The co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Figueiredo vs Benavidez 2 in Abu Dhabi featured a match-up between two middleweight contenders in Jack Hermansson and Kelvin Gastelum. With both fighters having suffered losses in their previous fights, they entered UFC Fight Night looking to get back into contention for the title.
In what was perhaps the biggest shocker of the night, Hermansson submitted Gastelum in just 1:18 in the first round. The fight went to the mat early as Hermansson went for an early takedown. Gastelum reversed it and got on top, but in doing so gave up his leg. Hermansson grabbed hold of his leg and quickly worked into a heel hook, forcing Gastelum to quickly tap.
It was a huge win for the No. 6-ranked Hermansson, who previously suffered a TKO to Jared Cannonier in September. Looking to get back into title contention quickly, Hermansson called for the winner the July 25th headliner between former champion Robert Whittaker and No. 5-ranked contender Darren Till.
“I should fight the winner of that fight,” Hermansson said after the fight. “I’m going to fight the winner of the fight.”
As for Gastelum, this is now his third loss in a row. After losing to Israel Adesanya by decision for the interim middleweight championship in a close five-round fight back in April, Gastelum has since lost to Darren Till (split decision) and now Jack Hermansson. He is 2-4 in his previous six fights.