The action in Oklahoma City commenced with a bang on Saturday night, delivering entertainment throughout the preliminary card. These early contests successfully set the stage for what is anticipated to be an electric five-fight main card.
For those who may have missed any of the initial bouts, the recaps below provide a full catch-up on the proceedings. The preliminary card kicked off on Saturday at 5pm ET/2pm PT.
Delgado Secures Second Win of the Year
Jose Miguel Delgado closed out the preliminary card with a strong performance. He got the better of fellow prospect Austin Bashi to register his second win of the year, showcasing his skills inside the Octagon.
In an early exchange during the first round, Bashi managed to drop Delgado. The two fighters remained closely matched into the final minute of that opening frame. However, Delgado then floored his fellow Contender Series graduate with a left hook, leaving Bashi badly hurt from the impact.
Over the subsequent two rounds, the MMA Lab representative continued to pick at Bashi. Delgado effectively broke him down and cruised to victory, demonstrating sustained pressure. This was a solid effort from Delgado, who now moves to a 4-1 record inside the Octagon with this victory.
The 28-year-old fighter is expected to continue his development and improve further as he gains more experience. Delgado profiles as someone with a genuine opportunity to become a Top 15 fighter in the future, based on his recent displays.
Lebosnoyani Triumphs in Welterweight Thriller
Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani and SeokHyeon Ko combined for a thoroughly entertaining back-and-forth battle in the welterweight division. This engaging contest unfolded late in the prelims, with both fighters battling hard for all three rounds.
Ko appeared to be the more effective of the two over the first half of the fight. He landed the more powerful shots and defended well when Lebosnoyani sought submission opportunities, maintaining control early on.
However, as the fight progressed, Ko’s output dipped noticeably. This allowed “JPL” to work his way back into the contest, making the bout a difficult one to score from home due to its shifting momentum. When the official scores were collected and totalled, it was Lebosnoyani who emerged victorious.
His win pushes his record to 2-0 in the Octagon, extending his winning streak to six consecutive fights. Overall, Lebosnoyani now holds a professional record of 11-2. This was an outstanding fight between a pair of ascending welterweights who are expected to continue to make their presence felt in the near future.
Franco Dominates in Light Heavyweight Return
Felipe Franco delivered a dominant performance in his return to the light heavyweight division. He mauled compatriot Levi Rodrigues Jr. to claim his first victory under the UFC banner, making a strong statement.
After being touched up slightly in the early moments of the first round, Franco began to find success of his own on the feet. He effectively used his striking to get inside, change levels, and take Rodrigues Jr. to the canvas. Once on the ground, Franco swiftly worked to mount, demonstrating his grappling superiority.
In the second round, a sharp right hand backed up Rodrigues Jr. Franco again utilised this opening to get inside, put his opponent on the canvas, and work to mount with plenty of time remaining. With his advantageous position, he unleashed heavy ground-and-pound, ultimately securing the finish.
This was an outstanding effort from Franco, marking a significant milestone in his UFC career. The victory highlights his capabilities in the light heavyweight division.