Tonight’s UFC Vegas 16 event was headlined by a middleweight bout between perennial division contenders Jack Hermansson and Marvin Vettori.
Hermansson (21-5 MMA) was most previously seen in action this past July where he scored a sensation first round submission victory over Kelvin Gastelum. Prior that win, ‘The Joker’ had suffered a TKO loss to Jared Cannonier which snapped a four-fight win streak.
Meanwhile, Marvin Vettori (15-40-1 MMA) had entered UFC Vegas 16 on a three-fight winning streak, his latest being a submission victory over Karl Roberson in June. ‘The Italian Dream’ had gone 4-1-1 over his past six Octagon appearances overall, with his lone setback in that time coming to reigning UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya by way of split-decision.
Tonight’s UFC Vegas 16 main event proved to be an absolute war. Marvin Vettori was able to drop Jack Hermansson in the early minutes of the fight but ‘The Joker’ was able to survive. By round three it appeared that Hermansson was on the verge of a comeback but Vettori stormed back to win the finals two rounds.
Official UFC Vegas 16 Result: Marvin Vettori def. Jack Hermansson by unanimous decision (49-46 x2, 49-45)
Check out how the pros reacted to Vettori defeating Hermansson below:
Huuuge @jackthejokermma fan #UFCVegas16
— Katlyn Chookagian (@blondefighter) December 6, 2020
I think Vettori takes this if he can stay outta Jacks chokes. He’s been wanting a big step up and here it is. What he does with? We’re about to find out!#UFCVegas16
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 6, 2020
I’m a big fan of @jackthejokermma, he’s as likable as he is scary, and I’m rooting for him all the way! #ItsTIME!!!#UFCVegas16
— Steve-O (@steveo) December 6, 2020
@MarvinVettori is on pointe
— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) December 6, 2020
Vettori with the sharp TD defense . His wrestling coach Sun Devil & 2X NCAA champion Markus Mollica shud be proud . #ufcvegas
— Eric Albarracin (@CPTdasAmericas) December 6, 2020
My boy @MarvinVettori with #TKO in 2R #UFCVegas16 @ufc
— GIGA CHIKADZE (@giga_chikadze) December 6, 2020
Love, love, love this fight!!! #UFCVegas16
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) December 6, 2020
White on white crime in the ufc main event tonight!
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) December 6, 2020
That Vettori left cross CAN’T MISS! #UFCVegas16 #TheWeeklyScraps
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 6, 2020
What a fight these boys keeping a crazy pace especially with early grappling exchanges
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) December 6, 2020
Vettoris coach is a whole mood. #UFCVegas16
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) December 6, 2020
Some fights you feel lucky to be watching…this is one of them
— Mick Maynard (@Mickmaynard2) December 6, 2020
https://twitter.com/blondefighter/status/1335459592168468481
This is defo not a boring 5 round fight. Respect to these 2 warriors. #UFCVegas16
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) December 6, 2020
Someone pointed out the short notice factor that Marvin Vettori took this fight on and a main event that. Meaning 10extra mind (2 extra RDs).
I understand why he’s slowing down now. Not sure what his training looked like before this opportunity knocked on his door for a Top 5 opp— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 6, 2020
https://twitter.com/funkmasterMMA/status/1335460841001402371
https://twitter.com/NateDiaz209/status/1335460900996726788
@MarvinVettori is the real deal and he’s gonna be top 5 in the world next week. Congrats buddy, now smile
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) December 6, 2020
What a fight! Congrats! @MarvinVettori @kings_mma #UFCVegas16
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) December 6, 2020
Who would you like to see Marvin Vettori fight next following his unanimous decision victory over Jack Hermansson this evening in Las Vegas? Share your thoughts in the comments section Penn Nation!
This article first appeared on BJPENN.com December 5, 2020