an unexpected and somewhat alarming incident during Malott’s journey to the cage that captured everyone’s attention.
As Malott made his way towards the cage, a guardrail separating the fans from the stars suddenly gave way, sending attendees tumbling onto the concrete. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident became the center of online buzz.
Despite the chaos unfolding around him, Malott remained composed and undeterred, walking past the scene unshaken. His unwavering focus demonstrated the mindset of a true professional, allowing him to stay completely in the zone.
Mike Malott 🇨🇦 Def. Adam Fugitt in the second round via submission after securing a knockdown that leads to the submission win. Canadian fighters went 5-0 pic.twitter.com/blJ5ecbayE
— YT_MMA (@YT_SKYLO1) June 11, 2023
This mental fortitude undoubtedly played a crucial role in his victory, improving his Octagon record to 3-0 and his overall record to an impressive 10-1-1.
While Mike Malott’s walkout stole the spotlight, there were other remarkable moments at UFC 289. Former lightweight world champion Charles Oliveira made a triumphant return in the co-main event, delivering a spectacular first-round TKO against the surging 155-pound contender Beneil Dariush.
Charles Oliveira vs. Beneil Dariush
The always entertaining Charles Oliveira comes back and gets a huge victory over Beneil Dariush in the first round via KO/TKO on the ground. Man, Charles hits so hard it’s crazy! pic.twitter.com/2WkrOfewjg— YT_MMA (@YT_SKYLO1) June 11, 2023
This impressive victory positions ‘Do Bronx’ for a potential rematch with the current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev later this year.
In the evening’s main event, two-division UFC champion Amanda Nunes displayed her dominance over Irene Aldana, securing a unanimous decision victory. However, the triumph was accompanied by an unexpected announcement from ‘The Lioness’ herself, as Nunes officially declared her retirement from mixed martial arts.
With this decision, she relinquishes both her bantamweight and featherweight titles, leaving a void in the women’s divisions.
The electrifying moments at UFC 289 left fans in awe and craving for more action inside the Octagon. Mike Malott’s unwavering composure in the face of adversity, Charles Oliveira’s emphatic comeback, and Amanda Nunes’ retirement announcement marked this event as a truly unforgettable night in the world of mixed martial arts.
As the sport continues to evolve, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the ongoing saga of incredible matchups and remarkable achievements.
The GOAT has called time on her career 🐐
Happy trails @Amanda_Leoa and thanks for the memories! 🫶#UFC289 pic.twitter.com/FfrAPWxyTW
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) June 11, 2023
Since 2014, Benny A. King has been fully immersed in the world of combat sports. Starting with a blog about Greco Roman wrestling, Benny’s passion for combat sports has led him to explore various disciplines.