UFC 250: Nunes vs. Spencer Early Prelim Fight Pass Results
Early prelim action ramped up UFC 250 Nunes vs. Spencer as decisive losses from faded names mixed with an unexpected result at Apex center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Evan Dunham vs. Herbert Burns
Saturday's Fight Pass action had Evan Dunham take his 28th and likely final MMA ring walk. Looking to exploit flaws from his perceived one-dimensional opponent, Dunham completed an early takedown. However, decorated BJJ veteran Burns wasted little ground time. Burns transitioned beautifully, finding Dunham's back, to end the 150-pound catchweight feature by rear-naked choke at 0:55 of round one.
Dunham appeared several grappling steps behind Burns during a BJJ chess match where the effects from prolonged layoff became apparent.
From his well structured base, Burns found an easy night and eighth submission. Overall, the 33-year-old has won five straight with each matchup not needing a final scorecard.
After another highlight UFC prelim offering, Burns improves to 11-2. Meanwhile, Dunham (18-9-1) has lost three straight and last saw his hand raised in 2016.
Herbert Burns wins via Submission
Devin Clark vs. Alonzo Menifield
Clark became the first MMA tradesman to withstand Alonzo Menifield. Displaying well-executed wrestling and a surprisingly granite chin, "Brown Bear" used every ounce of veteran guile to successfully drag previously undefeated Menifield into deep waters.
Absorbing impact strikes from his dangerous opponent, Clark embraced the reserve from years spent mat grinding to steal rounds en route to a unanimous decision victory. That effectiveness belied two prior career knockout losses for Clark. The Sioux Falls octagon vet constantly moved forward while smothering and ultimately nullifying Menifield's TKO power.
Devin Clark (12-4) has won three of four to stand 4-3 vs. UFC competition. Menifield (9-1) took his first career loss after three first round TKO victories. This contest offered a nice pace change to highlight Clark's toughness and reveal Menifield has to improve cardio and technique before moving above entry-level Octagon status.
Clark via Unanimous Decision
Alex Perez TKO win vs. Jussier Formiga
Perez continued his 125-pound climb by serving Formiga a third consecutive loss. Finding prime form at 28, Perez set tone from the opening bell with harsh leg kicks which ended Formiga's night at 4:06 of round one. Badly damaged and looking ill-prepared for combat, the 35-year-old Brazilian continues sliding down Flyweight rankings after losses vs. Joseph Benavidez, Brandon Moreno and Perez.
In tighter Octagon quarters, Perez added his third win in as many fights while claiming a sixth paid victory by TKO. The Team Oyama member stands 5-1 against UFC opponents and 24-5 overall. Expect Perez to garner another title eliminator type matchup moving forward.
Meanwhile, veteran contender Formiga (23-8) is clearly past the top-tier form which brought championship contention since his 2012 UFC debut.
A flyweight guard and ranking change will be reflected next week as Perez likely enters the top five of a wide-open division.
Perez via TKO