UFC 283 is in the books. The first UFC event of 2023 and the return to Brazil featured a variety of fiercely contested, exciting, and significant fights in front of a boisterous audience. With the help of a doctor's stoppage, Brandon Moreno put an end to his battle with Deiveson Figueiredo, while Jamahal Hill became the first contestant from Dana White's Contender Series to win a UFC title.
Jamahal Hill wins the title
In their fight for the vacant UFC light heavyweight championship, #7 Jamahal Hill and #2 Glover Teixeira provided nothing but excitement. Teixeira, a 43-year-old former champion, shown brains and tenacity, but Hill had the opportunity to stand out with powerful punches, knees, and kicks.
With his performance, Hill broke two records: he unofficially threw the most strikes in a light heavyweight match and became the first former contestant from Dana White's Contender Series to win a UFC title. At three in the morning in Rio, they were given the unanimous verdict and the belt.
"To get to this, it's unreal. Hard work, dedication, personal responsibility. Too many people told me I couldn't do it, that it was impossible. What do you have to say now?! I had to fight to get here. I had to fight to live, just to get this chance. You can do anything if you're willing to fight for it,” Hill noted after the win.
Brandon Moreno ends the rivalry
The battle between the two finest flyweights in the world has come to an end with interim UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno unifying the title against Deiveson Figueiredo in a fourth fight that was just as exciting as the prior three. For the first three rounds, Moreno had the upper hand. However, a severe left blow to Figueiredo's eye forced the doctor to declare a stoppage before the fourth round could start.
"We've fought each other four times at flyweight, and this (the belt) was very hard for me. I understand the people, but the people have to understand I'm just trying to get food for my family. Viva Mexico!,” Moreno said after his title win.
Other fights on the card
Three Brazilians had quick nights: Gilbert "Durinho" Burns submitted Neil Magny with a head and arm choke; Johnny Walker knocked out Paul Craig with one foot in the air; and rookie Brunno Ferreira upset veteran Gregory Rodrigues to maintain his perfect record.
Even though Mauricio "Shogun" Rua lost the final bout of his 20+ year career, his fellow Brazilians gave him a standing ovation as he left the Octagon. Ihor Potieria of the Ukraine timed a deft left hook, giving him the emotional TKO victory.
Ismael Bonfim stunned Terrance McKinney in the first round with a flying knee knockout, while his brother Gabriel Bonfim jumped guard and earned a guillotine in the final 49 seconds of the round.
UFC 283 AWARDS
UFC 283 OFFICIAL RESULTS
UFC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
UFC FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
MAIN CARD
PRELIMS
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