Augusto Sakai defeated Don’Tale Mayes in a heavyweight clash at UFC Vegas 70. The contest between the contender series alumni served as the co-main event after the original main event between Nikita Krylov and Ryan Spann fell off.
The Brazilian heavyweight Sakai came into the fight on a four-fight losing streak. In comparison, Mayes had two wins, one draw, and two losses in his last five UFC bouts.
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Fans react to Sakai vs. Mayes at UFC Vegas 70
Sakai started off the UFC Vegas 70 co-main with heavy leg kicks. Mayes met him in the middle of the cage, throwing a few leg kicks of his own. The 31-year-old had the ‘Lord Kong’ in trouble, repeatedly landing knees to his head after angling for a standing guillotine. Later in the round, Sakai got Mayes to the ground and took his back. However, Mayes was able to get back to his feet without much trouble.
Sakai also dominated the remaining two rounds, landing heavy shots and winning grappling exchanges as well. He also kept landing knees on different occasions, successfully implementing his game plan. He went the full three rounds to earn 30-27 on all three judges’ cards for a unanimous decision win.
However, the lackluster fight left many fans with much to desire.
Cut this dude. Shouldn’t even be making $10k & $10k to come out and pin someone against the fence for 15 mins. Awful performance.
— 3-Putt Par (@3__putt__par) February 26, 2023
This dude gets an interview after that but they stiffed Jazzy after her unanimous 30-26. #UFCVegas70
— Bison 2 (@BisonMMA2) February 26, 2023
We gotta stop having heavyweight main card/co main/main event fights just because they’re the biggest weight class. There is so many neglected fun fights out there #UFCVegas70
— J (@Jfundyy) February 26, 2023
Even the GOAT translator can’t do anything to hype that victory up. He tries his best. Gods speed. #UFCVegas70
— MMA Commander (@CommanderMma) February 26, 2023
A forgettable heavyweight fight smack dab in the middle of the main card. I’m flabbergasted. #UFCVegas70
— Drake Riggs (@DrakeRiggs_) February 26, 2023
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Sakai credited his training at American Top Team for the last eight months for his performance in the cage. A veteran of the sport and of the UFC Sakai has fought and lost to the likes of Tai Tuivasa, Serghei Spivac, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and Alistair Overeem.
However, he also holds wins over notable names like Blagoy Ivanov, Andrei Arlovski, Marcin Tybura and now, Don’Tale Mayes.With his latest win over Jon Jones’ training partner, Sakai improved his UFC record to 5-1.
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Sakai broke his losing streak with a convincing win against Mayes. At 31 years of age, there’s still time for the Brazilian to improve himself in the heavyweight division.
What do you think is next for Sakai? Where do you see him going from here? Who would you pick as his next opponent? Let us know in the comments below.
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Larisa Mayoral